Old Tucson Will Close Indefinitely Due To The Coronavirus

TUCSON, AZ — Old Tucson, a Western-themed park and film location, has announced it will close indefinitely due to the economic slowdown caused by the coronavirus. Pima County will take over responsibility for the attraction Sept. 14 and develop a new plan for the park’s future, the county announced in a news release.

The attraction is in the Tucson Mountain Park and has become a cultural icon in town, contributing to the local economy. The 1940 film "Arizona" was filmed at the spot, and over 400 films and commercials have been set there in the years since.

"We know how important Old Tucson is to our community, guests and employees,” Terry Verhage, Old Tucson general manager, said in a statement. “We did everything possible to keep our loyal fans safe when we were open, but the ongoing COVID-19 public health protocols and restrictions limited park attendance to the point where Old Tucson could no longer stay in business.”

Verhage said that Pima County will determine a way forward once it takes ownership Sept. 14. The county intends to preserve the park's history, the statement said.

“Old Tucson was and has the potential to still be an important contributor to the regional tourist economy,” Diane Frisch, director of the Pima County Attractions and Tourism Office, said in the news release.

Old Tucson recently announced that its signature event, Nightfall 2020, was canceled due to the pandemic. Each year, Nightfall helped to cover Old Tucson’s operational costs throughout the year.

“Old Tucson has provided thousands of jobs and entertained millions of guests over the decades, Verhage said. "If not for the COVID-19 pandemic, Old Tucson would still be in business.”