Thousands of people are swarming Bass Pro Shops in Palm Bay. The store hosted its grand opening Wednesday night.
It’s the first Bass Pro in Brevard County and an estimated 20,000 people were expected to show up.
Palm Bay city leaders warned of backups with all the traffic, and they were not wrong. The traffic on Palm Bay Road backs up onto I-95, with backups also on Palm Bay Road between I-95 and Dairy Road, along with areas along I-95, near the Palm Bay Road access ramps.
"We are going to stay the night," said customer Courtney Allen. "Yeah, we're dedicated."
The store is a 100,000 plus square foot fishing, hunting and camping haven.
Palm Bay's Shelby Helfer and Courtney Allen weren't going to miss a chance to be the first inside Bass Pro Shops.
"We're rednecks and we like camo," Helfer said. "Best thing that's happened to Palm Bay."
Some 200 contractors put the final touches on the huge building, including landscaping and signage.
Ten real alligators were put inside an enclosed area for spectators to see and enjoy.
"We have a lot to offer as far as product and knowledge of the area," said general manager James King. "We hired a lot of local people."
If you aren't coming to the festivities tonight you might want to avoid the area.
The store opens back up Thursday at 8 a.m. Free prizes will be given out to customers who make a purchase.