CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Spring has sprung in the Carolinas and there is no better way to celebrate longer days and warmer weather than with the grand opening of Carowinds, the 112-acre combination amusement and water park located near Charlotte, NC. Celebrating 37 seasons of family fun and excitement, the Southeast’s favorite amusement park kicks off its 2009 season on Saturday, March 28.

A new addition will “strike” on opening day with the debut of Carolina Cobra, the 125-foot tall towering twisting serpent that will send riders speeding through three inversions forwards…and then again backwards. Carolina Cobra will open as the second tallest coaster in the park and joins a portfolio of 11 other industry-leading roller coasters including Afterburn, Nighthawk, Vortex, and Thunder Road.

“Carowinds is known for its family fun environment and thrilling selection of rides and attractions,” said Bart Kinzel, Carowinds’ vice president and general manager. “But Carolina Cobra tips the scale to the “thrill” side and reflects our commitment to combining one-of-a-kind attractions with terrific family entertainment.”

Guests who visit Carowinds on opening day between 10am and noon will have the opportunity to win Jonas Brothers concert tickets! To celebrate opening day, Otis from the “O” Show and Kiss 95.1FM will be onsite playing Jonas Brothers themed games and trivia with park guests, and giving away prizes. The grand prize winner will receive tickets and meet ‘n greet passes to the Jonas Brothers concert on August 21 at the Time Warner Cable Arena.

Guests can ride Carolina Cobra all season long with the purchase of a 2009 VIP Season Pass for only $74.99 when you buy four or more, which includes free parking all summer long, admission into SCarowinds’ Halloween Haunt, and more! For families on a tight budget who still want to enjoy a summer of fun and excitement for less, the park has created the 2009 WOW Pass program, which allows guests to receive unlimited admission to Carowinds any public operating day from March 28 until September 7, 2009 for only $59.99 per person. This program does not include any benefits, parking, or admission to SCarowinds’ Halloween Haunt. For more information, visit www.Carowinds.com.

Carowinds will open for weekend operation on Saturday, March 28. Daily operation begins Saturday, May 29. Boomerang Bay™ water park opens Saturday, May 23.

Carowinds is a 112-acre combination amusement and water park that is home to more than 50 rides and attractions. The park features one of the largest coaster collections in the Southeast, a 12-acre children’s area and Boomerang Bay™, a 20-acre water playground. The park is located on the border of North and South Carolina near Charlotte, NC. For more information, visit www.Carowinds.com.

Carowinds is owned and operated by Cedar Fair Entertainment Company, a publicly traded partnership that is listed for trading on The New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “FUN.” In addition to Carowinds, Cedar Fair owns and operates ten other amusement parks, six water parks, one indoor water park resort, and five hotels. Cedar Fair also operates the Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park in Gilroy, CA under a management contract.