Tucson's Slaughterhouse Haunted Attraction Returns for One Last Season

Tucson's Slaughterhouse haunted attraction has come back for a final season of scares, after its operators were unsure they would get another chance to frighten the city. Visitors are also warned that this year's version features an unsettling number of clowns.

Operations manager Tyler Sutton said the team had believed its run was over. "We thought we were done, but we're back for one more year," he said.

The decision to reopen came down to a practical question. With the building sitting empty and local Halloween fans looking for a thrill, bringing the attraction back seemed an easy call. "While we're still here, we figured instead of having an empty building, let's give Tucson something to show up to and come get scared in October," Sutton said.

For its farewell season, the Slaughterhouse is pairing longtime scare actors with newcomers. Sutton said the cast includes performers who have been part of the production since its first year, along with a group of new faces joining this time around.

The goal, he said, has not changed over the years. "We'll do whatever we can to, you know, give our fellow Tucsonans that fun thing to come do with the family in October and come get scared," Sutton said.

Anyone planning a visit should be prepared for jarring lights and sights that appear without warning.

Repeat guests Xander Ellis and Tatianna Cajcon, who treat the Slaughterhouse as a Halloween tradition, said this season delivered the biggest frights they have experienced. Cajcon, who has attended three years in a row, called it "definitely the scariest year." Ellis said the visit was terrifying and that he ended up running through the attraction.

First-time visitors David and Dakota Vega had heard about the Slaughterhouse for years from other people. David Vega said he was happy when the reopening was announced because he had never had the chance to go, and everyone he knew described it as fun.

There is still time to take on the attraction. The Slaughterhouse is open every weekend, Thursday through Sunday, through the end of October.