Mall of America

The mall's concept was designed by the Triple Five Group in conjunction with global design firm DLR Group, owned by the Ghermezian brothers, who also own the second-largest shopping mall in North America, the West Edmonton Mall.{{Cite news|url=https://www.tampabay.com/florida-politics/buzz/2018/08/15/labor-union-launches-ads-targeting-gwen-graham-over-the-american-dream-mega-mall/|title=Labor union launches ads targeting Gwen Graham over the American Dream mega-mall|last=Mower|first=Lawrence|work=Tampa Bay Times|access-date=2018-08-17|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/features/2016-american-dream-mall/|title=How Not to Build a Supermall: $5 Billion, 5 Governors, 3 Developers, and 15 Years|last=Berfield|first=Susan|website=Bloomberg News|date=December 15, 2016}} The Mall of America is located on the site of the former Metropolitan Stadium,{{Cite news|url=https://lacrossetribune.com/news/archives/photos-some-images-of-the-mall-of-america-since-its/collection_9da91084-e18d-5d3c-993a-dce96a78a43c.html|title=Photos: Some images of the Mall of America since its opening in 1992|work=La Crosse Tribune|access-date=2018-08-17|language=en}} where the Minnesota Vikings and Minnesota Twins played{{Cite news|url=http://www.startribune.com/sid-hartman-supporter-of-stadiums-sees-super-bowl-dream/472496563/|title=Sid Hartman, supporter of stadium building through the decades, seeing a Super Bowl dream fulfilled|work=Star Tribune|access-date=2018-08-17}} until the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome opened in 1982.{{Cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2018/02/02/u-s-bank-stadium-ready-super-bowl-closeup/300621002/|title=U.S. Bank Stadium ready for Super Bowl closeup|work=USA Today|access-date=2018-08-17|language=en}} A plaque in the mall's amusement park commemorates the former location of home plate{{Cite news|url=https://minnesota.cbslocal.com/top-lists/unique-things-at-mall-of-america/|title=Best Unique Things At Mall Of America|date=November 6, 2010|access-date=2018-08-17|language=en}} and one seat from Met Stadium was placed in Mall of America at the exact location it occupied in the stadium, commemorating a {{convert|520|ft|m|adj=on}} home run hit by hall-of-famer Harmon Killebrew on June 3, 1967.{{Cite news|url=https://www.twincities.com/2011/05/16/eyewitness-to-history-this-harmon-killebrew-home-run-made-a-sound-like-no-other/|title=50 years ago today, Harmon Killebrew hit his longest home run|date=May 16, 2011|work=Twin Cities|access-date=2018-08-17|language=en-US}}

In 1986, the Bloomington Port Authority signed an agreement with the Ghermezian organization.{{Cite web |last=Brown |first=Alleen |date=2008-11-24 |title=Mall of America timeline |url=https://www.minnpost.com/infodoc/2008/11/mall-america-timeline/ |access-date=2025-01-21 |website=MinnPost |language=en-US}} Groundbreaking for the mall took place on June 14, 1989.{{Cite news|url=https://kstp.com/news/flashback-friday-mall-of-america-opened-25-years-ago/4563064/|title=Flashback Friday: Mall of America Opened its Doors 25 Years Ago|publisher=KSTP|access-date=2018-08-17|language=en|archive-date=2018-08-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180817193345/https://kstp.com/news/flashback-friday-mall-of-america-opened-25-years-ago/4563064/|url-status=dead}} Organizations involved include Melvin Simon and Associates,{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/09/19/AR2009091902713.html|title=Melvin Simon, 82, Dies; Commercial Real Estate Magnate Co-Owned Indiana Pacers|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=September 20, 2009|access-date=2018-08-17|language=en-US|issn=0190-8286}} Teachers Insurance and Annuity,{{Cite news|url=https://www.forbes.com/2003/09/12/cx_da_0912topnews.html|title=Mall Of America Goes To Canadians|last=Ackman|first=Dan|work=Forbes|access-date=2018-08-17|language=en}} and the office of architect Jon Jerde.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nola.com/crime/index.ssf/2016/01/jon_jerde_oliver_tulane_univer.html|title=Uptown home invasion suspect son of prominent architect Jon Jerde|work=NOLA.com|access-date=2018-08-17|language=en-US}}

Mall of America opened its doors to the public on August 11, 1992.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1992/08/30/style/the-mall-that-ate-minnesota.html|title=The Mall That Ate Minnesota|last=Karlen|first=Neal|work=The New York Times |date=August 30, 1992 |access-date=2018-08-17|language=en}} Its anchors were Nordstrom, Macy's, Bloomingdale's and Sears.{{Cite web|url=https://www.minnpost.com/infodoc/2008/11/mall-america-timeline/|title=Mall of America timeline|date=November 24, 2008|website=MinnPost}} Even before opening, the mall had earned several nicknames, including "The Megamall", "Sprawl of America", "Hugedale" in reference to the four major "dale" shopping malls within the Twin Cities: Rosedale, Southdale, Ridgedale and the now-defunct Brookdale.{{Citation needed|date=August 2018}}

Mall of America became the largest shopping mall in total area and largest in total store vendors in the United States when it opened. The Mall of America's 42 million annual visitors equal roughly eight times the population of the state of Minnesota. {{As of|2015}}, the mall employed over 11,000 workers year-round and 13,000 during peak seasons.{{cite web|title=Facts|url=http://www.mallofamerica.com/about/moa/facts|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160204084805/http://www.mallofamerica.com/about/moa/facts|archive-date=February 4, 2016|publisher=Mall of America}}

