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NEWS
Georgia's Lionsgate theme park plans 'on hold indefinitely' after funding fails to materialise
POSTED 13 Dec 2016 . BY Tom Anstey
The Hunger Games franchise would have been used as an anchor for the multi-million dollar theme park project
Plans for a US$750m (€707m, £590m) Lionsgate theme park in Georgia, US, have collapsed after the project team failed to finance the multi-million dollar attraction.

First announced in March last year, the 700-acre (2.8sq km) Avatron development at Lake Allatoona near Atlanta has been put on hold "indefinitely”, according to the developers.

The plan had been to license Lionsgate IPs including The Hunger Games, Step Up, Divergent, Twilight and Now You See Me, with an opening date of 2019. The park proposal would have included rollercoasters and other rides based on the brands, with The Hunger Games – filmed primarily in Atlanta – anchoring the development.

A technology-driven experience was planned for the park, with promises of a 3D avatar to accompany each guest and immersive and interactive experiences including 3D video, motion capture, 4D sensory technologies, holograms, and augmented reality. Interactivity with RFID wristbands and Kinect sensors was also touted to “transform reality into an intriguing quest of characters, folklore and legends.”

“One of our key partners had to suspend its participation,” said a statement from Avatron CEO David Garrett III, indicating financing the project was the main stumbling block.

“While many would encourage us to look at this as simply a timing situation, we are of the shared belief that no more time can be given or pushed back. Therefore, the Avatron project is being placed on hold indefinitely.”

The failed project was part of Lionsgate’s plan to gain a stronger footing in the theme park market by licensing the Hunger Games and its other film franchises to under-development theme parks. These include a 22,000sq m (236,800sq ft) entertainment centre in Macau, the upcoming Motiongate Dubai and the seemingly failed Georgia project.
A technology-driven experience was planned for the park
RELATED STORIES
  Lionsgate uses Hunger Games to feed theme park ambitions


Film Studio Lionsgate is planning to gain a stronger footing in the theme park market by licensing its Hunger Games and other film franchises to under-development theme parks in Macau, Atlanta and Dubai.
  Hunger Games travelling exhibition makes debut in New York


Lionsgate’s travelling Hunger Games exhibition has hit the road, making its long-awaited debut at its first stop in New York City for a six-month run before going on tour across the US.
  Hunger Games confirmed for Motiongate Dubai as part of Lionsgate Zone


Following news that Lionsgate was “deep into conversation” with potential theme park partners on four different continents for a Hunger Games theme park, the team behind the upcoming AED10bn (US$2.7bn, €2.5bn, £1.8bn) Dubai Parks and Resorts development has confirmed Motiongate Dubai will include a Lionsgate Zone, featuring the popular IP.
  Lionsgate 'deep into conversation' over Hunger Games theme park


Plans for multiple Hunger Games theme parks have entered advanced stages, with franchise owner Lionsgate saying it is “deep into conversation” with potential theme-park partners on four different continents.
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NEWS
Georgia's Lionsgate theme park plans 'on hold indefinitely' after funding fails to materialise
POSTED 13 Dec 2016 . BY Tom Anstey
The Hunger Games franchise would have been used as an anchor for the multi-million dollar theme park project
Plans for a US$750m (€707m, £590m) Lionsgate theme park in Georgia, US, have collapsed after the project team failed to finance the multi-million dollar attraction.

First announced in March last year, the 700-acre (2.8sq km) Avatron development at Lake Allatoona near Atlanta has been put on hold "indefinitely”, according to the developers.

The plan had been to license Lionsgate IPs including The Hunger Games, Step Up, Divergent, Twilight and Now You See Me, with an opening date of 2019. The park proposal would have included rollercoasters and other rides based on the brands, with The Hunger Games – filmed primarily in Atlanta – anchoring the development.

A technology-driven experience was planned for the park, with promises of a 3D avatar to accompany each guest and immersive and interactive experiences including 3D video, motion capture, 4D sensory technologies, holograms, and augmented reality. Interactivity with RFID wristbands and Kinect sensors was also touted to “transform reality into an intriguing quest of characters, folklore and legends.”

“One of our key partners had to suspend its participation,” said a statement from Avatron CEO David Garrett III, indicating financing the project was the main stumbling block.

“While many would encourage us to look at this as simply a timing situation, we are of the shared belief that no more time can be given or pushed back. Therefore, the Avatron project is being placed on hold indefinitely.”

The failed project was part of Lionsgate’s plan to gain a stronger footing in the theme park market by licensing the Hunger Games and its other film franchises to under-development theme parks. These include a 22,000sq m (236,800sq ft) entertainment centre in Macau, the upcoming Motiongate Dubai and the seemingly failed Georgia project.
A technology-driven experience was planned for the park
RELATED STORIES
Lionsgate uses Hunger Games to feed theme park ambitions


Film Studio Lionsgate is planning to gain a stronger footing in the theme park market by licensing its Hunger Games and other film franchises to under-development theme parks in Macau, Atlanta and Dubai.
Hunger Games travelling exhibition makes debut in New York


Lionsgate’s travelling Hunger Games exhibition has hit the road, making its long-awaited debut at its first stop in New York City for a six-month run before going on tour across the US.
Hunger Games confirmed for Motiongate Dubai as part of Lionsgate Zone


Following news that Lionsgate was “deep into conversation” with potential theme park partners on four different continents for a Hunger Games theme park, the team behind the upcoming AED10bn (US$2.7bn, €2.5bn, £1.8bn) Dubai Parks and Resorts development has confirmed Motiongate Dubai will include a Lionsgate Zone, featuring the popular IP.
Lionsgate 'deep into conversation' over Hunger Games theme park


Plans for multiple Hunger Games theme parks have entered advanced stages, with franchise owner Lionsgate saying it is “deep into conversation” with potential theme-park partners on four different continents.
MORE NEWS
Expo 2030 Riyadh will create a permanent global destination
Expo 2030 Riyadh is being planned as a permanent visitor destination, with organisers confirming the six-million-square-metre site will become a Global Village after the event closes.
Australian waterpark acquisition creates new leisure attractions group
The owner of one of Australia's best-known waterparks has acquired a major competitor, creating a new attractions business spanning two of the country's largest visitor destinations.
London Museum reveals 2026 opening date for new Smithfield home
The London Museum’s new site will open in Smithfield, East London, on 28 November 2026.
Toverland unveils €98m expansion plan as park prepares to launch resort development
The Toverland theme park in the Netherlands has announced a €98m expansion programme that will add a resort, new attractions and staff facilities as it pursues plans to become a multi- day destination.
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COMPANY PROFILES
Holovis

Holovis is a privately owned company established in 2004 by CEO Stuart Hetherington. [more...]
QubicaAMF UK

QubicaAMF is the largest and most innovative bowling equipment provider with 600 employees worldwi [more...]
Vekoma Rides Manufacturing B.V.

Vekoma Rides has a large variety of coasters and attractions. [more...]
Simworx Ltd

The company was initially established in 1997. Terry Monkton and Andrew Roberts are the key stakeh [more...]
+ More profiles  
CATALOGUE GALLERY
+ More catalogues  
DIRECTORY
+ More directory  
DIARY

 

23-26 Aug 2026

Elevate Spa Riviera Maya Edition

The Riviera Maya Edition Kanai, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
29 Sep - 02 Oct 2026

Synergy - The Retreat Show

Pical Resort, Valamar Collection, Porec, Croatia
+ More diary  
 


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