SeaWorld Entertainment IPO Raises $702 Million

Seaworld launches their IPO at the NYSE on April 19, 2013.
Adam Jeffery | CNBC
Seaworld launches their IPO at the NYSE on April 19, 2013.

Blackrock-backed SeaWorld Entertainment has priced its initial public offering at $27 per share, raising $702 million, the company said Thursday.

The offering, which consists of 26 million shares, was priced at the top end of the range and values the Florida-based company at $2.5 billion.

Shares will begin trading on Friday under the ticker symbol "SEAS."