Following a protracted lawsuit in which San Diego officials alleged that SeaWorld failed to pay more than $12.2 million in rent, late fees, and interest, the two parties have settled on a deal that should please locals.
The settlement will see SeaWorld paying $8.5 million to San Diego while providing free season passes to San Diego teachers for five years, one year admission each year to active duty military as well as veterans for five years. On top of that, the park will provide 1,000 tickets for local school districts.
Former San Diego City Attorney Mara Elliott released a statement calling the settlement, “a good result for San Diego taxpayers.” She continued, “We’ll recover overdue tax and provide benefits to service members and local schools. This also allows us to reset a fractured relationship, avoid a lengthy trial and put the money to work for taxpayers immediately.”
