More than a thousand people lined up as the ribbon was cut at Brandon's Bass Pro Shops grand opening Wednesday.
And the crowds stayed strong Thursday morning.
"We're all the way from Largo," said Debbie Ciechowski, who spent two hours in traffic. "Definitely, absolutely worth it. Definitely."
For Bay area hunting, fishing and outdoor enthusiasts, this is a big deal.
Actually, this may even appeal to regular shoppers.
Shoppers previously had to drive to Orlando or Fort Myers to partake in the outdoor supplier's huge and unique offering of all things outdoors - from clothing to camping gear to guns.
The Brandon location opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Wednesday evening at 10501 Palm River Road. And crowds lined up to get back in on Thursday morning.
"It’s been a lot of fun," said store manager Ronnie Cheeks. "It’s been interesting, fun and humbling putting this together."
Cheeks said the store has something for everyone, adults and kids, whether they are outdoorsmen or not. The 130,000-square foot facility even features a restaurant nestled inside.
"There’s such a large outdoor community here around the whole greater Tampa Bay area," Cheeks said. "And we finally have a place where people can go and enjoy the outdoors - whether its camping, kayaking, fishing or hunting."
Shoppers will be able to buy everything from boats to hunting bows, all while getting a taste of Tampa Bay and west central Florida.
"This store (not only) says Florida - but it says our part of Florida," Cheeks said. "When you walk around the store and you see the hand-painted pictures of the Hillsborough River, the Little Manatee or the Skyway Bridge, this looks like our neighborhood."