VINTAGE PHOTOS: Celebrating 50 Years of the South Plains Mall

Did you know the South Plains Mall is celebrating 50 years in Lubbock with some big events?

Their official 50th birthday is happening on July 26th, 2022 because they officially opened in 1972 with an initial size of 846,000 square feet. It cost $25 million dollars to build and open the mall.

Stores that were at the mall when it first opened include: Jerry Lewis Cinemas, Dillard's, J.C. Penney, Baskin-Robbins, The Fireplace Store, Chess King, Wicks N' Sticks, World Bazaar, The Brittany Restaurant, Orange Julius, Swiss Colony, Malouf's, J. Riggins, Record Town, Waldenbooks, Margo's La Mode, The General Nutrition Center, Bonnet Pet Center and Coach House Gifts.

Some big changes happened to the South Plains Mall over the years, such as a new logo in 1995 and its purchase by Macerich in 1998 for $115.7 million. Since it first opened, the South Plains Mall has grown to 1,107,000 square feet.

Have you wondered what it looked like 50 years ago? We have pictures at the bottom of the post.

To celebrate its 50th birthday, the South Plains Mall will be holding lots of events, sales and fundraisers. They will be doing a get one, give one denim and donation drive, a back-to-school blood drive, a summer kids fest and so much more.

The birthday party itself will be on July 26th from 4 to 6 p.m., where folks can enjoy treats, eats, music and trivia. The big event will be held on July 30th from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Grand Court in the South Plains Mall. Here's the rundown of events planned for that day: