Bass Pro Shops announced updated plans for its upcoming destination retail store, located to cater to both the Odessa and Midland markets. This development marks the company's 17th venture in the Lone Star State.
The Midland Development Corporation, the City of Midland, and Midland County have collaborated in negotiations with Bass Pro Shops, culminating in the decision to situate the new store between Yukon Road and Mission Boulevard, along Highway 191 in Midland County.
The new design will allow the company to expand the previously planned 65,000-square-foot location to a 100,000-square-foot space. Although Bass Pro Shops had initially contemplated a location in Midland, the company is confident that this new destination near Odessa will provide an enhanced experience and a broader range of offerings for its customers.
“The Midland Development Corporation, the City of Midland, and Midland County team have worked diligently together in negotiation with Bass Pro Shops for some time. While we would have preferred the location in Midland, we are pleased to see Bass Pro Shops still coming to our region with their announcement,” said Mayor Lori Blong in an emailed statement. "For the City of Midland, this means we will have access to destination retail only eight miles away from their previously planned site. We also now have the added benefit of freedom to reallocate the capital that had been committed to the Bass Pro Midland project to other priorities for the benefit of our community.”
Representing Midland Development Corporation, Sara Harris contributed to the announcement, saying, "The City of Midland and Midland Development Corporation negotiated an incentive package with Bass Pro Shops that yielded optimal return on investment of taxpayer funds.”
According to a release from Bass Pro Shop, the store will be part of the Dorado Center development as a result of a partnership between Bass Pro Shops and ICA Development. It is situated near the Cinergy Family Entertainment Center, providing an enhanced experience for customers while serving the entire Permian Basin Region. Anticipated job opportunities exceed 115 positions.
“We have a great deal of passion for the entire Permian Basin Region, and the amazing range of outdoor recreation options it offers,” said Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris in the release. “This new location in Odessa will allow us to strengthen our relationship with the sportsmen and women of the great state of Texas, and will make it easy for people and families across the plains of West Texas to spend time together in the great outdoors. For that we are deep down proud and excited.”
The Odessa location will continue this tradition, featuring an aquarium, water features with native fish species, local antiques, artifacts, trophy fish and wildlife mounts, and murals depicting regional scenes.
According to the release, the location is anticipated to open its doors in spring 2025.