CORRECTING and REPLACING Kalahari Resorts & Conventions in Wisconsin Dells Announces $85 Million Indoor Waterpark Expansion

WISCONSIN DELLS, Wis.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan 10, 2025--

Please replace the release dated January 9, 2025 with the following corrected version due to multiple revisions.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250109105161/en/

The updated release reads: 

KALAHARI RESORTS & CONVENTIONS IN WISCONSIN DELLS ANNOUNCES $85 MILLION INDOOR WATERPARK EXPANSION

A 75,000-square-foot glass-enclosed, open-air waterpark with a retractable roof, expected to open in Fall 2026

Kalahari Resorts & Conventions is reinforcing its title of America’s Largest Indoor Waterparks with an exciting $85 million, 75,000-square-foot indoor waterpark expansion at its Wisconsin Dells resort. Construction is now underway, with the expanded portion of the waterpark slated to open in fall 2026.

The highly anticipated glass-enclosed, open-air waterpark with a retractable roof introduces three exciting new water slides: the Wild Wildebeest and Green Python, both six-person raft slides, and the Cheetah Mat Racers, a four-lane racing slide. Guests will enjoy an array of other new attractions as well, including the Lost Lagoon Spa Pool, the Watering Hole Pool with zero-depth entry and tanning ledges, the Coral Cove Kiddie Slide Pool, and The Grotto adult swim-up bar.

"Kalahari could not be more excited to announce this indoor waterpark expansion in the Wisconsin Dells, the Waterpark Capital of the World," said Todd Nelson, CEO, owner, and founder of Kalahari Resorts. “With new slides, pools, a swim-up bar, spas, and more, there's something for every member of the family to enjoy!”

Todd and Shari Nelson, both born and raised in the Wisconsin Dells, have always had a passion for waterparks. After a family trip to Africa, Todd was inspired by the concept of Ubuntu – the African philosophy of “togetherness” that emphasizes a universal bond of sharing and connection. This idea led the Nelsons to open the first Kalahari Resorts in Wisconsin Dells in 2000.

“My wife and I opened the first Kalahari Resorts in the Dells 24 years ago, and it’s been an incredible journey,” said Nelson. “Kalahari is so much more than a waterpark - It’s a place where families can come together. After two and a half decades of creating memories here in Wisconsin Dells, we’re excited to expand our offerings and invite even more families to experience the spirit of togetherness.”

In addition to the new waterpark attractions, guests will enjoy a 40’ wide big-screen TV display, additional food and beverage options, and enhanced seating and comfort options, including new cabanas and whirlpool cabanas.

The new indoor waterpark is one of several new amenities and renovations Kalahari has added in recently. Other additions include 237 new rooms, a renovated Spa Kalahari, an all-new splash pad and dry playground, an expansive lobby renovation, and two additional dining options: Sortino’s Italian Kitchen and Cinco Niños, a modern Mexican restaurant and tequila bar.

For more information, please visit the Kalahari Resorts media site at kalaharimedia.com.

About Kalahari Resorts and Conventions

Kalahari Resorts and Conventions in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, Sandusky, Ohio, the Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania, Round Rock, Texas, and opening soon in Spotsylvania County, Virginia, deliver a beyond-expectations waterpark resort and conference experience all under one roof. The African-inspired Kalahari Resorts, privately owned by the Nelson family, are home to America’s Largest Indoor Waterparks. Todd and Shari Nelson, the founders of Kalahari Resorts, were honored with an induction into the Wisconsin Business Hall of Fame in 2023. All Kalahari Resorts feature well-appointed guest rooms and suites, the full-service Spa Kalahari, a fun-filled family entertainment center, on-site signature restaurants, unique retail shops and a state-of-the-art convention center. For more information, members of the media are encouraged to visit kalaharimedia.com.

Location of new indoor waterpark expansion of Kalahari Resorts and Conventions in the Wisconsin Dells. Courtesy of AP.

Rendering of interior view of new indoor waterpark expansion of Kalahari Resorts and Conventions in the Wisconsin Dells. (Photo: Business Wire)

Rendering of exterior view of new indoor waterpark expansion of Kalahari Resorts and Conventions in the Wisconsin Dells. (Photo: Business Wire)

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Real Madrid was jeered by its disgruntled fans before Kylián Mbappé scored to spark a 2-0 win over Levante in La Liga on Saturday.

Spectators at the Santiago Bernabeu whistled, booed and waved white handkerchiefs before the opening kickoff to express their anger after back-to-back losses and a sudden coaching change.

Madrid fired Xabi Alonso after last weekend’s loss to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final only for the team to then lose to a second-tier side in the Copa del Rey in the debut of Alonso’s replacement.

New coach Álvaro Arbeloa, who was promoted from the B team, as well as his players could have ill afforded another slip against a relegation-threatened Levante in front of their home supporters.

Levante, however, generated as much in attack as Madrid did in the first half. It took a penalty converted by Mbappé in the 58th to break the deadlock after the striker was fouled by Adrián de la Fuente.

Raúl Asencio thumped in a header after a corner kick by Arda Guler to double the lead in the 65th.

“It was important to win today,” Arbeloa said. “We knew where we were coming from. We had had a difficult week that was not easy to overcome. We did so by winning in front of our fans.

"I have always respected (the fans) of the Bernabeu. I was whistled at (when I was a Madrid defender), and what makes this club great is the degree of excellence demanded of it.”

Vinícius Júnior, who reportedly did not see eye to eye with Alonso, was among the players who received the loudest jeers. Some fans also shouted at club president Florentino Pérez for his handling of the Alonso firing and the subpar play of the team.

Mbappé, who appeared in only one of Madrid’s last four games, was back starting after recovering from a left knee sprain.

Jude Bellingham and other regulars were also in the lineup after Arbeloa left the England midfielder and other key players off his squad for the humbling loss at Albacete on Wednesday in the Copa del Rey.

Madrid, despite its trouble, closed to within one point of Barcelona before the leader visits Real Sociedad on Sunday.

Third-placed Villarreal stumbled after losing at Real Betis 2-0, staying eight points off Barcelona's pace.

Aitor Rubial and Pablo Fornals scored in the second half for the hosts as Betis remained in sixth.

Mallorca's Vedat Muriqi scored a hat trick to lead a 3-2 win over Athletic Bilbao.

The Kosovo striker scored early and capitalized on two penalties. He scored a rebound of a save of his first spot kick by Unai Simón before Nico Williams leveled it at 2-2 before halftime. Muriqi then converted a second penalty with 20 minutes left.

Osasuna beat bottom side Oviedo 3-2.

AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

Real Madrid's head coach Alvaro Arbeloa watches from the sideline the Spanish La Liga soccer match between Real Madrid and Levante in Madrid, Spain, Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Jose Breton)

Real Madrid's Raul Asencio celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the Spanish La Liga soccer match between Real Madrid and Levante in Madrid, Spain, Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Jose Breton)

Real Madrid's Raul Asencio, right, celebrates with teammate Kylian Mbappe after scoring his side's second goal during the Spanish La Liga soccer match between Real Madrid and Levante in Madrid, Spain, Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Jose Breton)