Crowds lined up outside Ikea on Wednesday morning. (Photos by Andrew Warfield)
Jacksonville council member Danny Becton, left, watches as Ikea store manager Leontyne Green Sykes speaks during the in opening ceremonies.
Crowds lined up for a chance to win prizes.
The Jumbo Shrimp mascot helps entertain the crowd.
The U.S., Swedish and Florida flags were raised as part of the grand opening ceremony.
Daniel Davis, president and CEO of JAX Chamber, prepares the Florida flag for raising.
The U.S., Swedish and Florida flags fly outside the store.
Amid crowds and ceremony, Ikea is opening its Jacksonville store this morning at Interstate 295 and Gate Parkway.
Shoppers have been lining up for days, with the first 46 adults in line receiving a free couch. Other prizes are also available.
The 290,000-square-foot home furnishings store is open 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 10 a.m.-8 p.m. on Sunday The restaurant opens daily at 9:30 a.m.
Here are some photos from the festivities so far.
