Gundam Base Minneapolis sets October 30 opening at Mall of America
THE GUNDAM BASE Minneapolis will open at Mall of America on October 30, bringing official GUNPLA kits, limited merchandise and displays to the Midwest.
THE GUNDAM BASE Minneapolis will open at Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota, on Friday, October 30, Bandai Namco Amusement America has confirmed. The store will be the second THE GUNDAM BASE location in the United States, following the Chicago site that opened in December 2025. 1
The new location is aimed at GUNDAM fans and model builders across the Midwest. Bandai Namco says it will stock a wide selection of GUNPLA, including exclusive and limited-edition model kits, tools, accessories and other GUNDAM merchandise. Displays and exhibits will also showcase the world of GUNDAM and GUNPLA. 1
A new GUNPLA destination
THE GUNDAM BASE Minneapolis will be located at Mall of America, 102 East Broadway, Bloomington, Minnesota 55425. The campaign announcement presents the store as an official GUNPLA destination rather than a temporary pop-up, giving builders another specialist retail option outside the existing Chicago location.
The opening follows a delay to the original September 30 launch date. Bandai Namco's earlier announcement said the date had been postponed, while the company's current store-and-events page now confirms Friday, October 30. 23
The wider Mall of America launch also includes Bandai Namco Cross Store Minneapolis. That retail concept brings together official shops and entertainment brands covering character goods, toys, games, collectibles, stationery, plush and arcade entertainment. The Cross Store and THE GUNDAM BASE are planned as neighbouring destinations for fans visiting the same mall.
Bandai Namco's earlier event announcement listed exclusive GUNPLA products for the GUNDAM BASE opening, including limited colour variants of the RX-78-2 and Wing Gundam Zero EW, plus a limited HaroPla kit. It also described a gift with purchase for customers spending at least $100 at the GUNDAM BASE, with stock restrictions applying. 2
The official campaign image confirms the October 30 date and shows the Minneapolis branding alongside GUNDAM artwork. Fans should check Bandai Namco's official channels for final opening-day details, stock availability and any changes before travelling.
What this means for fans
For Midwest builders, the practical appeal is access. Specialist GUNPLA retailers can offer kits and accessories that are harder to find in general toy shops, while the official displays give newcomers a clearer introduction to the hobby. The store's limited merchandise may also make opening week attractive to collectors, although availability and purchase limits will determine how useful the trip is for individual visitors.
Our opinion
A second permanent THE GUNDAM BASE in the United States is a meaningful sign that Bandai Namco sees room to grow GUNPLA beyond the country's established coastal fan hubs. The Mall of America location also makes sense as a destination: it gives the brand a large existing visitor base while putting model kits, tools and displays in front of people who may not already be deep into the hobby.
The sensible caveat is that an opening announcement is not a guarantee that every limited kit will be available on the day. If you are making a long trip, treat the October 30 date as the confirmed starting point and verify stock and event details through Bandai Namco's official channels first.