In 2023, Carowinds celebrates “50 years of Carolina fun,” recognizing the opening day of the park on March 31, 1973. Home to world-class attractions, including Fury 325 and Copperhead Strike, it is hard to imagine that Carowinds opened with a single roller coaster, Carolina Goldrusher. Five decades later, the park continues to evolve.

Carowinds’ Opening Ceremonies

The gates opened to the public at Carowinds for the first time at 9:36 a.m. on Saturday, March 31, 1973. Around 9:40 a.m., E. Pat Hall, developer and president of Carowinds, presided over a short opening ceremony. The Carowinds’ marching band played the national anthem as the North Carolina and South Carolina flags were raised over the park. Reflecting on the park’s 73 acres and 100 attractions, Hall said “this park will never be completed,” hinting at the continued plans for the expansion of the park.

Carowinds’ First Guest

In December of 1972, news of Carowinds’ opening day made its way through the Carolinas. After hearing the news, Jimmy Henderson, an 11-year-old living in Charlotte, North Carolina, wrote a letter to E. Pat Hall. Henderson asked to be the first guest on opening day. He later received a response from E. Pat Hall by mail granting his request. On March 31, 1973, Jimmy Henderson ceremoniously dropped the velvet ropes surrounding Carowinds’ entrance to officially welcome guests into the park. He then led the first group of parkgoers across the bridge near the main entrance. The bridge still exists at the park today, connecting the North Gate to the Celebration Plaza-area.

A Big Splash

Carowinds’ original opening day was met with unfortunate weather, with steady rain showers throughout the day. However, the rain did not deter guests from experiencing the once in a lifetime opportunity. Cars could be seen lining-up at the toll plaza as early as 6:00 a.m., prior to the park opening.

The excitement continued as Carowinds welcomed approximately 3,100 guests within the first hour and continued to welcome guests well after 3:00 p.m. Guests were seen frolicking in the rain throughout the park’s seven themed areas, enjoying their adventure through the history and future of the Carolinas.

Though a jammed turnstile prevented an accurate count of the first-day crowds, park officials reported approximately 6,000 guests in attendance on March 31.

Carowinds’ 50th Anniversary

50 years later, Carowinds continues to honor E. Pat Hall’s legacy by providing families with memorable experiences. Though the park may look different than its original appearance in 1973, the mission remains the same: to instill a new spirit of discovery, joy, and excitement for guests for years to come.

Do not miss a celebration 50 years in the making. 2023 Silver Season Passes include unlimited visits to Carowinds and the Carolina Harbor Waterpark through Labor Day, unlimited fall daytime visits, free parking, and exclusive discounts.