ICYMI: Bass Pro Shops Brandon Opens Wednesday

Tampa Bay area outdoors lovers eagerly awaiting the opening of Bass Pro Shops in Brandon don’t have much longer to hold out. The much-anticipated store opens Wednesday.

The grand opening celebration at the 10501 Palm River Road store begins with a ceremony at 6 p.m. and a ribbon cutting at 6:30.

A number of celebrities are lined up to make appearances during the celebration. Some of the celebs anticipated to be on hand include Mike Alstott, Tony Stewart, Jeanette Lee, Boo Weekley and Jimmy Houston. Celebrity autographs will be available on Wednesday only between 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. with one autograph allowed per person, the storeannounced on its website.

Opening night has also been dubbed an “Evening for Conservation.” The store plans to donate 50 cents of every $1 spent to the Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation department on opening night.

A number of giveaways have also been planned July 30 through Aug. 2. Items such as Bass Pro gift cards, tumblers and bait will go to the first 200 customers in line. Check out the store’s website for more details.

The new 140,000-square-foot store will boast a 13,000-gallon freshwater aquarium, a lodge-style entrance, fireplace, local artifacts, wildlife mounts and other attractions. Those features are in addition to the hunting, fishing, camping and outdoor gear Bass Pro is famed for. The Brandon location will also offer a 7,000-square-foot Islamorada Fish Company restaurant.

To find out more about the opening, visit Bass Pro online.

Photo courtesy of Bass Pro Shops