Nickelodeon To Rebrand Mall of America Theme Park

Bloomington, MN — Mall of America and Nickelodeon have partnered to create the first-ever Nickelodeon theme park inside the Mall of America. The partnership combines the country's largest shopping and entertainment destination with the number-one entertainment brand for kids.

The indoor theme park is currently operating under the name Park at MOA. The grand opening of the newly re-themed theme park is anticipated for spring 2008.

Under the agreement various Nickelodeon properties and characters will come to life in the revamped theme park. The changes will include fresh designs and exciting new rides and attractions, inspired by Nickelodeon's popular shows and characters.

"Nickelodeon's family-friendly focused entertainment is a perfect fit for Mall of America, and we are thrilled about what this means for the Mall and Minnesota," said Maureen Bausch, vice president of business development for Mall of America. "We expect the newly themed park will draw even more new visitors from around the United States, as well as international travel markets."

The new revamped park, the first ever Nickelodeon theme park, will feature new rides, live shows, attractions, retail, games and entertainment, and food service establishments themed with top ranking Nickelodeon properties. SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer, Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius and many more will invade the theme park.

Costumed characters and live interactive entertainment from these Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. shows will also find a home at the Mall.

"Both Nickelodeon and Mall of America have tremendous family and kid appeal, said Howard Smith, senior vice president of Nickelodeon Recreation.

"We're absolutely thrilled to expand our brand with our first stand alone Nickelodeon theme park and our largest retail presence in such a wonderful destination," added Smith.

Nickelodeon will also establish its largest retail presence in the world at Mall of America, with a brand new Nick store occupying more than 4,000 square foot space, offering consumers items such as branded tee-shirts, souvenirs, novelties and more. And the network will introduce healthy dining options throughout the parks' eateries, in line with its four year old health and wellness pro-social initiative for kids and families, Let's Just Play.

Though the majority of the creative elements are in development, including the official name of the new park, one of the first rides to be introduced in the park is a roller coaster based the animated Nick series, Avatar: The Last Airbender. Located in the northwest corner of the park, the "Avatar Airbender" will be the park's first upside down roller coaster. Construction is expected to begin in 2007.

Mall of America and Nickelodeon have also announced immediate plans for one additional ride, a free-fall tower for teens and adults. Plans are still being finalized for the free-fall tower, which could drop from up to 70 feet.

During the transitional period and the construction, the amusement park, current attractions and rides will remain open.

For more information, visit www.parkatmoa.com or www.mallofamerica.com.