DETROIT TIGERS OPENING DAY LEGO STYLE

I had the opportunity to be at Comerica Park for Opening Day but unfortunately was tied up in court having to handle 50 traffic ticket hearings instead of being able to be at the ballpark watching the Detroit Tigers play. So, I appreciated this video from LEGOLAND Discovery Center Michigan that let me enjoy the spirit of the downtown festivities I missed out on participating in. Was geeked to view their LEGO-ized version of a parade on Woodward Avenue and the Tiger's baseball stadium.

LEGOLAND Discovery Center Michigan in the suburb of Auburn Hills located inside the Great Lakes Crossing mall has an impressive MINILAND that recreates downtown Detroit made out of more than a million LEGO building bricks. The Comerica Park replica itself is made from 25,000 LEGO bricks and weighs a whopping 250 pounds. It is filled with more than 400 LEGO mini-figures representing fans and players. 

Visitors at this LEGOLAND Discovery Center can even interact with the stadium playing a pinball-style baseball game where they can “go to bat” and try to score everything from a single to a home run. The MINILAND often has special exhibits based upon current events such as a Thanksgiving Day parade and Christmas decorations to alter the appearance of its downtown streets and buildings. For Opening Day, the MINILAND had a baseball celebration parade on display and had a celebrity singing the National Anthem on the field of Comerica Park. It is always interesting to see what may be new in the MINILAND during a visit to LEGOLAND Discovery Center Michigan.

In addition to the MINILAND exhibit, LEGOLAND Discovery Center Michigan has two amusement rides (Kingdom Quest + Merlin's Apprentice), a 4D cinema, build-a-car race track and more. For directions and additional information, head over to legolanddiscoverycenter.com/michigan 

LEGO NINJAGO 4D MOVIE

My kids have been really into the LEGO NINJAGO cartoons, toys and video games lately.  So they were ecstatic that we were invited to attend a VIP screening of a brand new movie for the 4D theater at LEGOLAND Discovery Center Michigan featuring the main characters from LEGO NINJAGO ... Lloyd, Kai, Zane, Cole, Nya and Master Wu. My son and daughter were so excited when we arrived at Great Lakes Outlets for this special premiere showing of LEGO NINJAGO: MASTER OF THE 4TH DIMENSION that we were greeted at the entrance of LEGOLAND Discovery Center by Kai, the Red Ninja himself.  Of course, we had to take a fun picture with him!

As we made our way back to the 4D theater, the path led through a LEGO mini-land cityscape of Detroit that was experiencing a NINJAGO takeover. LEGO NINJAGO toys had been placed throughout the display tying in to the movie theme of our visit.  We also jumped on KINGDOM QUEST and MERLIN'S APPRENTICE RIDE before heading over to the theater.  Ride through a medieval landscape while shooting at evil creatures with a laser gun to save the day in KINGDOM QUEST.  It is always a blast competing to see who gets the highest score! MERLIN'S APPRENTICE RIDE has you pedal a cart around the magician's library.  The faster you pedal the higher your rise while circling around the room.

While waiting for the new 4D LEGO NINJAGO movie's show time outside the theater, my son created a brick sculpture of his favorite ninja character on one of the LEGO play boards mounted on a wall. What a nice job! He was really proud of his creation.

Then it was time to turn in our tickets to see LEGO NINJAGO: MASTER OF THE 4TH DIMENSION!!!

In this 12-minute long 4D movie, Master Wu prepares the ninjas to take on the teachings of the mysterious 'Scroll of the 4th Dimension' but disastrous consequences strike. Cole, Kai, Lloyd, Nya and Zane find themselves in a whole heap of trouble trapped within the 4th Dimension. Can they escape from this weird place? Go see the movie at LEGOLAND Discovery Center Michigan to find out!

The 4D theater at LEGOLAND Discovery Center takes 3D movies then adds special effects like blowing wind and spraying water at the audience in sync with scenes within the show.  The Ninjago characters are a nice fit for this format as their elemental powers coincide with the types of 4D special effects utilized in the theater.  When Nya uses her power to control water be ready to get wet!



