For those who have been anxiously awaiting the opening of the Tampa Premium Outlets (TPO) for many years now, Wesley Chapel resident Lisa Bastone may have summed it up best.
“It’s about time,” she said.
Bastone was one of hundreds who showed up at the TPO (located at 2398 Grand Cypress Dr., at the interchange of I-75 and S.R. 56) hours before it officially opened at 10 a.m. on Thursday morning, just to look around and bask in the shiny newness of the upscale outlet mall before the big weekend crowds arrive.
“It’s an event, you can’t miss things like this,” Bastone said. “This is going to make this area explode.”
The 441,000-square-foot mall, already home to more than 100 retailers, kicked off its opening with the Distinguished Men of Brass band, local dignitaries and fireworks as Stephen Yalof, chief executive officer of Simon Premium Outlets, Danielle DeVita, senior vice president of development for Simon and Pasco County Commissioner Ted Schrader all simultaneously cut the ribbon to officially open the mall to shoppers.
The mall is rolling out with grand opening festivities all weekend.
Here is the schedule:
Main Stage Entertainment
Lagoon Court
Friday, October 30, 1 – 9 p.m.
1 & 4:45 p.m. Caribbean Crew
2:15 p.m., 6 & 8:30 p.m. DJ Rekka
3:30 p.m. & 7:15 p.m. Nalisio & The Fellas
Saturday, October 31, Noon – 6:30 p.m.
Noon & 3:30 p.m. City Sound Quartet
1:15 & 4:45 p.m. Marlon Boone
2:15 & 5:45 p.m. C’Nergy
Grand Opening Fireworks
Lagoon Court near Main Entrance
Friday, 9 p.m.
Celebrate the Grand Opening of Tampa Premium Outlets with a spectacular Fireworks Show!
Strolling Entertainment
Thursday – Saturday, Noon – 6 p.m.
Enjoy entertainment while you shop including stilt walkers, face painters, a magician and more.
Visit The VIP Shopper Club
Coral Court by Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH
Thursday – Sunday, Noon – 5 p.m.
VIP Shopper Club Members have exclusive access to the VIP Shopper Club lounge during the Grand Opening Weekend. Enjoy photos with your friends, chair massages, beauty touch-ups, and more. Not a member? Join for free outside the lounge or by visiting premiumoutlets.com/vip.
Meet Bethenny Frankel
VIP Shopper Club Lounge
Saturday, 1 – 4 p.m.
1 p.m. Fashion Essentials for the Perfect Wardrobe
1:30 & 4 p.m. Autograph Session with Bethenny*
3:30 p.m. Essential Accessories to Elevate Your Outfit
*Bethenny will mingle with fans as time and space permits in the VIP Shopper Club Lounge. Autographs only please.
Halloween Happenings
Haunted Pirate Ship
Minnow Court near Forever 21
Friday & Saturday, Noon – 8 p.m.
Fit for a pirate, dead or alive! This Haunted Ship will transport guests to a haunted world of hidden treasures and shipwrecked sails.
Halloween Crafts
Friday & Saturday, Noon – 6 p.m.
Fun for the kids with interactive craft stations.
Headless Ghosts
Friday & Saturday, Throughout the Day
These spooky ghosts will make you lose your mind when they lose their heads! Watch as these interactive ghosts entertain the audience and drop their heads before your eyes.
Grand Opening Prize-An-Hour Giveaways
Near Main Stage
Register every hour at the registration table near the Main Stage from 11 a.m. – 4:55 p.m. Thursday, October 29 and Friday, October 30th for a chance to win a fabulous prize package. Must be present to win. Drawings will take place at the Main Stage at the top of each hour. Winner will have 30 minutes to claim their prize. See entry form for complete rules and regulations.
Shoppers are encouraged to visit the Tampa Premium Outlets website by visiting www.premiumoutlets.com/tampa
and social media platforms including Facebook at @tampapremiumoutlets and Twitter at @TampaPO. Share your favorite moments using hashtag #TampaPremiumOutlets.
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