Six Flags Magic Mountain To Open 365 Days A Year

VALENCIA (CBSLA.com/AP) — Southern California's Six Flags Magic Mountain theme park will be open every day of the year beginning in 2018.

The change, which is set to start Jan. 1, is an attempt by the attraction to transition from a niche regional theme park to a major destination resort like Southern California rivals Universal Studios Hollywood and the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim.

Six Flags Magic Mountain President Bonnie Weber says the expansion also means the theme park can better target tourists who visit from outside the region and the country.

"This is great news for Los Angeles. By opening the park all year round, Six Flags is significantly enhancing the tourism and travel industry, creating jobs and spurring economic growth for the entire region," said Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger.

The park, which runs 19 roller coasters, more than any other U.S. theme park, now operates 250 days a year, primarily in the summer months, during school holiday breaks and on select weekends. It opened in 1971.

(© Copyright 2017 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)