Hundreds line up for grand opening of new IKEA

Prizes given to first 2,500 people in line

SWEETWATER, Fla. – Hundreds lined up outside the new IKEA store in Sweetwater ahead of its grand opening Wednesday. 

To celebrate the opening of the 39th IKEA store in the U.S., the first 39 people in line received a three-piece sofa, valued at $399. The first groups in line had been waiting since Monday to make sure they received the big giveaway.

"It was worth staying the two days out there," Tony Grandson, who was the first person in line, told Local 10 News. "I'm excited. I'm happy."

The next 100 people in line received an armchair valued at $69. 

VIDEO: INSIDE THE NEW IKEA

Even those who didn't line up days in advance likely walked away with some IKEA goods. The first 2,500 people in line receive a "mystery prize" envelope that could contain gift card for up to $250 or a coupon to use at the IKEA cafe. 

To keep the crowds pumped up ahead of the 9 a.m. opening, IKEA provided live music and entertainment starting at 6 a.m. Wednesday. 

The giveaways don't stop Wednesday. The first 39 people in line Thursday will receive a free mattress, valued at $299. The first 39 people in line Friday receive couponsfor the Swedish store's famous meatballs for a year. 

For more information about the giveaways, click here

The new IKEA is the first in Miami-Dade County and the fourth in the state of Florida. It is located adjacent to the Dolphin Mall, at the intersection of the Dolphin Expressway and Florida's Turnpike. 

IKEA is open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. The restaurant is open from 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. 

Follow Alex Fruin on Twitter @afruin

Follow Johanna Torres on Twitter @johannaltorres

Follow Local 10 on Twitter @WPLGLocal10