SpongeBob and the Ninja Turtles make New Jersey debut at American Dream

Saks wasn’t there. Nor were Zara, H&M, or Tiffany. But SpongeBob, Dora the Explorer, and the Teenage Mutant Turtles were, and that seemed to be alright with the first 2,500 guests at American Dream, New Jersey’s answer to the Mall of America.

In the first of four “Chapters” of the opening of the 3 million-sq.-ft. plus mega-center in The Meadowlands, the Nickelodeon Universe theme park and an NHL-size ice skating rink were the lone characters. The long-awaited property’s story began with a parade led by the Clifton (N.J.) Mustang Marching Band and Nickelodeon’s star players. 

The $39.99 general access and $49.00 all access tickets were sold out for the October 25 event and through November 7, according to Triple Five, the Ghermezian family-owned development company that also owns and operates Mall of America and The Edmonton Mall.

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and American Dream chief creative officer Ken Downing joined Don Ghermezian, CEO of the complex (pictured above) in greeting the opening day crowd. 

The phased opening of American Dream will continue this year with the November 27 opening of the Dreamworks Water Park and the December 5 debut of the Big Snow indoor ski slope.

Traditional retail activity won’t kick off at American Dream until March, when some 350 stores are slated to open. Tenants will range from fast-fashion favorites like Uniqlo and Primark to luxury brands such as Hermès, Dolce & Gabbana, and Saint Laurent.