New Aquarium Breaking Ground In Charlotte NC

CONCORD, N.C. – September 11, 2013 – Get ready for a groundbreaking event that will make waves! Merlin Entertainments Group, the world’s second-largest visitor attraction operator, is thrilled to announce the official commencement of construction for its latest marvel, SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord Aquarium. Join us on Wednesday, September 25, at 10:30 a.m. at Concord Mills for an exciting “wavebreaking” ceremony that will mark the beginning of this extraordinary venture.

The morning’s festivities will feature inspiring speeches from esteemed civic leaders, including City of Concord Mayor J. Scott Padgett and Donna Carpenter, President/CEO of the Cabarrus County Convention and Visitors Bureau. Witness local children paint a captivating sea mural, created by the talented artist Bridgit Scheide, and participate in an official “turning of the sand” ceremony.

James Paulding, Merlin’s Head of Openings for North America, shared his excitement, stating, “After careful research, Charlotte-Concord was determined to be the perfect fit for the sixth SEA LIFE Aquarium to open in the U.S. The North Carolina area’s proximity to mountain rivers, lakes, and the ocean coupled with its high volume of tourists made it the best spot for our new marine attraction. We can’t wait to open our doors to the Charlotte-Concord community.”

Scheduled for completion in early spring 2014, this 36,000 square-foot aquarium will mark the sixth SEA LIFE to grace the U.S. It will become the residence of over 5,000 marine wonders, including sharks, stingrays, an octopus, seahorses, jellyfish, and a kaleidoscope of colorful fish, all showcased in more than 20 spectacular displays. Initially, 26,000 square feet of the attraction will be developed for the 2014 opening, with an additional 10,000 square feet earmarked for future expansion.

Chris Andrews, Senior Curator for SEA LIFE U.S., highlighted the educational aspect of SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord, saying, “This aquarium will provide a strong interactive and educational experience for kids to learn more about life in the ocean and what they can do to help protect it. In addition to creatures from oceans around the world, SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord will also house species native to North Carolina and the nearby Atlantic Coast.”

SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord will take visitors on an immersive journey, transporting them from the freshwater realms of the Catawba River in the Blue Ridge Mountains to the saltwaters of the Atlantic Ocean and beyond. At the heart of the aquarium, a breathtaking 12′-deep tropical ocean tank with an acrylic walk-through underwater tunnel will astound guests. The aquarium will also feature unique interactive experiences, including viewing windows that offer glimpses into the ocean, a touch pool, engaging talks, feeding demonstrations, and behind-the-scenes tours.

Concord Mayor Scott Padgett expressed his excitement about this new addition to the city, stating, “The new SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord Aquarium is going to be a very positive addition to Concord. Not only will it have a major impact on tourism by drawing new and repeat visitors to our area, it will also boost our local economy by creating new jobs. We are very pleased to welcome SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord and Merlin Entertainments to our city’s growing roster of outstanding attractions, hotels, shopping, and dining options.”

Ray Soporowski, VP/General Manager of Concord Mills, shared his enthusiasm, noting, “Concord Mills is pleased to expand its directory offerings to include SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord. Already the number one tourist destination in the state, Concord Mills will become even better once the new aquarium opens. In addition to shopping and dining, now families will be able to provide their children with a special educational experience without leaving the mall. It’s a great added value.”

Stay up to date with the latest developments and follow the progress of SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord by visiting www.VisitSEALIFE.com/Charlotte-Concord, www.facebook.com/SEALIFECharlotteConcord, or @SEALIFECC.

About SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord

SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord is a one-story, 26,000-square-foot indoor aquarium with another 10,000 square feet planned for future expansion. This one-of-a-kind attraction will allow visitors to experience the magical world beneath our seas with marine habitats, displays, and close encounters with over 5,000 sea creatures. SEA LIFE provides a glimpse of the diversity of marine life while also playing an active role in animal and environmental conservation. Visitors will see strong evidence of SEA LIFE’s Breed, Rescue, and Protect activities around the world, including new projects developed locally.