$132M Sarasota aquarium sets early October opening date

Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium is scheduled to open its north Sarasota County Science Education Aquarium Oct. 8, with a sneak preview Oct. 6-7 for Mote members.

Admission prices listed on the Mote website include adult rates ($34 per person) and children’s rates ($26). According to a message from Mote, anyone interested in attending the grand opening must buy timed-entry tickets in advance. Likewise, members wishing to attend the earlier “SEA It First” event must book ahead of time. Slots are limited to the number of people enrolled as part of memberships.

“Mote SEA is much more than just an aquarium; it stands at the intersection of paradigm-changing research, science education and community engagement,” says Michael P. Crosby, President & CEO of Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium in a statement. “We envision a future in which tens of millions of visitors will experience the transformative power of learning and discovery, changing the way they think about our oceans, conservation and sustainable use.”