Lawsuit Claims Kennywood Concealed Steel Curtain Closure to Boost Sales

Kennywood’s Steel Curtain roller coaster will not be available this 2024 season, and this has miffed a Kensington man to the extent that he has filed a lawsuit against Kennywood and its parent companies, alleging that the officials had known this fact long before but withheld it to boost season pass sales.

Lawsuit Against Kennywood

The lawsuit, filed in the Allegheny County Common Pleas Court by Joshua Miller and his attorney, John A. Biedrzycki III on Monday, alleges that it was a deliberate attempt to hide the fact to accrue financial benefits by boosting season pass sales.

The lawsuit alleges that Kennywood has created advertising campaigns targeting consumers like Mr. Miller and others to purchase the 2024 season pass under the belief that the benefits included myriad park attractions, including the Steel Curtain.

In the lawsuit, it was revealed that Mr. Miller bought his season pass under the assumption that all rides would be operational.

However, on April 17, three days before the park opened for the season, it was revealed that Steel Curtain would be closed for the season.

The announcement was made by Ricky Spicuzza, the park’s assistant general manager, and the reason for the closure was cited as the coaster undergoing an “extensive modification project.”

Ricky Spicuzza said,

“We understand the frustration many of you have felt not being able to experience the Steel Curtain. On behalf of our entire team, we absolutely share that frustration with you.”

However, the lawsuit contends that the fact was known long before last week that the 220-foot-tall coaster would be out of commission.

The lawsuit states,

“The company withheld this information from season pass purchasers so as not to lose season pass customers, or, alternatively, so as not to offer a discount on season passes due to the unavailability of the Steel Curtain.”

The lawsuit also details numerous violations of the state’s unfair trade practices and consumer protection law. This includes failure to disclose the Steel Curtain’s closure with the full knowledge that the consumer believed that it would be functional for the 2024 season.

The park offered varied passes, which ranged from season passes priced from $109.99 to $239.99.

The lowest endowed pass was the bronze pass, which provided unfettered admission except on certain blackout dates.

The premium range included the platinum pass, which offered year-round admission to Kennywood, Sandcastle, Idlewild, and Palace Entertainment’s Dutch Wonderland in Lancaster.

Additionally, it also offered free parking, discounts on food and retail, and three free guest tickets.

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