Friday, September 5, 2025

8 a.m.: Charity Golf Event — benefitting National Roller Coaster Museum — the at the Divide Golf Club near Carowinds. Coordinated by Baynum Solutions. Golfers must provide their own transportation!
***Golf Sponsors are needed! Please contact Melissa Bamford at mbamford@baynum.com.

1 p.m to 5 p.m.: Golden Ticket Awards badge pick-up & check-in is open in the Meeting Room at the SpringHill Suites Carowinds.

Throughout the day, attendees are encouraged attendees are encouraged to relax at their hotel or explore Charlotte’s sites & attractions at their leisure!

6:00 p.m.: Shuttle service begins departing from hotels to Carowinds. 

6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.: Golden Ticket Awards Welcome Party hosted by Carowinds featuring rides, music, hors d’oeuvres and open bar in Terminal A and Aeronautica Landing section of the park

9:30 p.m.: Enjoy a nightcap at SpringHill Suites cash bar and patio area — open exclusively to Golden Ticket Awards attendees!

Saturday, September 6, 2025

9 a.m. to 12 noon: Registration Open in SpringHill Suites Meeting Room for late arrivals. After 12 noon, lanyards not picked up will be available at Carowinds Guest Services area located at the park’s main gate

Early Morning: New for 2025 Tour — Behind the scenes of 2 new attractions, Mack Rides River Battle and ART Engineering Family Roller Coaster. (Location and meeting time TBA)

10 a.m. to 8 p.m.: Carowinds open (Carolina Harbor water park open 12 noon to 5 p.m.). Admission is FREE entry with GTA lanyard!

VIP TOURS (during park operating hours):

• Carowinds Culinary: Get a look behind the scenes of what it takes to produce all the great food and desserts for the Carowinds park guests. Visit one-on-one with these masters in the kitchen! (Location and meeting time TBA)
• Carolina Harbor Waterpark: Get a close up and behind the scenes look at this waterpark facility and meet one-on-one with key waterpark staff. (Location and meeting time TBD)
• SCarowinds: Take a behind the scenes look inside the newest themed Halloween Haunted House at Carowinds (Location and meeting time TBA)
• New for 2026: Take a look into the future of water rides with this construction site tour and hear details on this Whitewater record-setting ride. (Location and meeting time TBD)
  

5 p.m.: Golden Ticket Awards Cocktail Reception

6 p.m. to 7 p.m.: Golden Ticket Awards Dinner at Grand Carousel Park & Courtyard

7:15 p.m.: Presentation of the 2025 Golden Ticket Awards at Carowinds Theater by Amusement Today and hosted by Carowinds!

9:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.: Post-ceremony desserts, drinks, and attractions in Thrill Zone, Grand Carousel Park and Carolina Boardwalk

After event closes.: Return to SpringHill Suites for late night socializing on patio with cash bar.

Gold Sponsors:

Silver Sponsors:

Bronze Sponsors:

Friends of the Golden Ticket Awards: