Entertainment
Hard Rock International Announces Development Of REVERB by Hard Rock® Pensacola To Open in 2029
PENSACOLA, Fla. /PRNewswire/ — Today, Hard Rock International announces development plans for REVERB by Hard Rock® Pensacola to break ground in 2026 and open in 2029. REVERB by Hard Rock® is a unique hotel brand designed to be an energetic cultural hub for connection, creation and inspiration among music fans, locals and travelers alike. This will mark the company’s sixth REVERB property joining the portfolio, with Atlanta and Hamburg, and Kalamazoo, Tampa, and Scottsdale also being developed.
REVERB by Hard Rock® Pensacola will feature more than 125 hotel technology-enhanced rooms, a full-service restaurant, rooftop bar, lobby bar and lounge, quick service restaurant and fitness center. An exclusive REVERB City Guide for Pensacola will feature local artist-curated lists of favorite drinks, dining, and entertainment locations throughout the local area. Additionally, the property will host a podcast recording studio for local talent and creators as well as a meeting space for conferences.
The property will be located downtown at Maritime Park along Pensacola Bay with views of the picturesque water that connects to the Gulf of Mexico and with views of Blue Wahoos Stadium. It will provide easy access to nearby hotspots including beautiful beaches, National Naval Aviation Museum and Pensacola Museum of Art. The hotel will be developed on a 100-year ground lease with the city of Pensacola that goes to vote by the City Council on August 8, 2024. The project is expected to create an economic boost to the area and generate 500+ construction and 75+ permanent hospitality employment opportunities with competitive pay.
“Hard Rock is thrilled to keep growing our REVERB hotel portfolio with what will be the second planned property in Florida, this time in the heart of Pensacola Bay. We have full confidence in our partner, the Dawson Company, to deliver a best-in-class hotel based on their four decades of proven experience executing complex and catalytic projects throughout the eastern United States, and their extensive knowledge of the Pensacola market,” said Todd Hricko, Senior Vice President and Head of Global Hotel Development at Hard Rock International.
The Dawson Company, a second generation, Pensacola-based development firm known for its pioneering, landmark mixed-use developments in Atlanta, Cincinnati, Baltimore and Pensacola has assembled one of the most accomplished and world-renown design and engineering teams ever to design the project in Florida’s Panhandle. The design team includes Gensler, the world’s largest preeminent architectural design firm that has created some of the most distinctive, recognizable and celebrated monuments and structures around the world and Kravitz Design, the global conceptual design firm helmed by music and style icon Lenny Kravitz known globally for their groundbreaking, yet approachable and artistic style. With a plan to build in mass timber, Thornton Tomasetti, the foremost thought leader on mass timber design is also on the design team.
“With its roots in music, entertainment and philanthropy, Hard Rock is a wonderful partner for The Dawson Company to continue extending our real estate footprint,” said Tamara Bowens, President & Chief Operating Officer for the Dawson Company. “We are truly excited to bring the REVERB by Hard Rock to the city of Pensacola and we look forward to also working closely with Gensler, Kravitz Design and Thornton Tomasetti to develop what’s to become an incredible mainstay in Pensacola.”
Other partners contributing to the development include Pensacola native, NFL Hall of Famer and real estate entrepreneur, Emmitt Smith, CEO at EJ Smith Enterprises.
For more information about current and upcoming properties, visit hotel.hardrock.com.
About REVERB by Hard Rock®
REVERB by Hard Rock® is a new select-service hotel designed for the modern music lover; a sanctuary for the eclectic, a place for fans to gather and experience a melting pot of music culture. The hotel features a modern, urban design, user-friendly integrated technology and a program that focuses on local music, food and lifestyle. Hard Rock has been celebrating the spirit of music for nearly five decades; with REVERB, they shine the spotlight directly on the fans. For more information about REVERB by Hard Rock, visit reverb.hardrock.com.
