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BUSINESS
SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | FEBRUARY 23, 2020
Business
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OdySea rebranded as expanded ‘boardwalk’ BY KRISTINE CANNON Progress Staff Writer
Arizona Boardwalk next month will host a variety of Superheroes for kids to meet and get authographers from.
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oodbye, OdySea in the Desert; hello, Arizona Boardwalk. As of Feb. 13, the premier 35acre, multi-level entertainment complex near Scottsdale off the 101 and East Vía de Ventura announced not only its name change but also the addition of an on-site hotel, new attractions, site expansion and more. “We called it ‘Arizona Boardwalk’ because a boardwalk is fun,” said spokesman Ran Knishinsky. “The name ‘Arizona Boardwalk’ is reminiscent of family-fun, adventure, and excitement — and helps set the stage of what to expect in this type of destination.” The new name, according to the company, better reflects the diverse offerings of the entertainment destination – home to eight marquee attractions, numerous restaurant and shopping options and outdoor special events. “The name ‘Arizona Boardwalk’ also eliminates the confusion OdySea March 7 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free Family Fit Fest This year’s theme is Superhero and people are encouraged to dress accordingly. Kids and parents can pass the Superhero Academy training, be part of the superhero dance parade, judge the Dino dance-off, get a free haircut and sign up for the ice cream eating contest. The event includes face painting, music, family contests, games, giveaways and shopping. March 14 5 p.m. “The Lion King” will be shown in the Arizona Boardwalk courtyard. Free. Bring a folding chair. Other attractions include
(Arizona Boardwalk)
COMING ATTRACTIONS a Lion King photo booth, temporary tattoos, games and prizes.
talks, games, Jurassic Park motor pool and other activities.
March 22 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Dino Day Free. Dinosaurs, live reptiles, face painting, fossil digs, inflatables, educational
March 29 6 a.m.-noon Stride for Sight 5K and Walk Register: raceroster.com/events/2020/
March 21 noon-4 p.m. Super Spring Festival Free. Meet Superman, Captain America, Wonder Woman and other superheroes. Watch the Super Hero Stunt Team BMX Show. Live entertainment, bounce houses, slides, face painting, coloring contest and crafts.
March 28 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Parenting Camp & Summer Expo Free. A $3 activity band is required for unlimited rock wall, zip-line, EuroBungee and bounce house. Parents can meet representatives from STEM, performing arts, educational, sports, traditional day, animal-related day and/or overnight camps while kids play.
Aquarium is the property’s sole attraction,” Knishinsky said. “We needed a name that puts the emphasis on fun – and ‘Arizona Boardwalk’ delivers.” The name change does not affect the aquarium’s name, OdySea Aquarium, which opened 2016. For guests who’d like to extend their Arizona Boardwalk stay, a Hyatt Place hotel will be built on property. The 155room hotel is slated to break ground in May. Other new Arizona Boardwalk features include interactive exhibit The Science of Ripley’s Believe It or Not, which is expected to open late 2020. “This is a new exhibit we will be debuting here soon after the Titanic is set to expire in November,” Adi said. “We are working on having this last for up to two years and potentially longer depending on the demand we’re seeing.” Arizona Boardwalk will also soon be home to “the world’s largest inflatable,” which will span more than 10,000
see BOARDWALK page 29
25405/foundation-for-blind-childrenstride-for-sight-5k-and-1-mile-runwalk This event for all ages and abilities, with blind and sighted runners, features a competitive or recreational 5k and a more relaxed 1-mile walk. Proceeds help fund the life-changing programs at the Foundation for Blind Children. Step up your game by competing in the 5k blindfolded run with a sighted guide. Each teammate must register separately. Blindfolds are provided. There also will be a silent auction, therapy animals, entertainment and food as well as a blindfold obstacle course.