In early 2020, Mall of America closed for a period of twelve weeks in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, closing on March 17,{{Cite news|url=https://www.bizjournals.com/twincities/news/2020/03/17/mall-of-america-closing-through-end-of-month.html|date=2020-03-17|website=www.bizjournals.com|title=Register|url-access=subscription}} and reopening on June 10 with only 150 tenants open for business.{{Cite web|title=Mall of America reopens, with only 150 of 500 stores open Wednesday|url=https://www.startribune.com/mall-of-america-reopens-with-only-150-of-500-stores-open-wednesday/571161912/|access-date=2020-06-13|website=Star Tribune|date=June 11, 2020 }} The mall was originally scheduled to reopen on June 1, but civil unrest in the Twin Cities around this time caused the mall to postpone the reopening.{{Cite tweet|title=Register|url-access=limited|user=mallofamerica|number=1266446939626897409|url=https://twitter.com/mallofamerica/status/1266446939626897409|language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2020-06-10 |title=Mall of America reopens with limited number of shoppers |url=https://www.mprnews.org/story/2020/06/10/mall-of-america-reopens-with-limits-on-how-many-shoppers-can-be-inside |access-date=2023-10-23 |website=MPR News |language=en}}

In 2003, after a protracted six-year legal battle between Simon Property Group, the managing general partner of the property, and the Ghermezian brothers/Triple Five Group, over majority ownership of the site, a federal appeals court ruled in favor of the Ghermezians, effectively transferring control and planning authority of the mall back to the creator of the concept.{{cite news|newspaper=Star Tribune|title=Brothers win back control of megamall; Simon Property will contest a ruling that transfers majority ownership|date=September 12, 2003}} The dispute stemmed from a 1999 purchase of Teacher's Insurance's 27.5% equity stake by Simon Properties, giving them majority ownership. The Ghermezians claimed they were never told of the deal and sued Simon, citing fiduciary responsibility. On November 3, 2006, the Ghermezians gained full control of Mall of America by spending US$1 billion.{{cite news |url=http://twincities.bizjournals.com/twincities/stories/2006/10/30/daily39.html|title=Ghermezians take sole control of Mall of America in $1B deal|first=Sam|last=Black|newspaper=Minneapolis / St. Paul Business Journal|date=November 3, 2006}}

File:Mall of America Floors & Escalators.jpg

On May 18, 2008, the Mall of America received a tax break for a proposed $2 billion expansion. The bill gave the city of Bloomington the ability to increase taxes on sales, lodging and food and beverages to finance a parking ramp at the mall.{{Cite news|url=https://www.twincities.com/2008/05/18/capitol-budget-deal-beats-the-clock/|title=Capitol budget deal beats the clock|date=May 18, 2008|work=Twin Cities|access-date=2018-08-17|language=en-US}} On March 24, 2012, the Triple Five Group, partnered with architectural firm DLR Group, announced the start of a $200 million expansion that would build into the north parking lot of the mall.{{Cite web |title=Mall of America |url=https://www.dlrgroup.com/work/mall-of-america/ |access-date=2022-05-19 |website=DLR Group |language=en-US}} The plans called for an additional hotel and an additional {{convert|200000|sqft|m2}} of retail space.{{cite web|last=Webbtwebb |first=Tom |url=http://www.twincities.com/localnews/ci_20242313/mall-america-plans-200-million-expansion |title=Mall of America plans $200 million expansion |date=March 22, 2012 |publisher=TwinCities.com |access-date=July 24, 2012}} The project broke ground in the fall of 2013 and began opening in stages in the summer of 2015.{{Cite news|url=http://www.startribune.com/mall-of-america-s-325-million-addition-will-open-in-stages/317431411/|title=Mall of America's $325 million addition will open in stages|work=Star Tribune|access-date=2018-08-17}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.bizjournals.com/twincities/news/2013/04/18/mall-of-america-expansion.html|title=Mall of America moves ahead with $225M expansion (Updated rendering)|last=Vomhof|first=John|newspaper=Minneapolis / St. Paul Business Journal |date=April 18, 2013}} In March 2014, ground was broken on the mall's north side for the $104 million, 14-story JW Marriott hotel, owned and financed by the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community.[http://www.startribune.com/business/250815941.html 'Ground' broken on $325 million Mall of America expansion.] Retrieved March 21, 2014. In 2018, it was announced that MOA had proposed to build an indoor water park, with a cost between $150 and $200 million for the project.{{Cite news|url=http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2018/03/08/mall-of-america-indoor-water-park/|title=Mall Of America Proposes Huge Indoor Water Park|date=March 8, 2018|access-date=2018-08-17|language=en}} In March 2022, the plan was approved by the Bloomington City Council.{{Cite web |last=KSTP |first=Josh Skluzacek |date=March 11, 2022 |title=Bloomington approves financing plan to move MOA water park forward |url=https://kstp.com/kstp-news/top-news/bloomington-approves-financing-plan-to-move-moa-water-park-forward/ |access-date=2022-05-19 |website=KSTP.com Eyewitness News |language=en-US}}

