Old Tucson Studios is officially getting a new operator after the Pima County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday to approve a contract with American Heritage Railways to take over operations.
The company will operate Old Tucson under a subsidiary corporation, Old Tucson Entertainment LLC, that will operate the grounds as a “public Western Frontier-type recreational and entertainment venue,” according to the county.
American Heritage Railways calls itself a “heritage tourism company based on the preservation of railroad history.” The company has specialized in operating historic railroad equipment for more than 25 years and is a top-five licensor for live-themed events with Warner Bros and owns three tourist railroads, a scenic bus company and a historic frontier hotel.
“Our goal is to bring the historical presence of the property to a new environment, really create a sustainable environment for the property, for the community, and for the future of this location,” John Harper, chief operating officer of Old Tucson Entertainment, told the board Tuesday.
Harper said the company will hire staff locally and has plans for film productions, theatrical events and “mud runs.”
Plans are already in the works, he said, to bring back the property’s Halloween attraction “Night Fall” and a subsequent Christmas event.
“From the end of September until Jan. 1 of 2023, there’s going to be activity almost every day on property of some type,” Harper said.
The company will pay Pima County $60,000 annually to rent the property and 4% of its annual gross operating revenue. The county says those funds will go toward capital maintenance and expansion.
Old Tucson, the setting of more than 400 feature films and TV shows, closed in August 2020 after the pandemic halted the crowd-based events that drew visitors to the historic location.
The county took over control of the 180 acres of land leased to former operator Old Tucson Co. when it announced it would be terminating its 25-year lease due to financial troubles onset by the pandemic. The company had leased the property since 1973.
Blast from the past: Photos of movie actors in Tucson
Actors Glenn Ford, left, and Van Heflin on the set of the Western classic, "3:10 to Yuma" at Old Tucson in 1957.
The cast of the televsion show "High Chaparral" on set at Old Tucson in May, 1968. From left, Henry Darrow, Leif Erickson and Don Collier, who lived in Tucson.
Actor Robert Redford during a press conference before a fundraiser for Rep. Morris K. Udall's at the Doubletree Hotel in Tucson on September 25, 1981.
Actor Brian Keith works with a movie camera on horseback on the set in the Tucson Mountains of "Scandalous John" in 1970. It's the story of a one-cow cattle drive and the efforts of an old man to save his historic land from obliteration.
Paul Newman gets makeup on the set of "The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean" at Old Tucson Studios in 1971.
Actress Lilia Skala, left, with actor Sidney Poitier on the set of "Lilies of the Field" in Tucson in December, 1962. Poitier won an Oscar for Best Actor for the movie. He was the first African-American to win the award.
Actor Clayton Moore on the set of the long-running TV series, "The Lone Ranger," at Old Tucson in 1957.
Actor James Hampton as Howard Clemmons on a camel on the set of the movie comedy "Hawmps" at Old Tucson in 1975.
Actor John Saxon, left, with legendary actor/director John Huston on the set of "The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean" at Old Tucson on December 2, 1971.
Actor Craig T. Nelson, who attended the University of Arizona on a drama scholarship, waves to the crowd at the 1990 UA Homecoming parade on the UA Mall. Nelson struggled after college, but got a good role in the Al Pacino film, "And Justice for All." He went on to a lead role in Steven Spielberg's "Poltergeist." But he may be best known for the TV series, "Coach."
Cleveland Indians baseball players take a break from Spring Training in the 1950s to visit Old Tucson Studios. From left, Early Wynn, Don Mossi, Bobo Lemon Hal Narango, Jim Hegan, Jim Hegan, George Strickland, Bobby Avila, Hank Aguirre, and Hoot Evers chat with actor John Ireland, with rifle. Ireland played Johnny Ringo in "Gunfight at the O.K. Corral," filmed at Old Tucson in the mid-1950s.
Actress Jayne Mansfield with boyfriend (later husband) MIckey Hargitay, left, and notable actor Broderick Crawford at Tucson International Airport in March, 1957. The trio was in town for a party at a local dude ranch. Actress Mariska Hargitay is their daughter.
During rehearsal at the Santa Rita Hotel, actors Loyal T. Lucas, Jean Engstrom, Donald Cook and Harvey Korman (later known for "The Carol Burnett Show" and the movie "Blazing Saddles") get ready for their performance of the play, "The King of Hearts," as part of the Tucson Winter Playhouse in January 1956. The play was to be under a tent at the Rillito Park.
Ricky Nelson gets manhandled by co-stars Dean Martin and John Wayne on the set of Rio Bravo at Old Tucson on May 10, 1958.
