Abandoned Metrocenter Mall

[@jaejampro1]

I started going to the mall at 14 at MetroCenter mall in Phoenix Az. My teens and early years were spent not only shopping but too, working at the mall. I worked for Bakers Shoes, KG Men's store, Metro Cinema's and Joske's. I am now 62 and raised four children that I have memories of taking to that mall. It saddens me to see the death of the mall and the death of all the wonderful stores I grew up with. Gone forever. Lot's of nostalgia and memories.

[@abandonedaz5952]

You have a lot of great Metrocenter memories…thank you for sharing them 💕

[@jaejampro1]

@@abandonedaz5952 Thank you for the walk down memory lane. Rather bitter sweet actually.

[@Runnerschai]

Metro center looks like it was such a great mall in the 70s and 80s

[@terrellcowles7342]

I know it's sad. I'm 38 and been going there since I was like 5. So many memories at this mall.

[@doubleedgedfist1535]

I remember this mall very well. It was thee hangout back in its hay day. It was such a nice mall. Bill and Teds excellent adventure was filmed here.

[@abandonedaz5952]

One of my all time favorite movies!! 💕💕💕💕

[@MCDreng]

You'd be hard pressed to recognize it from the movie. They completely renovated it and it looks nothing like it did in the late 80s. Sadly.

[@greggwilson8055]

In 1972, my friend and I rode our bicycles from our homes to the MC Mall. The mall was under construction and we rode around inside on the top level for about 30 minutes before some construction workers asked us to leave due to safety reasons. We were 10 years old. Later, while in high school we cruised MC every Friday and Saturday evenings talking to girls and listening to music. So many happy memories. I am saddened to see this mall in this condition.

[@abandonedaz5952]

Awwww what fun memories…thank you for sharing!! MC meant a lot to people, it’s really sad to see it go 😢

[@christophethunt8888]

Me to,lived at new world and went to Apollo highschool.

[@kevinsnell1622]

I moved from Washington state 3 years ago and bought a home near MetroCenter. I’m optimistic about the redevelopment. The light rail station is complete. I’m noticing some bombed out buildings on the perimeter are getting facelifts. I’ve seen renderings of future plans that give me hope for the area.

[@abandonedaz5952]

That’s great news! We haven’t been over there in awhile to see how the redevelopment is coming along… hopefully they’ll keep the mall intact and find a way to repurpose the building rather than demolishing it🤞🏼

[@curteye22]

This is really sad to see. I remember spending all summer at the MetroCenter - especially at the massive arcade that took over the old skating rink.

[@abandonedaz5952]

It was a pretty amazing place back in it’s heyday! 💕

[@autumnrose2953]

My family and i used to go to this mall when we were kids. It was the early 2000s. I remember my brothers and i racing to the entrance, my mom would make her way to Macy's, we would grab dinner and shop/look around. Life was good. I was there in phx a week ago and told my son this mall was one of the best parts of my childhood.

[@abandonedaz5952]

Awwwwww, thank you for sharing your memories 🥰

[@NattyDuty]

Mannn, used to work at the LA fitness there. Would walk to the food court all the time! The Chinese spot with the old dude was my go to. Thanks for the vid man

[@abandonedaz5952]

Awesome, thank you for sharing your memories and thank you for watching! 🥰

[@JohnGadzaJr.]