File:Schriftzug moa.jpg

File:Mall of America interior three-level corridor.jpg

The Mall of America has a gross area of {{convert|5600000|sqft|m2|abbr=on}} or {{convert|129|acre|ha}}, and {{convert|2869000|sqft|m2|abbr=on}} of retail space.{{Cite web |last=Woodall |first=Candy |date=2018-02-03 |title=This Philly-area mall, not Mall of America, is actually the largest mall in America |url=https://www.pennlive.com/news/2018/02/this_philly-area_mall_not_mall.html |access-date=2023-12-30 |website=pennlive |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Mall Of America |url=https://mallofamerica.com/sites/default/files/2023-01/2022_SpecialtyLeasingBrochure%20MOA_2022_4-4_r1_200dpi.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230216160930/https://mallofamerica.com/sites/default/files/2023-01/2022_SpecialtyLeasingBrochure%20MOA_2022_4-4_r1_200dpi.pdf |archive-date=2023-02-16 |url-status=live |access-date=December 22, 2023 |website=mallofamerica.com}} The mall is nearly symmetric, with a roughly rectangular floor plan. More than 500 stores are arranged along three levels of pedestrian walkways on the sides of the rectangle, with a 4th level on the south and east sides. Four anchor department stores are located at the corners. The mall is organized into four different zones. Each of those zones had its own decorative style until a series of renovations from 2010 to 2015 led to a unified and more luxurious style, as well as to coincide with the mall's first major expansion.{{cite web|title=Mall of America' giant makeover ditches 90's in bid to stay hip.|url=http://www.startribune.com/mall-of-america-s-giant-makeover-ditches-90s-in-bid-to-stay-hip/266892831/|work=Star Tribune|date=July 25, 2014 |access-date=December 5, 2016}} The mall's food court is on the 3rd floor.{{cite web|url=http://mspmag.com/eat-and-drink/food-hall-or-food-mall/|author=March, Stephanie|title=What's the Difference Between a Food Hall and a Food Mall?|magazine=Mpls.St.Paul Magazine|date=December 26, 2018|access-date=July 20, 2020|archive-date=December 27, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181227133325/http://mspmag.com/eat-and-drink/food-hall-or-food-mall/}}

Despite Minnesota's cold winters, only the mall's entrances and some below ground areas are heated. Heat is allowed in through skylights above the central amusement park area. The majority of the heat is produced by lighting fixtures, other electric devices and people in the mall.{{cite web| url= http://www.voanews.com/english/archive/2006-10/2006-10-10-voa42.cfm?CFID=210482910&CFTOKEN=86992807| archive-url= http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20061114141623/http://www.voanews.com/english/archive/2006-10/2006-10-10-voa42.cfm?CFID=429416&CFTOKEN=23614443| url-status= dead| archive-date= November 14, 2006| title= America's Largest Mall Offers More than Shopping| first= Faiza| last= Elmasry| publisher= Voice of America| date= October 10, 2006}} In fact, even during the winter, air conditioning systems may still be in use during peak hours to ensure a comfortable shopping environment.{{cite web |url=http://chicagoweekly.net/2007/11/29/road-trip-to-the-mall-of-america/ |work=Chicago Weekly |title=Road Trip to the Mall of America |first=Rose |last=Schapiro |date=November 29, 2007 |access-date=December 10, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101122173106/http://chicagoweekly.net/2007/11/29/road-trip-to-the-mall-of-america/ |archive-date=November 22, 2010 }} Although the common areas are unheated, the individual stores do have heating systems.{{cite web| url= http://wcco.com/consumer/heating.costs.cold.2.638318.html| title= Heating Costs| author= WCCO – TV| date= January 25, 2008| url-status= dead| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100121032416/http://wcco.com/consumer/heating.costs.cold.2.638318.html| archive-date= January 21, 2010}}

Two nearly identical seven-story parking ramps on the east and west sides of the mall provide 12,287 parking spaces. Overflow parking north of the building provides an additional 1,200–1,500 spaces and 1,407 spaces are provided by IKEA, which opened in July 2004.

During its run as an all-encompassing entertainment and retail venue, certain aspects, particularly its bars, have come under scrutiny. In early 2000, a Mardi Gras-themed bar, Fat Tuesday, shut its doors due to indecent exposure and alcohol-related offenses.{{cite web|url=http://mn.gov/oah/multimedia/pdf/210112816.rt.pdf|title=STATE OF MINNESOTA OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATIVE HEARINGS FOR THE BLOOMINGTON CITY COUNCIL|date=July 14, 2000|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140320215511/http://mn.gov/oah/multimedia/pdf/210112816.rt.pdf|archive-date=March 20, 2014|url-status=dead}} On November 29, 2011, Google announced indoor maps for Mall of America along with several other places like airports, parks, and public spaces.{{cite web|url=http://googleblog.blogspot.in/2011/11/new-frontier-for-google-maps-mapping.html|title=A new frontier for Google Maps|year=2011}} On January 3, 2012, Macy's Inc. announced it would close its Bloomingdale's location at the Mall of America after nearly two decades.{{Cite news|url=http://www.twincities.com/2012/01/03/bloomingdales-at-mall-of-america-closing-space-to-be-divided/|title=Bloomingdale's at Mall of America closing; space to be divided|date=January 3, 2012|work=Twin Cities|access-date=2017-11-17|language=en-US}}

