Bass Pro Shops

Like with any good mall or shopping center, the newest big draw in East Peoria will offer shoppers clothing, sporting gear, a restaurant, a bar and activities that will include bowling and pool.

Only this isn't a mall or even a shopping center, though at 145,000 square feet it could probably qualify as one.

It's Bass Pro Shops' newest outdoors superstore, about to open on the East Peoria riverfront near Riverfront Center. The official grand opening event will kick off Wednesday, Sept. 21 with the "Evening for Conservation," when customers will get their first look at the finished store and be able to shop, said spokeswoman Katie Mitchell.

Celebrities, including pro athletes, will be on hand on "autograph row" and Bass Pro's partners in conservation efforts in the area will have booths to educate the public on those efforts.

Springfield, Mo.-based Bass Pro Shops describes its store as "a combination of museum, art gallery, aquarium, outdoor education, conservation and entertainment. Each store is uniquely themed to the region in which they are located so that no two stores are alike."

The company said the East Peoria store will offer outdoor enthusiasts 3½ football fields of shopping excitement with the area's largest selection of equipment and clothing for various outdoor activaties, including hunting, fishing and hiking. There will also be a gift and nature center.

The East Peoria store also will have an expansive boat showroom and boat service center.

Officials said Bass Pro Shops attract hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.

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