So what did my kids think of the new 4D LEGO Ninjago movie at LEGOLAND Discovery Center Michigan --> "That was AWESOME!"

For more information about LEGOLAND Discovery Center Michigan, including admission prices, directions, hours and special events, head over to michigan.legodiscoverycenter.com.

Ninjago Training Camp

 ** A Geek Daddy received free admission to the featured attraction**

LEGOLAND Discovery Center Michigan celebrated its one year anniversary at Great Lakes Crossing mall in the Detroit suburb of Auburn Hills this weekend by adding a brand new addition to the fun activities this great entertainment attraction has to offer.  My kids have been on a Ninjago kick lately playing with this LEGO toy line, watching the animated series on Netflix, and pretending to be these characters when they've been playing at school for recess.  So they were really excited to find out that our local LEGOLAND Discovery Center was opening a NINJAGO TRAINING CAMP that we were going to get a sneak peek at before its official grand opening to the public.

A giant sculpture made from LEGO bricks of one of the Ninjago characters was guarding the entrance to LEGOLAND Discovery Center Michigan when we arrived.  Berti, the LEGOLAND Discovery Center mascot, was there too greeting guests and welcoming them in.  Kids were being encouraged to sign a card as they entered to congratulate Berti on his first year anniversary of living at Great Lakes Crossing.  My son and daughter were more than eager to put their names on the card and all the kids around them seemed eagerly enthusiastic to wish Berti a happy birthday.

Then it was off to challenge ourselves in the Ninjago Training Camp.  This new play zone has activities that will put kids reflexes and flexibility to the test.  For people who have visited LEGOLAND Discovery Center Michigan before don't worry they didn't replace anything to add this area but rather expanded into what had previously been storage space.  It really is a nice enhancement to the place with lots of fun things to do. The play area brings to life the ninja characters and their elemental dragons from the LEGO Ninjago collection through great interactive experiences.

There is a precision training drill where you can compete against someone else in a game that is similar to a giant-sized wall mounted version of Simon.  Whoever is the quickest at repeating the random sequences of lit up panels on the wall by pressing them the quickest before time runs out wins this round of their Ninjago training.

The highlight of the Ninjago Training Camp is the maze!  Do you have the flexibility to make it through without touching a laser beam obstacle?!

There is also a LEGO brick building area that lets kids construct a Ninjago fortress.

After we had a chance to play in the Ninjago Training Camp there was a ceremony for the official opening of the play area. Instead of a ribbon cutting though they had local karate students kick down a LEGO brick wall.  A very nice way to kick things off for this entertaining new space.

My kids always enjoy visiting LEGOLAND Discovery Center Michigan and this new addition makes the place even better.  For more information or to purchase tickets for a visit, please visit michigan.legolanddiscoverycenter.com/

If your kids are into Ninjago as much as mine here's a heads up that there is an animated feature film coming to theaters this fall.  The LEGO Ninjago Movie is being released September 22, 2017.

RESCUED GREEN SEA TURTLES FINDS NEW HOME IN MICHIGAN AQUARIUM

Metro Detroit's SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium celebrated its second anniversary at Great Lakes Crossing Outlet Mall by welcoming a new resident to its 120,000 gallon ocean tank -- Carr the Green Sea Turtle.  The 85 pound turtle was severely injured after being hit by a boat but Grumbo Limbo Nature Center in Boca Raton, Florida, rescued Carr and nursed him back to health.  Unfortunately, due to floatation issues caused by his injuries, Carr is non-releasable; which means he will never be able to survive again in the wild.  So SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium is taking him in where he'll join another rescued turtle, Benson, living at the facility.

My kids and I were at SEA LIFE Michigan to welcome Benson to his new home back in 2015 (click here to read that post) and had a chance to see the green sea turtle up close as he was introduced to the aquarium's ocean tank.  Both turtles received round-the-clock care and monitoring from a veterinarian team in a special med pool for the week before being released into the ocean tank and during that time also learned SEA LIFE Michigan's target training feeding technique to help orientate them to their new home.  Benson has taken really well to living in the Great Lakes State and now he'll have a friend to share the space with in Carr.

