SEA LIFE MICHIGAN CELEBRATES CONSTRUCTION OF GREAT LAKES CROSSING OUTLETS AQUARIUM WITH "SANDBREAKING" EVENT

Merlin Entertainments Group, the world’s second largest visitor attraction operator, celebrated ongoing construction and kicked off the countdown to the Spring 2015 grand opening of SEA LIFE Michigan with a “sandbreaking” ceremony at Great Lakes Crossing Outlets on Tuesday, Sept 23.

“As a world-class shopping, dining and entertainment destination, Great Lakes Crossing Outlets is the perfect choice for the 7th American SEA LIFE attraction ” said Hayley Townsend, General Manager of SEA LIFE Michigan at the podium. “Though fueled by the power of our international brand, SEA LIFE Michigan will take on its own identity that will be a reflection of the local community and wildlife.”

“We are very pleased that Merlin has selected Auburn Hills as the location for the next SEA LIFE attraction and are excited to welcome the world’s largest aquarium brand to our community,” added Auburn Hills Mayor Kevin McDaniel.

Remarks were also given by:

· L. Brooks Patterson, County Executive, Oakland County

· Steve Berlow, General Manager, Great Lakes Crossing Outlets—The Taubman Company

· Kevin McDaniel, Mayor of Auburn Hills

· Thomas A. Tanghe, Auburn Hills City Manager

· Leslie Hornung, Senior Vice President of Marketing, Michigan Economic Development Corporation

· Bill Bohde, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau

Set to open early next year, construction on SEA LIFE Michigan began in late Spring 2014. The 35,000-square-foot aquarium, which will be the 42nd in the world, will bring guests nose-to-nose with more than 5,000 amazing marine creatures such as sharks, stingrays, jellyfish, sea horses and more through engaging, interactive exhibits, including a 180-degree underwater tunnel and touch pools.

The “sandbreaking” event served as the official Michigan welcome party for the brand, involving a ceremonial mock groundbreaking in a sandbox and kicked off by “kid reporter,” 11-year-old Nina Groll of Saginaw. Nina also closed the event by inviting the kids in the audience to partake in a treasure hunt in the custom sandpit.

SEA LIFE, the world’s largest aquarium brand, is focused on providing amazing, breathtaking and educational experiences that wow guests, and inspire them to take an active role in conservation. In addition to operating its more than 40 international attractions, SEA LIFE runs its “Breed Rescue Protect” initiative, which includes breeding endangered species, rescuing hundreds of sick and injured animals and releasing them back into the wild, and actively campaigning to protect individual species and marine environments from exploitation or destruction.