The Theatres at Mall of America opened three days after the grand opening of the mall. Initially, the cinema was run by General Cinema, but it was bought out then rebranded by AMC Theatres,{{Cite news|url=https://www.forbes.com/2001/12/06/1206merger|title=AMC To Acquire General Cinema|last=DiCarlo|first=Lisa|work=Forbes|access-date=2017-12-07|language=en}} and eventually operated by mall management. The cinema occupied the south side of the fourth floor through December 2016, when it closed permanently. It was replaced by Cinemex subsidiary CMX Cinemas in late 2017.{{cite web|last1=Kumar|first1=Kavita|title=Shuttered Mall of America movie theaters will reopen with gourmet food, cocktails|url=http://www.startribune.com/mall-of-america-will-have-a-movie-theater-after-all/411090205/|work=Star Tribune|date=January 19, 2017 |access-date=January 29, 2017}} Due to CMX Cinema's bankruptcy proceedings, CMX Mall of America closed down and replaced with B&B Theatres in 2021.{{Cite web |date=May 13, 2021 |title=Mall of America Movie Theater to Reopen as B&B Theatres |url=https://tcbmag.com/mall-of-america-movie-theater-to-reopen-as-bb-theatres/ |access-date=2022-03-04 |website=Twin Cities Business |language=en-US}}

On December 28, 2018, it was announced that Sears (which had been at the Mall of America since its opening in 1992) would be closing as part of a plan to close 80 stores nationwide.{{Cite news|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2018/12/28/sears-closing-80-more-stores-in-march-faces-possible-liquidation.html|title=Sears is closing 80 more stores in March, faces possible liquidation|last=Thomas|first=Lauren|date=January 18, 2018|publisher=CNBC}}

Currently, the mall features Macy's, Nordstrom, L.L. Bean, and Crayola Experience as its anchors, along with the vacant anchor space formerly occupied by Sears.

There are also many junior anchors, like H&M, Barnes & Noble, Nordstorm Rack, and DSW. Former junior anchors include Best Buy, Marshalls, Forever 21, and American Girl, with the latter being replaced with a 24,000-square-foot M&M's retail store, which opened in late 2020.{{Cite web|title=M&M's to open 'experiential store' at Mall of America – Bring Me The News|url=https://bringmethenews.com/minnesota-lifestyle/m-ms-to-open-experiential-store-at-mall-of-america|access-date=2020-10-26|website=bringmethenews.com|date=January 23, 2020 }}

There are also two hotels on the mall's property, JW Marriott Minneapolis Mall of America and Radisson Blu Hotel.

In 2023 a Toys "R" Us opened in the mall.{{Cite web |last=Rantala |first=Jason |date=2023-11-17 |title=Toys "R" Us opens flagship store in Mall of America shopping, MOA, toys r us - CBS Minnesota |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/toys-r-us-opens-flagship-store-in-mall-of-america/ |access-date=2024-10-30 |website=www.cbsnews.com |language=en-US}}

File:Amusement park at Mall of America.jpg

Nickelodeon Universe, formerly Camp Snoopy, is an indoor theme park in the center of the mall. The park features roller coasters, among numerous other rides and attractions, including many not related to Nickelodeon, and is the largest indoor theme park in the United States. Unlike many indoor amusement parks, Nickelodeon Universe has a great deal of natural foliage in and about the park, and its floor has a wide variance in height – the highest ground level in the park is {{convert|15|ft|m}} above the lowest. The rides include the roller coasters SpongeBob SquarePants Rock Bottom Plunge, Fairly Odd Coaster, Back at the Barnyard Hayride and Avatar Airbender, and a thrill ride called BrainSurge. It also has a miniature golfing section called Moose Mountain. This miniature golf course features eighteen holes and a relatively fast astroturf surface.{{Cite web|title=Moose Mountain Adventure Golf|url=https://www.mallofamerica.com/directory/moose-mountain-adventure-golf|access-date=2020-11-11|website=mallofamerica.com|language=en}}

At the Sea Life Minnesota Aquarium, guests travel through a {{convert|300|ft|m|adj=mid|-long}} curved tunnel through {{convert|14|ft|m}} of water to view over 4,500 sea creatures including sharks, turtles, stingrays and many more.{{cite web |url=http://www.sharky.tv/main.aspx?id=37& |title=*Official* SEA LIFE Minnesota |publisher=Sharky.tv |access-date=December 20, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100209202044/http://www.sharky.tv/main.aspx?id=37& |archive-date=February 9, 2010 }} Sea Life Minnesota Aquarium offers special events such as sleepovers, scuba diving, snorkeling and birthday parties.{{cite web |url=http://www.sharky.tv/main.aspx?id=41 |title=*Official* SEA LIFE Minnesota |publisher=Sharky.tv |access-date=December 20, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101129075516/http://sharky.tv/main.aspx?id=41 |archive-date=November 29, 2010 }}

• A stadium seat commemorating the longest home run at Metropolitan Stadium, hit by Minnesota Twins player Harmon Killebrew on June 3, 1967. The seat is painted red and bolted to a wall to mark the exact height and position at which the ball landed in the upper-deck seats.{{cite web|url=http://northmetro.blogspot.com/2008/03/baseball-at-mall.html|date= March 11, 2008|title=Baseball at the Mall |publisher=Dusty Lens}}
• A plaque embedded in the floor of Nickelodeon Universe, marking the spot of the home plate at Metropolitan Stadium.

