Disneyland for Sportsmen

There is a sporting goods store in Sparks called Scheel's. This place is huge, it's like a mall all by itself. I dare anyone to have a sporting need of any kind and not be able to find what they need at this store. The selection was really incredible. I tried to think of a sport that was not represented, but there were sections there for sports I'd never even heard of. Personally, I am not sure why hunting is considered a sport, but I have never seen so many guns in one place before and the camping gear, oh my goodness, it was endless and unbelievable.

The building design is just lovely in a sort of plus sign shape with a huge open court in the middle lighted by giant skylights that cover the entire center of the ceiling and big windows wrapping around the whole second story. Of course, the grand attraction is the Ferris Wheel that sits in center court and spins the guests all day long.

There are main entrances on opposite sides of the store which both have the largest aquariums I have ever seen outside a fish specific locations like Seaworld or the Aquariums at Long Beach or Monterey. They were very cool, and I could have stood there for a very long time and looked at all the different fish. I have always loved aquariums and wanted one in my house like Aunt Helen had, but, ever since I saw Finding Nemo, I cannot bear the thought of those poor fish wishing they were in the wild, so no aquarium for me. Silly, I know, but I can't help it. I feel the same way about zoos, like it is so sad for the animals living in captivity like that, never having the freedom to live as they were meant to live. Anyway, these aquariums were super cool despite the fact that I felt sorry for the fish.

On the second floor, which was at least two stories high, there were huge displays just like at Disneyland with large mountains and all the animals that live there. It was really impressive and quite beautiful.



The thing about Scheel's that really cracked me up was the displays around the upper level with the presidents giving speeches. Talk about Disneyland! They were all animated and moving as they spoke. I was not sure why these figures were placed in a sporting goods store, but, I got a kick out of them anyway. I took pictures of all of them, how many can you name?














Anyway, Scheel's is a cool place that is worth seeing even if you don't have a sporting goods need. I think I will go back again soon, just to listen to all the presidents' speeches!