Crowd swarms in as new IKEA store opens
Late Tuesday night, about 100 people were camped out in front of the store and IKEA representatives expect a big surge in the crowd starting around 4 a.m. on Wednesday.
By first light Wednesday morning, hundreds more had joined the line and dozens of police arrived to conduct traffic control.
Also in the mix were street musicians, jugglers and other entertainers, as well as snowboarders getting big air on trampolines.
All in all the atmosphere leading up to the opening of the doors was festive and few problems were expected outside of possible traffic slowdowns.
Portland officials say the new store will bring about 400 jobs to the area.
Go to the end of this story for more photos of the grand opening activities. The store is located just off Interstate 205 near the Portland International Airport. If you are driving I-205 north or south, you will exit Northeast Airport Way to Mount Hood Avenue and take Cascades Parkway to the store. The other major routes are either Northeast 82nd Avenue or 105th Avenue to Mount St. Helens Avenue. You can also take the MAX red line. IKEA is offering MAX riders a discount on delivery charges for a limited time. The Oregon Department of Transportation will use message boards to help direct traffic.
A musician plays saxophone for the crowd outside the store. He was also tap dancing at the same time.
These two young women were very excited to get some T-shirts.
Snowboarders on trampolines catch some big air as dawn breaks Wednesday.
Chef Chris said they expected to make between 50,000, and 100,000 meatballs for the grand opening Wednesday.
At long last, IKEA customers head up the elevator into the big new store.