2021-12-16 05:42:17
Every minute of every day at Mall of America, something new and exciting is happening. A family from out of town arrives for their long-awaited first visit. Enthusiastic tourists experience their first indoor roller coaster ride. Screaming fans line up to meet their favorite TikTok celebrity. A group of women checks into one of the luxury hotels connected to the Mall for a weekend of fun. A married couple renews their vows at the Chapel of Love. Or a fashion designer hosts a VIP party at her new boutique shop. None of this is unusual at Mall of America–a place like no other. Nearly 30 years ago, the Mall set out to redefine the concept of fun. From the day it opened on Aug. 11, 1992, there has never been a dull moment. Together with tenants and partners, it is continually launching new retail concepts and dining experiences, introducing new attractions and creating new events that give its 40 million annual visitors all kinds of new reasons to return. Home to more than 500 stores, shops and boutiques and more than 10,000 employees, the Mall continues to grow and offer new experiences each year. Recent additions have included an M&M’s destination store; The Fair on 4, featuring go-kart racing and axe-throwing; Community Commons, which provides space for businesses displaced from their original homes; B+B Theatres with 13 movie screens; and Capital One Café, offering a menu of banking services and coffee. They join perennial favorites that include Nickelodeon Universe, the nation’s first indoor theme park; SEA LIFE, Minnesota’s largest aquarium; FlyOver America, a flight simulation ride complete with wind, mist and scents; The Escape Game; and, of course, an extraordinary variety of dining options. THE MALL IS HOME TO MORE THAN 500 STORES, SHOPS AND BOUTIQUES AND MORE THAN 10, 000 EMPLOYEES. If the walls of the green room at Mall of America could talk, they would tell some fascinating stories. Since the grand opening, thousands of celebrities have journeyed to MOA to meet their fans, share their message and promote their latest venture. Over the years, the Mall has hosted a glittering array of movie and TV stars, musicians, authors, athletes and other personalities, from Ray Charles to Mariah Carey to Zac Efron. As it prepares to celebrate 30 years in 2022, Mall of America continues to thrive, a true testament to the power of a big bold idea coupled with Minnesota hospitality. PLANNING FOR A RECORD-SETTING CELEBRATION At 5.6 million square feet, Mall of America is big–very big, but it’s famous for something else. The Mall may well be the ‘unofficial site of the most official and unofficial records in the world.’ Unofficially speaking. In fact, the Mall has been setting records of one kind or another since before it even opened. A sampling of the Mall’s record-setting feats include: largest gingerbread house (with 14,500 pounds of gingerbread, 4,500 pounds of frosting and two tons of candy); largest gathering of Ninja Turtles; most people wearing conical party hats at one time; largest single cupcake; highest pizza crust toss; most sit ups in one hour (2,201 or 36.7 per minute average); most cupcakes iced in one hour; largest greeting card (signed by more than 2,000 people); largest handbell assembly; most backpacks packed with school supplies in six hours (more than 8,000); largest physical Pinterest board; and most bikes donated to kids. Almost every record-breaking event benefits an organization that helps people in need, raises awareness for worthy causes and helps create a healthier community. That’s what being a good neighbor is all about. The Mall is determined to set several new world records during its 30th birthday celebration. Watch for more information at mallofamerica.com so you can join the fun! MORE SHOPPING IDEAS Find antique shops, outlet malls and Minnesota-made products. ExploreMinnesota.com/Shopping
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