It's finally happening.

American Dream, the mega retail and entertainment center that has been sitting in the Meadowlands for over a decade, will open Oct. 25, officials said Wednesday.

The 3 million-square-foot center was previously set to open this past spring, then late summer. Officials in May announced a fall opening, and this is the first time a specific date for that opening has been announced.

“We know that the community has been eagerly awaiting the launch of this incredible global destination,” Don Ghermezian, American Dream's president, said in a statement.

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Officials said Wednesday that they expect to open several of the property's indoor entertainment options on Oct. 25. They anticipate launching the center's indoor Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park and DreamWorks Water Park, Big SNOW Ski and Snowboard Park, NHL-size ice rink and hockey facility, and 18-hole Angry Birds miniature golf experience.

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Officials have estimated the project will be 45 percent retail and 55 percent entertainment, a model that retail experts have applauded.

As competition from online shopping grows, mall operators and developers have been searching for ways to transform their centers into destinations for shoppers. The project's developer, Triple Five, which also owns Mall of America and West Edmonton Mall, has been a leader in so-called experiential retail, and American Dream will be a test case for the strategy's success.

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“American Dream brings its guests an unrivaled destination for style and fun. Its unique mix of entertainment (55%) and experiential retail (45%) will welcome and entertain guests, embracing everyone in a new retail and entertainment revolution, where everything is possible,” Ken Downing, Triple Five's chief creative officer, said in the statement on Wednesday.

It's unclear when the retail side of the complex will open. Officials in May said tenants will begin opening their doors through this year's holiday season, and also into early 2020. Last week, American Dream officials unveiled details for a 10-year partnership with The Coca-Cola Company and shared more details about the project.

Officials said Wednesday that they will be providing more information about the property and its attractions, tenants and planned events in coming weeks.

The East Rutherford project, first proposed in 2002 as a mega-mall called Xanadu by the original developer, Mills Corp., has sat partially built alongside the New Jersey Turnpike for more than 15 years. Triple Five took over the Meadowlands Xanadu project in 2011 and renamed it American Dream Meadowlands.

While it is inching closer to completion, American Dream has pushed back its opening several times, after promising spring and summer openings. Construction at the site has progressed, but remnants of Xanadu's old shell remains: namely, the multicolored ski slope that has yet to be transformed into American Dream's newer, sleek design.

Over the past several weeks on social media, the company has shared cryptic postings on Instagram, as well as videos and photos of individuals, such as Downing, sharing what they believe the American dream to be.

Once open, the center will feature hundreds of stores and eateries and more than 15 entertainment options. It will have the Dining Terrace, an area with more than 15 full-service restaurants; a Munchie's Food Hall; Freds at Barneys New York; a kosher food court; Coca-Cola Eats and more.