A simple Google search of 'Bass Pro Shop Grand Opening' comes up with keyword results like 'Capacity Crowds' and 'Long Lines' wherever it opens.  The North Utica Bass Pro Shop has scheduled a grand opening for Wednesday, October 9th at 6 p.m. and all indicators point towards a similar large turnout with crowds coming from far away.

Tammy Sapp coordinates communications efforts for Bass Pro Shops and in her blog she described the Tallahassee Grand Opening (or pre game) in September as similar to the "telephone-booth stuffing craze from the 1960's." That's when so many baby boomers tried to stuff themselves into a small phone booth.  Unlike the phone booth frenzy of the 60's, the Bass Pro Shop is enormous; but, so are the crowds.

10,000 people showed for opening night and more than 80,000 visited the store on their opening weekend.  She reminded readers of her national blog, there's another opportunity coming soon in Utica.

"If you’re feeling like you missed something pretty neat, don’t despair. There are five more Bass Pro Shops store openings in 2013. On Oct. 9, we’ll celebrate a new store in Utica, N.Y., with a ribbon cutting and Evening for Conservation festivities while the rest of the weekend will be a grand opening celebration."

She says the crowds come for the prizes and price specials on outdoor sporting goods; but, we're pretty sure the big crowds have something to do with the star-studded lineup for opening night.

Here's the tentative opening night guest list according to their website:

  • Tony Stewart - Driver of the Bass Pro Shop Car
  • Jimmy Houston - The Jimmy Houston Outdoor TV Show
  • Ott DeFoe - Bass pro Shop National Pro Team Member
  • John Paul Morris - Red Head Pro Hunting Team Member
  • Jerry Martin - Red Head Pro Hunting Team Member
  • Doug Koenig - World's Best All Around Shooter
  • Joanne Nosuchinsky Miss New York, USA

There will be meet and greets throughout the store and autograph signings all night.  Prizes will also be given away starting on Wednesday and running through the weekend.

Audio from WIBX First News with Keeler in the Morning:

 

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