SEA LIFE has devoted itself to hosting and providing care for non-releasable rescued green sea turtles based upon the endangered state of the species.  Only 1,000 - 10,000 of this species' hatchlings born each year actually survive to adulthood, according to the Sea Turtle Conservancy.  In addition to danger presented by predators in the ocean, green sea turtles are also threatened by human activities such as loss of habitat to development, commercial fishing, pollution, and being hit by boat traffic which is what injured both Benson and Carr.  Caring for these two rescued turtles is part of SEA LIFE'S Breed, Rescue and Protect program which enhances the value of the aquarium as an entertainment attraction by having it also support marine wildlife educational outreach and conservancy efforts.

TICKET GIVEAWAY

Would you like to welcome Carr to his new home in Michigan?  A Geek Daddy has a four pack of tickets to SEA LIFE Michigan to giveaway.  Visit SEA LIFE Michigan's website then email thegeekdaddy [at] yahoo [dot] com sharing with us which of the 250 species of sea life creatures you are most excited to see at the Detroit area aquarium.  Also please include your full name and mailing address.  One lucky winner will be randomly selected to receive the ticket prize pack.  To participate in the giveaway you must be a Michigan resident over the age of 18 years old. Entries must be received by February 3, 2017 @ 11:59 pm ET.

SEA LIFE Michigan is one of 8 aquariums operated within the United States by MERLIN ENTERTAINMENTS.  All together, Merlin operates 25 attractions and 2 hotels in the United States including LEGOLAND Discovery Center Michigan (also located at Great Lakes Crossing), plus LEGOLAND Resorts in Florida and California, and six Madame Tussauds celebrity wax attractions.

For more information about the aquarium go to visitsealife.com/michigan

 A Geek Daddy has not been financially compensated for this endorsement or hosting the giveaway but was provided the same items being provided as a prize for personal use. The prize is provided by SEA LIFE MICHIGAN and A Geek Daddy is hosting the promotion as a benefit to our readers. Must be a Michigan resident over the age of 18 to participate.  One entry per person and winner will be randomly selected from all eligible entries.  By participating in this promotion you waive any liability of any kind against the publisher of this blog. Winner is subject to eligibility verification. No P.O. Boxes allowed for delivery of the prize. SEA LIFE MICHIGAN  will be responsible for shipping the prize to the selected winner.  Emails will only be utilized for notifying winner and will be deleted at the conclusion of the promotion.  Each email will be designated a number based upon when it is received and a winning number will be randomly selected to determine the winner. Entries must be received by February 3, 2017 @ 11:59 pm ET.

LEGOLAND DISCOVERY CENTER MICHIGAN TO UNVEIL GM RENCEN LEGO MODEL AT NORTH AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW

LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Michigan will unveil its first MINILAND LEGO® brick model, which will be of the iconic GM RENCEN, at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) at 2 p.m. on Monday, January 18, 2016. Measuring approximately six feet by six feet wide and standing six feet tall, the model will be on display at NAIAS until Sunday, January 24th.  The GM RENCEN (aka Detroit Renaissance Center) was selected as the Metro Detroit area’s favorite landmark from among dozens of beloved Detroit attractions, buildings and landmarks through a public vote that LEGOLAND Discovery Center Michigan sponsored and will eventually be displayed permanently in the highly anticipated MINILAND exhibit when the attraction opens later this year at Great Lakes Crossing outlet mall in Auburn Hills, Michigan. The NAIAS is considered to be one of the most prominent automotive events in the world drawing more than 850,000 attendees and 5,000 members of the media from more than 60 countries each year.

"As an iconic symbol of Detroit's history and innovation in the automobile industry, we are honored to debut our LEGO model of t he GM RENCEN at the Motor City's preeminent event of the year," Hayley Anderson, general manager for LEGOLAND Discovery Center Michigan  told A Geek Daddy. "Being included in the North American International Auto Show is a unique and exciting opportunity that will allow us to share our model with the community and region."