Oh my goodness! I used to love going to this Metrocenter Mall with my entire family almost every weekend when I was a little boy back in the 1990s and 2000s. A lot of wonderful and memorable memories were made here. Even though everyone else had continued to go shopping at the Metrocenter Mall during the good old days in the 1990s, the mall itself had already started to decline economically after the 1980s as the Phoenix area expanded. I remember going to almost every anchor stores inside such as Sears, Dillard's, JCPenney, Macy's, Robinsons-May and so many among others. Even my dad used to go to the LensCrafters over there a lot whenever he needed to buy new eyeglasses and so on. My entire family and I used to treat ourselves to a variety of food court restaurants down there such as Jade Express, McDonald's, Pretzel Time, Subway, Cinnabon, Auntie Anne's, Wetzel's Pretzels and so much more. As far as I knew, the Metrocenter Mall was probably the only shopping mall in the entire Phoenix area that did not have Panda Express inside their food court as they had a different kind of express similar to it. I mean, the Jade Express was different but the slogan became known as "The Taste Of China". One of the other things that I remember was that there was a small juice bar of some sort that was close to the Sears store as well as the main entrance to the mall and things like that. This small juice bar of some sort that was close to the Sears store had mainly served a fruit-flavored drink in a plastic bottle called Fruitopia that was introduced by the Coca-Cola Company's successful brand Minute Maid which ran from 1994 to 2003 when it mostly targeted at teens and young adults. I used to love drinking Fruitopia whenever I was walking around the mall with my parents and my older brother by my side. Otherwise, my entire family and I have had so many memories and moments made around this former Metrocenter Mall. The only things that will remain within this Metrocenter Mall are lots of good old days, memories, moments and times that will never ever come back again. Even though it is gone for good now, the Metrocenter Mall will always be in our hearts forever. It is very unfortunate that shopping malls of all types are becoming a thing of the past. Great video and great job. RIP Metrocenter Mall (1973-2020).

[@abandonedaz5952]

🥰Awwwww thank you so much for sharing your wonderful memories…it sounds like Metrocenter was a very special place for you and your family💕 Of all the malls in AZ, I think Metro has the richest history. I would love the opportunity to get back inside just one more time and do a photo shoot before it’s demolished 😢

[@JohnGadzaJr.]

@@abandonedaz5952: Me too. I also would love the opportunity to go back and visit one more time before it’s really demolished but it is not possible due to a lot of crimes going on in the Metro Phoenix area and everywhere else. Sadly, I have already said my goodbyes to the former Metrocenter Mall when I stopped going there a long time ago as it declined even further.

[@Youdaboob]

Ever eat at that “Holy Frijoles” in the opposite corner from McDonald’s? Still the best burritos I’ve ever had. Never saw them outside metro

[@JohnGadzaJr.]

@@Youdaboob: No, I haven't but I will have to try them. Thanks for the suggestions. Where is it located at?

[@Youdaboob]

If you were in biking distance from MC in the 70-90s is was basically a fixture in your life for crusin shopping hooking up, and all around entertainment. The arcades and ice rink as a kid. Then at 18 I worked at Robinsons May catching some rather rough shoplifters. Was a daily event and I had so much fun doing it. Worked with great people too. Spent most of my paychecks at that mall in those days. You couldn’t help but to meet girls (or boys I’m sure) because that’s where they all went on the weekends. Kids don’t have to leave home these days. Thankful that I grew up when I did. Would have missed out on so much.

[@abandonedaz5952]

Awesome, thank you for sharing your memories! It was an awesome mall back in its heyday 😢

[@williamsiyanko4631]

This was a great video of the Abandoned Mall .

[@abandonedaz5952]

Thank you… Glad you enjoyed it!

[@unknowngames9959]

This would be a perfect COD map lol

[@chikindonkee]

I went there once, in 2012, and it was the sketchiest mall I've ever gone to.

[@abandonedaz5952]

Yeah it got pretty sketchy, especially towards the end 😳

[@HejranBiki]

Nice video really did wanna see a check on metrocenter

[@francoamerican4632]

The saddest thing about this mall being torn down is that those two cats will likely be euthanized or die from heat exhaustion and/or starvation after having the only world they know turned into a pile of dust and concrete.

[@abandonedaz5952]

😭I’m worried about that too. I tried to get them to come over to me so I could take them home but they wouldn’t get near, they’re scared of people 💔

[@abandonexplorations3896]

Don't worry about the cats they had babys kittens and we have them and they are safe and being cared for

[@kaihayase1205]

I remembered going there in 2012 with my aide teacher during the 5th grade field trip to Phoenix like all of my classmates and teachers were enjoying the Zoo/Aquarium, also Castles and Coasters, me and my aide teacher went inside, it looked nice but there were no interesting things for me in there then 60 minutes later we walked out. Then later in 2017 i got to the mall with my aunt and siblings, during the last day visiting my aunt and waiting for my mom to pick me up, then we ate the food court like i ate Dairy Queen there, then we looked around, then nothing much. The mall will be gone when i go into Phoenix again to visit my Aunt and Uncle over there.