File:Metropolitan Stadium Home Plate memorial.jpg

• A second plaque was added to the floor of Nickelodeon Universe in 2018, marking the spot on the 50-yard line at Metropolitan Stadium that was used for the coin toss before every Minnesota Vikings home game played there.
• The United Airlines Flight 93 memorial, in honor of those who died aboard that flight during the September 11 attacks. A bust of Tom Burnett (who was born and raised in Bloomington) stands on the west side of the first floor, next to the fountain in front of Nordstrom.{{cite web|url=http://www.readersdigest.com.au/content/27168/|title=Who Financed 9/11?|publisher=Reader's Digest Australia|first=Roland|last=Merullo|date=May 13, 2006|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080725183039/http://www.readersdigest.com.au/content/27168/|archive-date=July 25, 2008}}

{{main|Mall of America station}}

File:Mall of America Transit Station Mall Entrance.jpg

In the lower level of the eastern parking ramp is the Mall of America station, the busiest transit hub in Minnesota with services to and from many destinations in the Minneapolis–Saint Paul metropolitan area. The Transit Station contains two stops on the Metro Network: the southern terminus of the METRO Blue Line (light rail) to Downtown Minneapolis via MSP Airport and Hiawatha Avenue (operated by Metro Transit), and the northern terminus of the METRO Red Line (bus rapid transit) to Apple Valley. The indoor waiting area at Mall of America Transit Station is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Metro Transit and the MVTA also operate many local bus services to the Transit Station and many area hotels along with the Mystic Lake Casino Hotel offer free shuttles to their establishments.

The mall is not a park and ride facility, and overnight parking is banned to prevent passengers taking the train to the airport. Commuters are required to use the nearby 30th Avenue station's parking ramp. The station underwent a $25 million upgrade which was completed in October 2019.{{cite web |last1=Moore |first1=Janet |title=New $25 million Mall of America transit station set to welcome visitors 'in style' |url=http://www.startribune.com/overhauled-mall-of-america-transit-station-officially-dedicated/567885132/ |work=Star Tribune |access-date=February 27, 2020 |date=February 19, 2020}}{{cite web|title=Mall of America Transit Station|url=http://www.senate.mn/committees/2015-2016/3071_Transportation_and_Public_Safety_Budget_Division/SF245-%20MOA_Transit_Station.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161104142422/http://www.senate.mn/committees/2015-2016/3071_Transportation_and_Public_Safety_Budget_Division/SF245-%20MOA_Transit_Station.pdf |archive-date=2016-11-04 |url-status=live|website=Senate.MN|publisher=Minnesota Senate|access-date=November 4, 2016}}

Behavior Detection Officers (BDOs) are trained in Israel, each one going through at least 240 hours of training.{{Cite web|title = Inside the Anti-Terror Task Force at the Mall of America|url = https://foreignpolicy.com/2015/02/23/inside-the-anti-terror-task-force-at-the-mall-of-america/|website = Foreign Policy|access-date = October 4, 2015}} As Doug Reynolds, the former Security Director at the mall noted in a congressional testimony in 2008, BDOs are taught to "look for intent, rather than means. The objective is to focus on suspicious indicators in three categories: People, vehicles, and unattended items like backpacks, shopping bags, and suitcases."{{Cite web|url = http://www.gpoaccess.gov/congress/index.html|title = The Challenge of Protecting Mass Gatherings in a Post-9/11 World|date = July 9, 2008|access-date = October 4, 2015|website = US Government Printing Office|publisher = Committee on Homeland Security|last = Committee on Homeland Security House of Representatives One Hundred Tenth Congress|url-status = dead|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120113082946/http://www.gpoaccess.gov/congress/index.html|archive-date = January 13, 2012}} This methodology has prepared the mall for a variety of threats, both from terrorists and everyday criminals.

In 2010, the Minnesota Star Tribune reported that mall security officials were instructed to question or detain individuals exhibiting what they deemed "suspicious behavior". Signs of suspicious behavior included photographing air-conditioning ducts, or signs that a shopper was hiding something.{{cite news|url=http://www.startribune.com/business/129559713.html|title=They're watching at the Mall of America|author=G.W. SCHULZ, DANIEL ZWERDLING and ANDREW BECKER|date=September 11, 2011|access-date=January 8, 2015|newspaper=Star Tribune}} At the time, some officials within the Bloomington Police Department worried that the mall's security methods may infringe peoples' rights.{{cite news|url=http://www.salon.com/news/politics/feature/2011/09/07/mallofamerica|title=The shadow of suspicion falls in the Mall of America|date=September 7, 2011|work=Salon}}

In 2011, NPR's All Things Considered and Morning Edition and PBS's NewsHour both aired programs documenting security abuses by the mall's security personnel.{{cite web |url=https://www.npr.org/2011/09/07/140234451/under-suspicion-at-the-mall-of-america |title=Under Suspicion at the Mall of America |publisher=NPR |date=September 7, 2011}} On December 31, 2013, members from the First Nations protest movement Idle No More attempted to repeat a successful Native-American round dance held at the mall in 2012,{{cite web|url=http://blogs.citypages.com/blotter/2012/12/idle_no_more_flash_dance_brings_more_than_1000_protesters_to_mall_of_america_video.php|title=Idle No More flash dance brings more than 1,000 protesters to Mall of America|last1=Rupar|first1=Aaron|website=CityPages|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150222211923/http://blogs.citypages.com/blotter/2012/12/idle_no_more_flash_dance_brings_more_than_1000_protesters_to_mall_of_america_video.php|archive-date=February 22, 2015|url-status=dead|access-date=February 22, 2015}} but failed after being stopped by mall security. Organizers of the dance, Patricia Shepard and Reyna Crow from Duluth were arrested on site for trespassing.{{cite web|url=http://www.northlandsnewscenter.com/news/local/Idle-No-More-Round-Dance-attempt-ends-in-arrest-at-Mall-of-America-238327111.html|title="Idle No More" Round Dance attempt ends in arrests at Mall of America|author=KBJR News|publisher=Northland Newsletter|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140104175200/http://www.northlandsnewscenter.com/news/local/Idle-No-More-Round-Dance-attempt-ends-in-arrest-at-Mall-of-America-238327111.html|archive-date=January 4, 2014|url-status=dead|access-date=February 22, 2015}}