(Drew Barrymore, left, and Whoopi Goldberg with Matthew McConaughey in "Boys on the Side" in 1995, which was filmed at historic Teatro Carmen, the Elysian Grove Market, and Tucson General Hospital.
Actors Anthony Edwards, far right and Robert Carradine, center, stumble with their suitcases during a scene for the film, "Revenge of the Nerds" on Jan. 30, 1984. Annette Knapp, far left and Susan Schellmeyer, were extras who played the part of picnickers on the University of Arizona Mall. The movie was filmed on areas in and around the campus.
Actor Cliff Robertson, right, and Rep. Morris K. Udall, D-Ariz., second from right, discuss the arts and the prospects for federal supporting funds with representatives of Tucson theater groups at the Invisible Theatre on Aug. 21, 1978. Robertson was black-listed after unraveling major fraud at Columbia Pictures in the 1970s.
Ross Hunter, left, and actor Peter Finch, standing, right, on the set of "Lost Horizon" at Ryan Field west of Tucson on May 1, 1972. 500 extras were recruited for the remake of the original film from 1937. Finch won a posthumous Oscar for Best Actor for the movie "Network" in 1976.
Actor Josh Brolin, who played Jimmy Hickok in the television show "The Young Riders" on the set at Old Tucson Studios in August, 1989. Brolin is now an accomplished actor, with noted roles in "American Gangster" and "No Country for Old Men."
Actor Robert Taylor at the Sands Hotel in Tucson in May, 1966. He was filming the movie "Johnny Tiger" at Old Tucson Studios.
Actor James Garner signing autographs during the the Joe Garagiola Tucson Open in 1970s.
Actor Jack Lemmon shivering on a cold day in November, 1955, during filming of "It Happened One Night" at the Lewis Douglas ranch near Sonoita. Lemmon was forced to spend long periods of time in the water for a "dunking" scene.
Paul Newman gets his shoes shined at the historic Pima County Courthouse on the set of the movie "Pockey Money" in 1971. Onlookers packed the balcony to watch the legendary actor at work. The movie was filmed throughout S. Arizona, including Patagonia, Empire Ranch and Ajo.
Actor Sebastian Cabot, also known as the narrator for the first three Disney "Winnie the Pooh" movies, at the Pioneer Hotel in Tucson on Oct. 2, 1963. Tucson Citizen
Actor, author and conservationist Ted Danson talks with Mindy Miller before the start of his presentation during the fifth Tucson Festival of Books at the University of Arizona in 2013.
Actor Stewart Granger in a truck on his Yerba Buena Ranch outside Nogales, AZ. in 1958. It was a favorite getaway for actors, including John Wayne
Actor Bill Murrary watches from courtside seats as Arizona hosts Cal basketball at McKale Center in 2010.
Actor Michael Landon signs autographs at the Cigna Michael Landon Tennis Classic at Randolph Tennis Courts in Tucson on April 11, 1987.
Actor, Patrick Dempsey strapping on his helmet as he is getting ready to take part in the Rode On bicycle race in Tucson in 2013.
Actor Paul Newman has his photo taken by his wife, actress Joanne Woodward, during a break in filming of "Hombre" at Old Tucson in 1967.
Jane Loew, with children Boyd Jr. and Lynda, posing with Ronald Reagan at Old Tucson during the filming of "The Last Outpost," circa 1950.
Moses Gunn (left) and Merlen Olsen (right) rehearse a scene from one of the many episodes of "Father Murphy" filmed at Old Tucson from 1981-83.Old
Actors Josh Brolin, left, Stephen Baldwin, center with hat, Gregg Rainwater and Ty Miller in between takes on the set of the televsion show "The Young Riders" at Old Tucson Studios in August, 1989.
Director John Sturges, left, with actor Clint Eastwood on the set of "Joe Kidd" at Old Tucson on December 2, 1971.
Burt Lancaster, left and Kirk Douglas chat during a break in fliming, "Gunfight at the O.K. Corral" at Old Tucson in 1957.
Actor Efrem Zimbalist Jr. catches some rays on the set of "Reward" at Old Tucson on June 15, 1964. Director is Serge Bourguignon who directed part of the movie from the saddle as he is an expert horseman.
Actress Michelle Carey (best known for her role in "El Dorado" with John Wayne) on the set of "Scandalous John" at Old Tucson in November, 1970. Carey spent most of her career in supporting TV roles, including three appearances in "The Wild Wild West."
Writer-director Burt Kennedy, right, on the set of "Young Billy Young," aka "Who Rides with Kane" at Old Tucson in July, 1968. Actor John Anderson is at left. Kennedy, a decorated WWII veteran, also directed "The War Wagon," "Support Your Local Gunfighter," and episodes for several TV show.