About Hard Rock®
Hard Rock International (HRI) is one of the most globally recognized companies with venues in over 70 countries spanning 309 locations that include owned/licensed or managed Hotels, Casinos, Rock Shops®, Live Performance Venues and Cafes. Its Unity by Hard Rock™ global loyalty program rewards members for doing the things they love across participating properties around the world. HRI also launched a joint venture named Hard Rock Digital in 2020, an online sportsbook, retail sportsbook and internet gaming platform. Beginning with an Eric Clapton guitar, Hard Rock owns the world’s largest and most valuable collection of authentic music memorabilia at more than 88,000 pieces, which are displayed at its locations around the globe. Hard Rock Hotels has been honored by J.D. Power’s North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Study as the number one or two brand in Outstanding Guest Satisfaction for five consecutive years among the top Upper Upscale Hotels. HRI became the first privately-owned gaming company designated a U.S. Best Managed Company by Deloitte Private and The Wall Street Journal in 2021 and has since been honored fourfold. Hard Rock was also honored by Forbes among the World’s Best Employers, as well as Best Employers for Women, Diversity and New Grads and a Top Large Employer in the Travel & Leisure, Gaming and Entertainment Industry. In the 2022 Global Gaming Awards, Hard Rock was named Land-Based Operator of the Year for the second time in four years. Hard Rock International currently holds investment grades from primary investment-grade rating agencies: S&P Global Ratings (BBB-) and Fitch Ratings (BBB). For more information on Hard Rock International, visit www.hardrock.com or shop.hardrock.com.
About the Dawson Company
The Dawson Company dba Inspired Communities of Florida is a second-generation managed, Pensacola Florida-based real estate company founded in 1969 in Atlanta, GA by Harold Dawson, Sr. With a history rooted in “doing well by doing good,” The Dawson Company has developed, renovated, and/or managed 5 million square feet of office, 1.5 million square feet of retail, and 15,000+ units of attached and multifamily housing. Drawing on its in-house expertise, The Dawson Company has evolved into a boutique development firm that immerses itself into niche tertiary markets to create impactful, enduring, catalytic mixed-use developments that grow, strengthen and enhance cities, towns and communities. For more information visit: www.thedawsoncompany.com.
SOURCE Hard Rock International
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amusement and theme parks
Six Flags Magic Mountain Unveils Record-Setting ‘Thrill Glider’ Coaster for 2027
Six Flags Magic Mountain is taking flight in 2027 with Thrill Glider, a first-of-its-kind coaster combining flying, motorbike and suspended ride technology with multiple launches, five inversions and speeds up to 50 mph.
Last Updated on September 27, 2026 by Daily News Staff
VALENCIA, Calif. — Six Flags Magic Mountain is preparing to add another major attraction to its coaster lineup with Thrill Glider, a first-of-its-kind roller coaster scheduled to open in 2027.
The Southern California theme park announced Sept. 10 that the new attraction will combine elements of flying, motorbike and suspended roller coasters to create what the park is calling an entirely new category: the “Thrillglider.”
Developed by coaster manufacturer Vekoma, Thrill Glider will place riders aboard specially designed “hovercycles.” Instead of sitting upright, riders will be positioned face-forward and prone beneath the track, creating the sensation of flying through the terrain.
The approximately 80-second ride will feature multiple launches reaching speeds of 50 mph, along with 12 airtime moments, five inversions and 20 track elements spread across nearly 3.5 acres. Onboard audio and lighting effects will add to the experience.
A Record-Setting New Coaster
According to Six Flags, Thrill Glider will stretch 3,380 feet — more than half a mile — and reach a maximum height of 107 feet. The company says the attraction will establish several records within the newly created Thrillglider category, including world’s longest, fastest and tallest Thrillglider.
The ride will also feature an elaborate science-fiction storyline centered on the fictional QuantumPulse Propulsion Systems and its discovery of an energy source called PSR B417. Guests will encounter futuristic displays, holographic presentations and other themed elements before boarding their hovercycles.
“Thrill Glider is more than a new attraction. It is the latest milestone in Six Flags Magic Mountain’s renaissance and a reflection of the park’s enduring role as an industry innovator,” park president Brian Oerding said in the announcement.
