Confetti cannons blast after the dedication for the Tysons Corner Center Plaza on July 24. Photo courtesy of the Office Sharon Bulova
Another Tysons plaza was unveiled, but not in the usual manner.
Confetti cannons, people blowing bubbles, acrobats inside of balloons and many more eye catching celebratory notes were a part of the Tysons Corner Center Plaza opening on July 24.
The plaza connects the metro station to Tysons Corner Center Mall as well as residential areas.
“We’re hoping it will be popular and be somewhere people want to hang out,” said Macerich Assistant Vice President Cory Scott. “It’s great.”
More than 100 people came to the opening ceremony, which unveiled the Cox Discovery Cove play area, a giant chess set and the art piece Early Bird, which are statues of life size birds scattered around the 55,000 square foot plaza. The art was commissioned by George Mason University.
“As a part of the program, we gave them a check for $25,000 today that will go towards an endowment for a scholarship there,” said Scott.
Outdoor concerts are planned every Friday night and movies will play on the green frequently, he said. Additionally, Shake Shack will open in the plaza in August. To counter the milkshakes and burgers, fitness programs sponsored by Crunch Fitness will be held there as well.
“There will be all kinds of free activities,” said Scott.
Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova said the plaza dedication was an exciting event.
“There was an incredible vibrancy,” she said. “It was a beautiful way to kick off the Silver Line and the redevelopment of Tysons.”
She liked that the plaza, which is at the same level as the Tysons Corner Metro station, is a level above traffic, which lends an interesting perspective of the urban center.
“Once you arrived and were on that plaza, it was a different world,” she said. “And that was exciting.”
Scott said he hopes more people will get excited about the space like he is.
“People are used to the mall,” he said. “Now, all of a sudden, there is a new corridor. Everyone is really excited. It’s fun to come out and see that space for the first time.”
Visitors can locate the plaza by going through the Tysons Corner Metro station or Lord & Taylor at the mall.
Plaza events can be found at http://www.tysonscornercenter.com/Events.