The first MINILAND model for LEGOLAND Discovery Center Michigan - GM REN CEN unveiled 1/18.16

Situated along Detroit's international riverfront, the GM REN CEN is an iconic collection of seven interconnected skyscrapers that are owned by and serve as the world headquarters for General Motors.  The central tower, the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center, is the tallest building in Michigan and the tallest all-hotel skyscraper in the Western Hemisphere.

“On behalf of the tenants, employees, businesses and visitors at the GMRENCEN, we’re honored to be chosen as metro Detroit’s top landmark in the future LEGOLAND Discovery Center,” Claudia Killeen, General Motors manager of Renaissance Center Development communicated to A Geek Daddy. “With its unique cylindrical design and glass exterior, we have no doubt that the GMRENCEN will make a great addition to the Detroit MINILAND.”

LEGOLAND Discovery Center Michigan will be a 32,000-square foot indoor attraction featuring millions of LEGO bricks and themed exhibits including a 4D cinema, two interactive rides, large soft play areas and much more.  One of the highlights of any LEGOLAND Discovery Center is its MINILAND which feature miniature LEGO brick landscapes inspired by the community where it is located.  LEGOLAND Discovery Center Michigan will have a MINILAND featuring Metro Detroit buildings, attractions, and other notable landmarks that will include in addition to GM REN CEN, the Spirit of Detroit statue, Belle Isle, Motown Museum, Fox Theater, Guardian Building, Comerica Park, and the giant Uniroyal Tire.

For more information about LEGOLAND Discovery Center Michigan visit their Facebook page - www.facebook.com/legolanddiscoverycentermichigan.  Follow A Geek Daddy on Facebook too to stay updated on all the new content and contests we post on our blog - www.facebook.com/ageekdaddy.

OHIO MAN TO BECOME LEGOLAND DISCOVERY CENTER MICHIGAN'S FIRST MASTER BUILDER

How great would it be to have a job where you spent your whole work day building things with LEGO blocks?  Last weekend nearly 100 people battled it out in a two-day LEGO building competition at Great Lakes Crossing Outlets in Auburn Hills, Michigan for just that opportunity. LEGOLAND Discovery Center Michigan, which will be opening at the mall later this year, decided to select the attraction's first Master Builder, a full-time employment opportunity, through a contest which pitted candidates for the job against one another in several rounds of timed building competitions. The Master Builder is responsible for maintaining and updating MINILAND models, developing new features and exhibitions and working with the thousands of children expected to visit LEGOLAND Discovery Center Michigan. 

In the end as contestants were whittled down through each round of the Brick Factor competition there could only be one winner .. and that was Wauseon, Ohio resident Clint Parry.  Parry won over judges with several original LEGO models that he thought of and built on the spot that included a chicken for the first animal-themed round, a water-themed roller coaster for the favorite vacation spot theme of the second round and a computer for the final build, where contestants had to create a LEGO representation of his or her interests.

“I feel very overwhelmed with how amazing this experience has been,” Clint Parry said after being selected as the Master Builder for LEGOLAND Discovery Center Michigan. “I planned to come to the competition to have a great experience, to work with talented LEGO builders and to share my enthusiasm for LEGO with children. To have made it through the end of the competition is truly unbelievable. I have loved building with LEGO bricks for as long as I can remember, and I am so excited to make this passion my career. My hope is to inspire children to build anything they can dream up.”

LEGOLAND Discovery Center Michigan will be a 32,000-square-foot indoor attraction featuring millions of LEGO bricks and themed exhibits including a 4D cinema, two interactive rides, large soft play areas and much more. It is planned to open in the Spring of 2016 at Great Lakes Crossing Outlets.

“We are thrilled to welcome Clint to the LEGOLAND Discovery Center Michigan team,” said LEGOLAND Discovery Center Michigan’s General Manager Hayley Anderson. “We know that Clint will bring his own brand of creativity and imagination to the role, and have already been impressed with his ability to construct LEGO models against very talented opponents in the Brick Factor competition.