In January 2023, a TikTok was posted of a man wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with the slogan Jesus saves and the Coexist (image) logo crossed out being asked to either take it off or leave the mall, the member of security in the video saying "Jesus is associated with religion and it is offending people. People have been offended." In the video he stated that in another instance he was preaching in the mall and the mall has a policy against religious solicitation.{{cite web |url=https://www.christianheadlines.com/contributors/amanda-casanova/man-is-told-leave-mall-of-america-for-wearing-jesus-is-the-only-way-shirt.html |title=Man Is Allegedly Told to Leave Mall of America for Wearing 'Jesus Is the Only Way' Shirt |website=Christian Headlines |date=January 12, 2023 |access-date=January 16, 2023}}{{cite web |url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/lifestyle-buzz/man-in-jesus-saves-t-shirt-at-mall-of-america-told-to-take-it-off/ |title=Man in Jesus Saves t-shirt at Mall of America told to take it off |website=MSN |date=January 16, 2023 |access-date=January 16, 2023}}

In February 2015, the al-Shabaab militant group also released a propaganda video calling for attacks on the Mall of America and other Western shopping centers.{{cite news|title='Be particularly careful' today, U.S. homeland security chief tells MOA visitors|url=http://www.startribune.com/printarticle/?id=293319551|access-date=February 22, 2015|work=Star Tribune|date=February 22, 2015}} Although the group had never launched attacks in North America,{{cite news|title=No 'imminent threat' to West Edmonton Mall visitors, RCMP says|url=https://edmontonjournal.com/Terror+group+Shabaab+calls+attack+West+Edmonton+Mall/10833693/story.html|access-date=February 22, 2015|work=Edmonton Journal|date=February 22, 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150224194018/http://www.edmontonjournal.com/Terror%2Bgroup%2BShabaab%2Bcalls%2Battack%2BWest%2BEdmonton%2BMall/10833693/story.html|archive-date=February 24, 2015}} security at the mall was tightened in response and the Department of Homeland Security issued a one-day alert to shoppers to remain vigilant.

On December 21, 2014, thousands of protesters attended an unauthorized demonstration organized by Black Lives Matter in the mall's rotunda. The demonstration was in response to the shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri and the then recent jury decision not to prosecute the white officer in that case, as well as the death of Eric Garner of New York. In response to the demonstration, the Mall of America closed the areas of the mall around the rotunda.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/21/us/chanting-black-lives-matter-protesters-shut-down-part-of-mall-of-america.html|title=Chanting 'Black Lives Matter,' Protesters Shut Down Part of Mall of America|agency=Associated Press|newspaper=The New York Times|date=December 21, 2014 |access-date=March 21, 2015}} Police arrested 25 demonstrators.{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2014/12/21/us/mall-of-america-black-lives-protest/index.html|title='Black Lives Matter' protesters storm mall|author1=Ben Brumfield|date=December 21, 2014|access-date=January 9, 2015|publisher=CNN}} The Bloomington City Attorney, Sandra Johnson, pursued charges against the organizers,{{cite news|url=http://www.startribune.com/local/west/286734251.html|title=Bloomington seeks charges against Mall of America protesters|author1=LIBOR JANY|date=December 24, 2014|work=Star Tribune|access-date=January 9, 2015}} and the city is sought compensatory damages from some of the organizers for out-of-pocket costs the city incurred while paying overtime for additional security. In response to these charges, demonstrators have called for a boycott of the mall.{{cite news|url=http://www.mprnews.org/story/2015/03/10/mall-of-america-protesters-plea|title=Mall of America demonstrators plead not guilty to charges|author1=Brandt Williams|date=March 10, 2015|work=MPR News|access-date=March 21, 2015}}

Plans for another Black Lives Matter demonstration at the Mall of America on December 23, 2015, prompted mall officials to file a restraining order against the movement's activists.{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2015/12/22/mall-of-america-sues-to-stop-planned-dec-23-protest-by-black-lives-matter/|title=Mall of America sues to stop planned Dec. 23 protest by Black Lives Matter|last1=Moyer|first1=Justin Wm.|date=December 22, 2015|newspaper=The Washington Post}} Eight individual activists were sued in Hennepin County District Court.{{cite news|url=http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2015/12/21/black-lives-matter-minneapolis-8-activists-sued-by-moa/|title=Black Lives Matter Minneapolis: 8 Activists Sued By MOA|date=December 21, 2015|work=CBS Minnesota}} The mall's lawsuit would prohibit the defendants from demonstrating and require them to delete all of their posts to social media pertaining to the demonstration. The lawsuit additionally asked that the court jail Black Lives Matter activists unless they publicly announce that the demonstration is cancelled on their social media accounts. The American Civil Liberties Union of Minnesota called the mall's lawsuit an "improper prior restraint on speech" and an unconstitutional overreach.{{cite news|url=http://www.citypages.com/news/mall-of-america-wants-restraining-order-against-black-lives-matter-protest-7912790|title=Mall of America wants restraining order against Black Lives Matter protest|last1=Rietmulder|first1=Michael|date=December 22, 2015|work=City Pages}}{{cite news|url=http://www.mprnews.org/story/2015/12/21/mall-of-america-restraining-order-against-black-lives-matter-protest|title=Black Lives Matter vows MOA protest; judge weighs restraining order|last1=Feshir|first1=Riham|date=December 21, 2015|work=MPR News|last2=Collins|first2=Jon|last3=Cox|first3=Peter}}