[@abandonedaz5952]

😢 Thank you for sharing your memories… this mall will be greatly missed 💔

[@Samy-q1g]

Thanks for showing me the mall it reminds me of Bill and Ted's excellent adventure.

[@abandonedaz5952]

Glad you enjoyed it! One of my all time fave movies 💕 #beexcellenttoeachother #partyondudes

[@brudevold62]

I remember the 2 story arcade, i was sad when I came back years later and it was filled in for the food court. Maybe it was a sign of things to come.

[@abandonedaz5952]

Yes, the arcade…and the ice skating rink! That mall was amazing in its heyday 😢

[@brudevold62]

@@abandonedaz5952 And being part of Bill and Ted movie 👍 that mall made memories.

[@Obscurika]

I worked at Luby's Cafeteria in 97-98 great memories!

[@abandonedaz5952]

Awesome! Thank you for sharing your memories 💕

[@dylonrasco]

5:58 the cat's are like "Hi there"

[@abandonedaz5952]

The cats were so cute!! If they would have come up to me I would’ve brought them home 💕

[@dylonrasco]

@@abandonedaz5952 how cute

[@plasmacutter4515]

july 4th, 1978 I met Virginia from Honeywell who lived near there. Went to see Hans Olson (fantastic guitar entertainer) there with another. The club looked like an airplane and overlooked the Ice Rink

[@abandonedaz5952]

Thank you for sharing your memories🥰That airplane club sounded amazing, do you have any pictures of it?

[@robertlyman9789]

Great summer hang out in the 80’s, pick up chicks around the ice skating rink, food court, cruise the loop on Sat nites, hang around golf n stuff. Good times!

[@abandonedaz5952]

It’s a historic place! I would have loved to see it in its heyday 💕

[@cranklabexplosion-labcentr8245]

The thumbnail is a 🔥 skate spot

[@easchannel8710]

Right where the thumbnail shot was taken, about 6 months after this video was posted, a homeless guy led me to that exact spot and opened it up for me to look around, very fun lol 😂

[@abandonedaz5952]

OMG!!

[@humbertomacias3239]

Another great video 🔥🔥🙏🙏

[@abandonedaz5952]

Thank you so much!!

[@philipcastaneda1681]

Here in Manila, Philippines all malls are in full swing. Very lively!

[@abandonedaz5952]

Oh wow! I miss the good old days of hanging out and shopping at the mall 😢

[@MaryAnn-e5s]

I will always remember metro center because I went there with my first boyfriend.I remember his name was Martin.Encinas. I remember I was going to get my ears pierced but it hurt Really bad. We used to drive all the way from El.Mirage to the metro center.best time ever.❤❤❤❤

[@abandonedaz5952]

Awwwww, those sound like great memories 🥰

[@EvilLoki1313]

You are doing good with the videos

[@famousarmystudio]

looks just as bad as when it was open... that place took a dump about 10 years prior to its closing.

[@abandonedaz5952]

It was pretty sketchy!

[@CoolCatProductions-365]

I believe just the Dillards Clearence, Haskins, Walmart and Life storage are the only businesses that remain out of the former mall. My only guess is that Harkins will close soon a head of the demo since they cannot remain at the mall property since they don’t one there own building and Dillards will probably follow suit as they store is outdated and there only using one floor and I can see them in a heartbeat selling the store to someone if the offer. Anyway, a noth of my ramble. Great video!

[@abandonedaz5952]

I was thinking about that too, whether any of the few existing businesses will be demolished or if they’ll stay around. I’m thinking Walmart and the storage place will stay, but the others will probably go. I guess we’ll have to wait and see!