Actors Gene Wilder, left, and Sidney Poitier during filming of the movie "Hanky Panky" at 6th Ave. and 18th St. in Tucson on Oct. 8, 1981.
Actors Gilda Radner during filming of the movie "Hanky Panky" at 6th Ave. and 18th St. in Tucson on Oct. 8, 1981.
Actor Harrison Ford takes a break while reading his script during filming for "The Frisco Kid" on the road to Sasabe southwest of Tucson on Nov. 30, 1978.
New York Jets quarterback Joe Namath, left, and actress Ann-Margaret arrived at Tucson International Airport on April, 10, 1970, and were greeted by a "posse" who branded them as horse thieves. The two were in Tucson for filming of the movie, "C.C. Ryder and Company," written by Ann-Margaret's husband, Roger Smith (a University of Arizona graduate).
On his way to Mexico to film a movie, actor Larry Hagman had a two-hour layover in Tucson on March 10, 1982. While waiting, Hagman, better known as J. R. Ewing of the popular TV show "Dallas," showed off his anti-smoking device to airport employees. A reformed smoker, Hagman carried a teddy bear-shaped plastic bottle. When he pressed its tummy a ring would pop up so he could blow bubbles. Hagman said it helped when he had the urge to smoke.
"Bozo", the grizzly bear, is petted by owner and trainer Lloyd Beebe as actor Gene Edwards stands by on the set of "The Legend of Grizzly Adams" at Old Tucson in 1989.
Tourists watch actor Cameron Mitchell, foreground on horseback, during filming at Old Tucson in 1977. It was likely for "How the West Was Won," starring James Arness and filmed at many locations throughout the West.
Before he was the Governator, the Terminator or even Conan the Barbarian, Arnold Schwarzenegger was a 28-year-old aspiring actor promoting his movie, "Stay Hungry," during a visit to Tucson in August 1976. The Austrian-born newcomer was a relative unknown except for those in the international body-building world who knew him as the former Mr Universe and Mr Olympia. During his stay he gave interviews to the local media, worked out at the gym of a friend, Carlos Rodriguez, and took a dip in the pool at the Doubletree Inn.
Actor Noah Beery Jr. at Old Tucson on June 5, 1968. Beery was best-known as James Garner's on-screen father in "The Rockford Files."
Actor William Wintersole and crew of the movie "Moonfire" chat with Tucson Mayor Jim Corbett at Tucson City Hall on August 20, 1970. The synopsis on imdb: "Truckers battle a Nazi who has hidden out in Mexico." Probably not one of the bigger film productions in Tucson's history.
Clint Eastwood as "Joe Kidd" in Old Tucson on Dec. 2, 1971. The original screenplay for the movie was written by Elmore Leonard.
Actor Richard Egan, left, goes over script with former heavyweight champion Sonny Liston on the set of "Moonfire" at El Rancho Diablo west of Tucson in November, 1969. Liston died on Dec. 30, shortly after filming.
John Wayne chats on the set of "McLintock!" at Old Tucson in 1962.
Actress Jayne Mansfield at Tucson International Airport in March, 1957. She was accompanied by her boyfriend, Mickey Hargitay, and her pregnant chihuahua, Charla, and actor Broderick Crawford for a party at a nearby dude ranch.
Sarah Gorby and actor Lee Marvin hold baby javelinas before a fundraising dinner at the Tucson Racquet Club for the Sarah Gorby Wildlife Rehabilitation Fund in 1983.
Actor James Arness from the "Gunsmoke" television series, compares boot sizes with Texas Ranger Capt. Clint Peoples while in Tucson on January 30, 1959. Peoples extended an invitation to Arness to attend a dinner in Austin where he would be made an honorary Ranger.
Groucho Marx accompanied his wife, Eden Hartford, to Tucson in April, 1963, to perform the stage play, "Time for Elizabeth."
Charles Bronson gets makeup on the set of "A Thunder of Drums at Old Tucson on April 8, 1961.
Actress Angie Dickinson on the set of "Pistolero" at Old Tucson in October 1966. Dickinson became known for TV show "Police Woman," 1974-78,
Actor Glenn Ford and a classic pose during "Pistolero" at Old Tucson in October, 1966. The other filming location of Sabino Canyon. Ford was the villian in "3:10 to Yuma," also filmed at Old Tucson and Southern Arizona.
On May 3, 1988, Betty White visited the Reid Park Zoo while filming a television promotion for the Tucson Zoological Society. Above, Steve McCusker, the zoo's administrator at the time, shows White the rhino exhibit.
Longtime Tucson bar sold, to be redeveloped