Where Will Thrill Glider Be Located?
Thrill Glider will occupy the former Golden Bear Theatre site, positioned between Full Throttle and LEX LUTHOR: Drop of Doom and next to the recently reimagined Looney Tunes Land.
Construction is already underway, with Six Flags planning to open the attraction sometime in 2027. A specific opening date has not yet been announced. The minimum rider height will be 48 inches.
The addition continues Magic Mountain’s long-running emphasis on ambitious roller coasters and introduces a substantially different ride experience: part flying coaster, part launched coaster and part futuristic motorcycle adventure.
Source/ Related Links
Six Flags Magic Mountain — Official Site
Source: Six Flags Magic Mountain press release, Sept. 10, 2026.
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Entertainment
Mattel Adventure Park and VAI Resort: What’s the Latest in Glendale?
Mattel Adventure Park and VAI Resort still have no announced opening date. VAI says construction continues and expects to share more about the park in late 2026.
GLENDALE, Ariz. — The wait continues for Mattel Adventure Park and VAI Resort near State Farm Stadium. Both remain under development, and neither has announced an opening date.
There has, however, been a change in how the park is being described. In August, Axios Phoenix reported that Epic Resort Destinations, the park’s original developer, appears to be out of the Glendale project. Asked about Epic’s involvement, a VAI spokesperson told Axios that VAI is the park’s owner and operator, but did not directly answer whether Epic still has any role. Another VAI spokesperson said the park and resort are now considered part of the same project and that construction continues on both.
VAI also told Axios it is redefining the park’s guest experience and creative vision and expects to share more in the fourth quarter of 2026. That is a promise of a project update, not an opening announcement.
The VAI Resort FAQ currently says it will announce an opening date approximately nine months in advance. Mattel Adventure Park’s Glendale page continues to promote planned attractions, including the Barbie Beach House and two Hot Wheels roller coasters, without listing an opening date.
For families hoping to visit, the practical answer is that there is still no date to put on the calendar. The next meaningful development to watch is VAI’s promised fourth-quarter update: it may clarify the park’s plans, but visitors will need an official opening announcement before they can plan a trip.
Source links: VAI Resort FAQ · Mattel Adventure Park Glendale page · Axios Phoenix’s August report
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Entertainment
Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show Starring Bad Bunny Wins 7 Emmys, Sets New Record
Executive produced by Roc Nation and JAY-Z, the show becomes the most-awarded halftime production in Emmy history.
The Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show starring Bad Bunny took home seven Emmy Awards at the 78th Emmy Awards, making it the most-awarded Super Bowl halftime show in Emmy history, according to Roc Nation. The live spectacle—executive produced by Roc Nation and JAY-Z—won across major production categories, underscoring how the halftime stage has evolved into a full-scale, awards-caliber live television event.
The record-setting wins included Outstanding Variety Special (Live), Outstanding Music Direction, Outstanding Directing for a Variety Special, Outstanding Choreography for Variety or Reality Programming, Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Variety Series or Special, Outstanding Lighting Design/Lighting Direction for a Special, and Outstanding Technical Direction and Camerawork for a Special. Roc Nation also noted the show set a global viewership record, pulling 4.157 billion views in 24 hours across global broadcast, YouTube, and social platforms.
Beyond the trophies and viewership numbers, the halftime show leaned into big-name star power with special guest performers Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin, plus additional appearances from Karol G, Cardi B, Jessica Alba, Pedro Pascal, Young Miko, and others. The sweep signals not just a win for the artists on stage, but for the behind-the-scenes creative teams turning the halftime show into one of the most technically ambitious live productions on television.
What to watch for: With Emmy recognition now firmly in the conversation, expect future halftime shows to push even harder on cinematic staging, choreography, and broadcast innovation—because the bar (and the awards) just got higher.
Source: Roc Nation (PRNewswire), Sept. 6, 2026
Link to original press release: https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-apple-music-super-bowl-lx-halftime-starring-bad-bunny–executive-produced-by-roc-nation–jay-z-wins-seven-emmys-302870842.html
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