Business & Tech

Buckhead Welcomes Legoland

Buckhead Coaltion President Sam Massell, other dignitaries preside over ribbon cutting as crowd of kids enjoy Phipps attraction

Legoland Discovery Center Atlanta opened its doors Friday to a big crowd of kids who joined in an inaugural parade for the attraction.

President Sam Massell, Phipps Plaza manager Dewayne Herbert, Atlanta Visitor and Convention Bureau Executive Vice President Mark Vaughn and Legloland General Manager Penda Mefta presided over a ribbon cutting ceremony Friday morning.

As they spoke, a chant of "Legoland, Legoland," rose from the excited children, gathered on floors below. The youngsters progressed upward, their chant growing louder, and at last when Massell and Meftah snipped the red ribbon, they streamed inside to enjoy the rides, games and Lego activities.

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Massell, former mayor of Atlanta and recognized as the mayor of Buckhead, said "Buckhead captured the prize this time," and predicted Legoland would be a boon for the entire city and metro area.

Vaughn said the attraction shows that Atlanta is "becoming a true family-oriented destination." He said Legoland is the seventh family attraction to open in the city in seven years.

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After his remarks, Massell reflected further upon what the attraction will mean for Buckhead. "I think it will become a draw for the hospitality industry, for our hotels and our restaurants and our shopping," Massell said. "All of it will benefit from people coming to Legoland."

Massell also commented upon the Miniland attraction of Atlanta landmarks constructed out of Legos. "It was interesting to me," he said. "As a native here, I saw a lot of the development when it started and when it grew and when it was occupied. I feel part of it"

Legoland is opening for business Friday afternoon, and will open Saturday at 10 a.m. The attraction, , urges the purchase of tickets online before visiting the attraction. A spokesperson for the attraction said it was close on Friday afternoon to selling out for the weekend, making online prepurchase the best option.


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