{{Main|2019 Mall of America murder attempt}}

On April 12, 2019, a five-year-old boy was thrown from the third-story balcony by 24-year-old Emmanuel Deshawn Aranda of Minneapolis, outside the Rainforest Cafe, and landed near the Michael Kors store. The boy was in the hospital for over five months, but eventually recovered. Aranda was sentenced to 19 years in prison in June of that year with the possibility for parole after 12 years.{{cite web|url=https://nypost.com/2019/06/03/man-who-tossed-5-year-old-from-mall-of-america-balcony-gets-19-years/|newspaper=New York Post|title=Man who tossed 5-year-old from Mall of America balcony gets 19 years|author=Jaeger, Max|date=June 3, 2019|access-date=July 19, 2020|archive-date=June 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190604074137/https://nypost.com/2019/06/03/man-who-tossed-5-year-old-from-mall-of-america-balcony-gets-19-years/}}{{cite web|first1= Amanda|last1= Woods|access-date=2022-06-18|newspaper=New York Post|title=Landen Hoffman, boy thrown from Mall of America balcony, is home from hospital|url=https://nypost.com/2019/09/04/landen-hoffman-is-home-from-hospital-after-being-thrown-from-mall-of-america-balcony/|date=September 4, 2019}}{{cite news|url=https://www.sctimes.com/story/news/local/2019/06/03/mall-america-attacker-gets-19-years-prison/1329061001/|title=Mall of America attacker gets 19 years in prison|work=Associated Press|agency=St. Cloud Times|date=June 3, 2019|accessdate=October 23, 2024}}

On December 31, 2021, a single gunshot was fired on the north side of the third floor of the mall. A patrolling Bloomington Police Department officer who heard the shot immediately notified mall security, who activated the mall's lockdown alarm. Responding officers found a man who had been shot in the leg when they arrived at the scene and later another injured person was found who appeared to have been grazed by the bullet. The first victim was transported to the hospital while the second was treated on the scene by paramedics and released. According to a statement by Deputy Chief Kim Clausen, she recommended that there was an "altercation" between two men that resulted in one shooting the other. After a thorough search of the mall by police and security officers, the lockdown was lifted approximately 40 minutes after it started and the mall closed for the rest of the day shortly thereafter.{{cite web|url=https://kstp.com/news/two-people-injured-after-shooting-friday-at-mall-of-america-new-years-eve/6346741/|title=2 injured after shooting at Mall of America; police say mall secured, investigation ongoing|date=December 31, 2021|access-date=January 1, 2022}}

On January 3, 2022, an 18-year-old Roseville man was identified as they left the scene of the shooting with the shooter was arrested for aiding and abetting first-degree assault,{{cite web|url=https://www.fox9.com/news/suspect-arrested-in-connection-with-mall-of-america-shooting/|title=Teenager arrested in connection with Mall of America shooting|date=January 3, 2022|access-date=January 4, 2022}} and on January 4, police arrested the suspect on assault charges and in a subsequent search of the house found a gun.{{cite web|url=https://www.fox9.com/news/mall-of-america-shooting-gunman-arrested-gun-recovered/|title=Mall of America shooting: Police arrest gunman, recover firearm|date=January 4, 2022|access-date=January 4, 2022}} In March, 2022, the man, Kahlil Wiley, pleaded guilty to one count of second degree assault with a dangerous weapon and was sentenced to three years and nine months. The second assault charge against him was previously dismissed.{{cite news|url=https://kstp.com/kstp-news/top-news/man-sentenced-to-nearly-4-years-in-new-years-eve-mall-of-america-shooting/|title=

Man sentenced to nearly 4 years in New Year's Eve Mall of America shooting|last=Omastiak|first=Rebecca|agency=KSTP-TV|date=March 22, 2024|accessdate=October 23, 2024}}

On August 4, 2022, the mall was put under lockdown after two men fired gunshots during an altercation at the Nike store, then fled.{{Cite web |last=Sarlsohn |first=Hannah |date=August 4, 2022 |title=Mall of America will remain closed after lockdown lifted |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/08/04/us/mall-of-america-active-incident/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220805010136/https://www.cnn.com/2022/08/04/us/mall-of-america-active-incident/index.html |archive-date=2022-08-05 |access-date=2022-08-04 |publisher=CNN}} Two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch was in the mall with his family at the time; they were unharmed.{{Cite web |date=August 5, 2022 |title=NASCAR's Ky. Busch, family escape mall shooting |url=https://www.espn.com/racing/nascar/story/_/id/34349220/nascar-driver-kyle-busch-family-escape-shooting-mall-america-minnesota |access-date=2022-08-06 |publisher=ESPN |language=en}} The two alleged shooters were apprehended a week later in Chicago. They were detained shortly after stepping out of a barbershop. Three people were also arrested for allegedly aiding the shooters as they fled the scene and hid from authorities at a nearby Best Western hotel. Two of the suspects originated from Minneapolis, while the other three originated from Burnsville, all between the ages of 21 and 23.{{Cite news |date=August 11, 2022 |title=Men wanted in Mall of America shooting arrested in Chicago area |publisher=KMSP-TV |url=https://www.fox9.com/news/men-wanted-in-mall-of-america-shooting-arrested-in-chicago-area |access-date=2022-08-11}}

