Editor's note: Check out more of our comprehensive coverage about American Dream Meadowlands. Check our site Friday for full coverage of opening day.

The state issued a key permit late Thursday so that American Dream, the giant megamall and entertainment complex in the Meadowlands, can open as scheduled on Friday at 10 a.m. for the first time.

The state Department of Community Affairs "has issued a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (TCO) to American Dream. The TCO ensures that the facility is safe to open and safe for people to occupy," Gina Trish, a spokeswoman for the department, said in an email.

The temporary certificate will last for 90 days and can be renewed. "Once all regulations are met under the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code, the facility will be issued a Certificate of Occupancy," Trish said.

The doors are scheduled to open to the first paying customers Friday at 10 a.m. for the Nickelodeon Universe amusement park rides and the ice rink.

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Tickets for the Nickelodeon Universe are sold out for opening weekend, and at least one high school had plans for a field trip to the property on opening day.

On Thursday, much of American Dream resembled an industrial city as preparations continued for the partial grand opening.

The sounds of power drills, clanking metal and beeping machinery echoed throughout an active construction site expected to welcome its first customers. Dozens of workers scrambled all over the site, which was still filled with construction beams and orange cones.

Bucket trucks lifted workers in yellow neon vests as they afixed highway signs and building panels. Multiple entrances into the American Dream structure were still blocked off, including the four-level parking garage.

At noon, some construction workers took a lunch break, opening lawn chairs as other workers installed barricades in an adjacent lot. They chatted about making snow angels at the ski slope and the work they had to finish up before their shift ended.

Inside, the three-level retail area expected to open in the spring, is a steel maze with some storefronts distinguishable, like Old Navy and Ulta. The retail space includes a stunning display of crystal-style lights with black and white streaks.

Workers installed furniture in a large atrium area expected to serve as the food court housing popular eateries like Wendy's and Cajun Shrimp Grill.

Also inside is the theme park, home to more than 35 rides, roller coasters and attractions. At 8.5 acres, officials say it is the largest indoor theme park in the Western Hemisphere.

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The white, sleek minimalist design throughout the retail space is a contrast with the exposed plywood in the area. But just past electrical wiring and construction equipment, the sun shone Thursday through a clear rooftop onto the professional sized indoor ice rink emblazoned with the words "American Dream" on it. From the third-floor, the NHL-size ice rink appears ready for opening day, despite its surroundings still under construction.

For this weekend, operating hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, and 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Earlier this month, Triple Five, America Dream's developer, announced the property would be opening in phases. The center's theme park and ice rink is scheduled to be open this weekend, and other portions of the property would open either later this year or next.

Officials said the entire project would be open March 2020.

Jessie Gomez is a local reporter for DailyRecord.com and NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to the most important news from your local community, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

Email: jgomez@gannettnj.com Twitter: @jessiereport