LEGOLAND DISCOVERY CENTER MICHIGAN IS LOOKING TO HIRE A MASTER MODEL BUILDER

Do you have the ability to sculpt things from LEGO bricks that amaze and wow people?
LEGOLAND Discovery Center Michigan is seeking adult LEGO fans to apply up until midnight on Monday, January 4, 2016 for the coveted role of Master Model Builder, a full-time salaried position at the attraction.  How awesome would it be to tell people you are a professional LEGO bricks model builder when asked about your career?!  This is a dream job for anyone who has ever loved playing with LEGO bricks!

The Master Model Builder is a hands-on role that is responsible for maintaining and updating MINILAND models and developing new features, exhibitions and building new models at the LEGOLAND Discovery Center, as well as working with the thousands of children expected to visit the attraction.   LEGOLAND Discovery Center Michigan will be a 32,000-square-foot indoor attraction at Great Lakes Crossing Outlets in the Metro Detroit community of Auburn Hills that will feature millions of LEGO bricks and themed exhibits including a 4D cinema, two interactive rides, large soft play areas, and much more.

Applicants will compete against each other in an exciting two-day Brick Factor competition, set for Saturday and Sunday, January 9 & 10th at Great Lakes Crossing Outlets.  During the two-day Brick Factor event, participants will display their skill by taking part in creative challenges and building original LEGO brick models in timed rounds of judged competition.  The first day will consist of two rounds of competition with eliminations taking place during each round.  The day's top competitors will participate in formal interviews and a final challenging building round on Sunday, after which one will be crowned the LEGOLAND Discovery Center Michigan Master Builder.

"The Master Model Builder is one of the most exciting and creative jobs on the market today," Hayley Anderson, general manager for LEGOLAND Discovery Center Michigan communicated to A Geek Daddy blog.  "We are looking for a high-energy and inventive individual who understands the colorful world of LEGO to welcome to our team."

Applicants must be familiar with LEGO bricks and have experience in the model-making or craft field.  Those interested in this incredible opportunity can apply through the Merlin Entertainments Career website.  CLICK HERE to select Michigan--Auburn Hills--United States from the drop down menu and click on the Master Model Builder Job # 4468 for the LEGOLAND Discovery Center Michigan attraction.

Good luck to all the applicants!  What a SUPER job this would be!

LEGOLAND Discovery Center Michigan broke ground in the Fall of 2015 and will be opening in the Spring of 2016.

Congratulations GM REN CEN on being named "Metro Detroit's Favorite Landmark" for a LEGOLAND MINILAND Display

The soon to be opening LEGOLAND Discovery Center at Great Lakes Crossing outlet mall in Auburn Hills, Michigan has announced the Renaissance Center, also known as GM REN CEN, as Metro Detroit's favorite landmark to be transformed into a LEGO building block model as determined by a public vote.  Along with 10 other popular local landmarks selected in a prior round of voting, the GM REN CEN model will be constructed from LEGO bricks and displayed in the MINILAND section of LEGOLAND Discovery Center Michigan when the attraction opens in 2016. The GM REN CEN model will be unveiled at a special ceremony and displayed onsite at the Renaissance Center next Spring prior to the opening of the LEGOLAND Discovery Center.

Situated along Detroit's international riverfront, the GM REN CEN is an iconic collection of seven interconnected skyscrapers that are owned by and serve as the world headquarters for General Motors.  The central tower, the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center, is the tallest building in Michigan and the tallest all-hotel skyscraper in the Western Hemisphere.

LEGOLAND Discovery Center Michigan will be a 32,000-square foot indoor attraction featuring millions of LEGO bricks and themed exhibits including a 4D cinema, two interactive rides, large soft play areas and much more.  One of the highlights of any LEGOLAND Discovery Center is its MINILAND which feature miniature LEGO brick landscapes inspired by the community where it is located.  LEGOLAND Discovery Center Michigan will have a MINILAND featuring Metro Detroit buildings, attractions, and other notable landmarks that will include in addition to GM REN CEN, the Spirit of Detroit statue, Belle Isle, Motown Museum, Fox Theater, Guardian Building, Comerica Park, and the giant Uniroyal Tire.

"Not only is the GM REN CEN an iconic part of the Detroit skyline, but it is a symbol of Michigan's industry, culture and spirit of innovation," Hayley Anderson, general manager for LEGOLAND Discovery Center Michigan, communicated to A Geek Daddy.  "We are thrilled to have engaged so many members of our community in choosing local landmarks for MINILAND and are excited to debut our GM REN CEN LEGO model at the complex early next year."