On December 23, 2022, the mall was placed under lockdown after a "long-standing feud" led to the fatal shooting of a 19-year old male inside the Nordstrom department store.{{Cite news |last=Furst |first=Randy |date=2022-12-24 |title=One dead in shooting at Mall of America |work=Star Tribune |url=https://www.startribune.com/bloomington-police-confirm-shooting-at-mall-of-america/600238426/ |access-date=2022-12-24}}{{cite news | last = Reeve | first = Richard | date = December 25, 2022 | title = Man recalls when he heard shots fired inside Mall of America, police arrest 5 suspects | url = https://kstp.com/kstp-news/local-news/prosecutors-decline-charges-against-deputies-who-fatally-shot-otsego-man/?cat=5 | work = KSTP}}{{cite news | last = Olson S | first = Rochelle | date = December 25, 2022 | title = Mall of America shooting victim identified as Johntae Hudson of St. Paul | url = https://www.startribune.com/mall-of-america-shooting-victim-identified-as-johntae-hudson-of-st-paul/600238636/ | work = Star Tribune}} A bullet grazed a bystander's clothing resulting in only minor injuries. Two teenagers, TaeShawn Adams-Wright and Lavon Longstreet, were later convicted of second degree-murder and second-degree assault for the shooting. Both were sentenced in 2024 to 30 years and seven months in prison.{{cite news|url=https://www.kare11.com/article/news/crime/second-defendant-sentenced-mall-of-america-shooting/89-d54a138d-b141-4dce-b8b3-3fe78ce61dd4|title=Second man sentenced to 30 years in deadly Mall of America shooting|last=Griswold|first=David|agency=KARE|date=June 10, 2024|accessdate=October 23, 2024}}

The Mall of America was used as a filming location for various movies and television shows,{{cite web|title=MOA® Moments: Behind the Screens|date=March 20, 2017|url=https://blog.mallofamerica.com/moa-moments-behind-screens/|access-date=October 13, 2017}} including:

• D2: The Mighty Ducks (1994)
• D3: The Mighty Ducks (1996)
• Hosted the first episode of WCW Monday Nitro on September 4, 1995.{{Cite news|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2179899-wwe-turning-point-analyzing-historical-impact-of-first-episode-of-wcw-nitro|title=WWE Turning Point: Analyzing Historical Impact of First Episode of WCW Nitro|last=Wakeman|first=Travis|work=Bleacher Report|access-date=2018-08-17|language=en-US}}{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/wcw/ddp-best-of-nitro|title=Recalling Nitro with a BANG!|publisher=WWE|last=Powers|first=Kevin|date=June 7, 2011|access-date=March 28, 2012}}
• Jingle All the Way (1996)
• You're Invited to Mary-Kate & Ashley's Mall Party (1997)
• Mall Masters (2001)
• Viva la Bam (2003–2006){{cite web |title=Viva La Bam |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/viva_la_bam/s03 |website=Rotten Tomatoes |language=en}}
• Mall Cops: Mall of America{{cite news|last1=Vomhof|first1=John Jr.|title=Mall of America seeks more roles in reality shows after 'Mall Cops' success |url=http://www.bizjournals.com/twincities/stories/2010/03/22/story3.html?b=1269230400%5e3052511|work=Minneapolis / St. Paul Business Journal|date=March 21, 2010}} (2010)
• The End of the Tour (2015)

The mall was referenced in the series How I Met Your Mother during the episode "Slap Bet" as the reason why native Minnesotan Marshall Eriksen believed that Robin Scherbatsky would have been married in a mall; this is a reference to the Chapel of Love in the mall, which closed in August 2022.{{cite web|url=https://www.chapeloflove.com/|title=Chapel of Love at the Mall of America}}{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2007/04/24/how-i-met-your-mother-slap-bet-review|title=How I Met Your Mother: "Slap Bet" Review|date=April 24, 2007}} The mall was the location of the premiere of Digimon: The Movie (2000) and the 30th anniversary screening of The Godfather (1972). The mall was also referenced in the series Reginald the Vampire in the episode "Reginald Andres Beyond Thunderdome" by the character Ashley who was quoted as saying "I was born on the day they broke ground for the largest shopping mall in America."

In the Lifter Puller song "Bloomington", singer Craig Finn (a Minnesota native) refers to the mall as a place where the narrator conducts some of their illicit business: "His idea of fun is Bloomington, he always takes his calls at the megamall".{{cite web|url=https://genius.com/Lifter-puller-bloomington-lyrics|title=Lifter Puller - Bloomington lyrics - Genius}}

{{Portal|United States|Business}}

• American Dream Meadowlands – a similarly large shopping mall in New Jersey
• Hmongtown Marketplace – an ethnic Hmong shopping center and cultural hub nicknamed "Hmong Mall of America" for its large size
• List of the world's largest shopping malls
• List of largest shopping malls in the United States
• Mall Cops: Mall of America

{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

{{Commons category}}

• {{Official website|http://www.mallofamerica.com}}
• [http://www.labelscar.com/minnesota/mall-of-america Labelscar summary]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20100426171119/http://www.metrotransit.org/mall-of-america-station.aspx Metro Transit: Mall of America Station]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20080205000335/http://articles.citypages.com/2007-11-28/news/the-full-moa/ City Pages staff writer Matt Snyders spends one week in the Mall of America]

{{Minnesota}}

{{Twin cities shopping malls}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:Buildings and structures in Bloomington, Minnesota

Category:Shopping malls established in 1992

Category:Shopping malls in Hennepin County, Minnesota

Category:Tourist attractions in Hennepin County, Minnesota

Category:1992 establishments in Minnesota