American Dream Announces Oct. 1 Reopening

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ — As New Jersey continues to inch its way toward normalcy — whatever that is anymore — American Dream announced it will follow suit.

After reopening Big SNOW, the mall's indoor ski slope, earlier this week, American Dream announced retail and indoor entertainment at the East Rutherford complex will reopen Oct. 1.

Confirmed for reopening are retailers including H&M, Primark and Zara, who will open their American Dream locations for the first time.

DreamWorks Water Park, Nickelodeon Universe, Out of This World Blacklight Mini Golf and The Rink will also reopen Oct. 1, according to a news release.

"We’d like to thank Governor Murphy, his administration, the New Jersey Department of Health, our legislative delegation, County Executive Jim Tedesco and his team, and the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority for their collective efforts throughout this process to get to a safe reopening,” said Don Ghermezian, American Dream co-CEO.

This announcement comes after Gov. Phil Murphy said indoor amusement parks could reopen beginning Sept. 1, and even referenced American Dream directly.

"We know that our community has been waiting to return, but it was important to us that we took the proper time and precautions needed to welcome guests back in the safest possible manner," said Ghermezian.

Though the location is set to open, new protocols for health and safety will be in place. Here's what guests can expect:

• Face coverings required for entry
• Reduced capacities throughout American Dream and within each open attraction
• Increased sanitizing and disinfecting throughout common areas and attractions
• Hand sanitizer stations and hygiene reminders installed throughout American Dream and within attractions
• Physical distancing guidance, including ground markings, plexiglass barriers and touchless programming

When Big SNOW opened on Sept. 1, they did so with an acknowledgment of what had happened in the state, and throughout the country, in the preceding months.

The first chair lift to climb the indoor slope at the facility was empty, honoring the people who died from the coronavirus in New Jersey.

"In honor of those we lost and those who lost them," read a banner displayed by employees.

Read more: Big SNOW Sends Up Empty Ski Lift Honoring Coronavirus Victims