For more information about LEGOLAND Discovery Center Michigan visit their Facebook page - www.facebook.com/legolanddiscoverycentermichigan.  Follow A Geek Daddy on Facebook too to stay updated on all the new content and contests we post on our blog - www.facebook.com/ageekdaddy.

METRO DETROIT CHILDREN INVITED TO JOIN CREATIVE CREW @ LEGOLAND DISCOVERY CENTER MICHIGAN

Do you know a six to twelve year old kid who loves to play with LEGO building blocks?  LEGOLAND Discovery Center Michigan is seeking young LEGO fans to apply to join it's Creative Crew, a group of 12 children aged 6-12 who will participate in fun and exciting activities, special events and assist the attraction's Master Model Builder.  Applications are being taken now through Monday, December 7, 2015.

Interested children must construct an original LEGO model and submit a video or photo along with a written answer to the question, "How does LEGO inspire you?" via the LEGOLAND Discovery Center Michigan Facebook page.  Submissions will be evaluated based upon the creativity and enthusiasm in the child's response, along with the imagination conveyed in the child's LEGO model.
Those selected will serve as special ambassadors leading up to the attraction's grand opening and beyond, building and testing new models for events, reporting on what's new and sharing top tips on everything LEGO - from the best seat in in the new Discovery Center's 4D cinema to how to get the highest score on its rides.

The 12 members of the Creative Crew will be announced Thursday, December 10, 2015.  The Creative Crew's first event will be to assist in the selection of LEGOLAND Discovery Center Michigan's Master Model Builder through the two-day Brick Factor event at Great Lakes Crossing outlets Saturday and Sunday, January 9-10, 2016.

LEGOLAND Discovery Center Michigan will be a 32,000-square foot indoor attraction featuring millions of LEGO bricks and themed exhibits including a 4D cinema, two interactive rides, large soft play areas and much more.  To keep up with pre-opening events and activities visit legolanddiscoverycenter.com/michigan and to apply for the Creative Crew visit facebook.com/legolanddiscoverycentermichigan

Vote for a Michigan Landmark to be included in LEGOLAND DISCOVERY CENTER MICHIGAN'S MINILAND

Which Michigan landmark would you like to see recreated out of LEGO building blocks?  The operators of the newly opening LEGOLAND DISCOVERY CENTER MICHIGAN at Great Lakes Crossing Outlets are asking local residents to help select one of the area's beloved landmarks -- historic buildings, big bridges or famous statues -- should be built from LEGO bricks and featured in the MINILAND exhibit when the attraction opens in the Spring of 2016.  Inspired by the metro Detroit region's sights and culture, MINILAND will be a miniature LEGO brick landscape of local buildings, attractions and other notable landmarks.

The first round of MINILAND voting will allow fans to write-in their favorite landmarks, and will run through the LEGOLAND DISCOVERY CENTER MICHIGAN Facebook page from Monday, October 12 - Monday October 26.  The top ten most popular landmarks will be announced on Wednesday, October 28th and a final top landmark will be determined through a second round of voting running from Monday, November 2 through Monday, November 16.  The winning landmark will be announced on Wednesday, November 18, 2015 and shall be unveiled prior to LEGOLAND DISCOVERY CENTER MICHIGAN's grand opening.
 
LEGOLAND DISCOVERY CENTER MICHIGAN will be a 32,000-square-foot indoor attraction featuring millions of LEGO bricks and themed exhibits including a 4D cinema, two interactive rides, large soft play areas and much more.  For more information, check out our post featuring A Geek Daddy's participation in the attraction's ground breaking ceremony.

So what are your thoughts on what to select to represent metro Detroit in MINILAND?  Comerica Park, the Spirit of Detroit statue, the Renaissance Center building?  As a kid, I always marveled at the giant tire situated along I-94 so the Uniroyal Tire has my vote!  Feel free to shout out your ideas in the comment section below and don't miss out on voting on Facebook.