CONCORD, N.C. (WCNC) -- Want to see an 8-foot octopus, up close and personal? A giant new aquarium officially opened in Concord on Thursday.
Tyler Bumgarner couldn't wait to get to the Sea Life Aquarium in the Concord Mills Mall.
His mom Charlene said, "He was really excited. He was trying to go to bed last night but he wouldn't go to bed until 12 because he was so excited."
Iris Mays also wanted to be among the first inside. Her 2-year-old loves sharks.
"That's all he's been talking about," she said.
There are 5,000 different marine animals in the 36,000 square foot space, including sharks, stingrays and jellyfish.
"It was awesome!" Tyler said.
Adult tickets are $21; kid tickets are $17.