Andretti Thrill Park Closes After 28 Years, Site to Become Apartment Complex
Melbourne’s Andretti Thrill Park, a beloved entertainment destination on the Space Coast for nearly three decades, has permanently closed its doors. The 16.7-acre site along Babcock Street, where millions of visitors spent birthdays, first dates, and family outings, will be demolished and redeveloped into a 300-plus unit apartment complex to help address the region’s growing housing demand.
The End of an Era
Owner Eddie Hamann reflected on the closure in an exclusive interview. “We’ve been here for 28 years. This was the first location,” Hamann said. “It’s bittersweet. This is where everything started.” The Melbourne site was the original Andretti Thrill Park and the foundation of what grew into a national brand with more than a dozen locations.
Over its nearly three decades of operation, the park served an estimated 19.5 million visitors — a figure roughly equal to the entire population of Florida.
Why the Park is Closing
Hamann was clear that the decision was not tied to financial troubles or disputes with local government. “There was no issue with the city, no issue with the county. Sales were still strong. We never lost money here,” he said. The park’s age and ongoing maintenance demands, combined with the surging need for housing in the rapidly growing Melbourne-Palm Bay corridor, drove the decision.
“This community is growing fast,” Hamann said. “There’s a high demand for housing. That’s what this property is going to become.” Demolition is expected to begin within three to four weeks, with apartment construction to follow shortly after.
The Site’s Future
The planned development is expected to target a mixed demographic, potentially including students from Florida Institute of Technology and local workers, though final pricing has not been announced. Across the street, a Lennar subdivision of single-family homes is already underway, reflecting the broader residential transformation of the area.
A Personal History
Hamann’s own story is deeply woven into the park’s history. “I came here from Colombia, washing dishes,” he said. “I met John Andretti in 1996, and that’s how this all started. Eventually I was able to run it, then buy it, and grow it.” John Andretti, a member of the legendary Andretti racing family, passed away in January 2020 after a battle with stage 4 colon cancer.
One safety record that stood out: in nearly 28 years of operation, not a single guest was ever transported by ambulance from the park, according to Hamann. “Of course there were bumps and bruises here and there, but no one was ever seriously injured.”
Employees Taken Care Of
Hamann said the company ensured a smooth transition for its staff. “All the employees got bonuses. We paid them beyond closing so they’d have time to find new jobs,” he said. “Everybody left happy.”
Andretti’s Legacy Continues Through Charity
Following John Andretti’s death, the company launched a fundraising effort to help cover the cost of colonoscopies for people who cannot afford them. “We’re already saving lives,” Hamann said. He described colon cancer as a “silent killer” that struck Andretti despite his excellent physical condition and the absence of any warning signs before a stage four diagnosis.
Looking Ahead
The Andretti brand continues operating at over a dozen indoor entertainment centers nationwide, including a flagship location in Orlando. When asked about a potential return to Brevard County, Hamann left the door open. “I would never say never,” he said. “I love this community.”
“I’ve shed my tears,” Hamann added. “Now it’s time to move forward.”