[@philipcastaneda1681]

I pity those 2 cats.

[@abandonedaz5952]

I tried calling them over to me, I would have taken them home. Hopefully they’ll be rescued before the mall is demolished.

[@therealandrewcano]

@@abandonedaz5952 🤨

[@peacefulldiva215]

Is Dillard's clearance store still open, or where are those cars there for another business?

[@abandonedaz5952]

Dillards is still open at time of filming (a few weeks ago).

[@gianpolignano2632]

What will it take to restore Metrocenter?

[@abandonedaz5952]

It is scheduled to be demolished in the next month or so 😢

[@MaryAnn-e5s]

Back in the day I used to work at metro center.I used to love it then it was the best time and the best thing to do on the weekend.But of course , I was only sixteen years old at that time.

[@abandonedaz5952]

Thanks for sharing your memories…I bet that was a really fun place to work, especially for a teenager!

[@christophethunt8888]

Unfortunately malls are becoming a thing of the past .

[@mariogiresi6792]

Yes, sadly they are. It was once a safe and fun way to spend Saturday afternoon with your family, very much like the Drive In’s. It was a family social event. But that was the 20th century.

[@MCDreng]

The malls that cater to rich people are doing just fine in Phoenix (Scottsdale fashion square and arrowhead town centre). This mall and PV mall are victims of location and oversaturation.

[@pizzapartytime1826]

lol other malls in AZ are still popping

[@christophethunt8888]

Way less damage than other states seen on KZbin.

[@robertlyman9789]

The light rail transfer station almost runs right into to entrance now

[@abandonedaz5952]

When is it supposed to be completed?

[@jtkrpm1]

I remember going there in 96 when I lived in phoenix for a year. Wanted go back there if I visited, guess not.

[@abandonedaz5952]

😢

[@Steve.Cutler]

The reason malls are going away is because we don't need them anymore. Retail buying has evolved past this type of sales.

[@abandonedaz5952]

😢

[@pizzapartytime1826]

Sad! This is why I shop in store! Unless stores don’t have it! Mall at AZ is still popping. But also we don’t need fast food and it’s still in business. I blame social media and the internet

[@jerryc9497]

😥 Lotta good times there.

[@abandonedaz5952]

😢

[@why-ys9yk]

I drove past Metrocenter a few minutes ago. The Cranes are moving in and they’re destroying the iconic blue entrance pretty soon here. I hate to say it but those Cats are about to either get killed off by a shelter or die in the demolition.

[@why-ys9yk]

My father owned a restaurant there (it was abandoned in 2018) and 2 weeks ago I saw the former beauty implode. It’s over.

[@abandonedaz5952]

😭😭😭😭😭😭💔💔💔💔💔💔

[@abandonexplorations3896]

Thisall isn't closing because of not enough business inside look at the foundation of the place and where its cracking above doors thats vary unstable to be open but i want to go in it so bad any luck?

[@abandonedaz5952]

There’s no way in unfortunately 😭 If you find one please let me know!

[@ew__2]

Is this mall demolished now?

[@abandonedaz5952]

Demolition has started, we’re hoping to get over there this week to check it out and report on the progress.

[@ew__2]

@abandonedaz5952 lmk what you find!

[@plasmacutter4515]

used to go to Chi Chi's for chimichangas and then Marie Calendars for desert.... then... on to MR. Lucky's .......cruise Central from Thomas to Cave Creek... bowling at Thunderbird ...pitchers of draft at Golden 8 Ball .....Outlaw Sprints at Manzanita and .........wait for it......THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW at Central and Highland every night at midnight........Then to 7th Heaven at Camelback and Highland.

[@abandonedaz5952]

How fun! Thank you for sharing your memories 💕

[@jeffreykoran4820]

IM SURPRISED THE HOMELESS POPULATION HASNT MOVED RIGHT IN...ALTHOUGH I BELIEVE I SAW A PERSON CHILLIN OUT

[@abandonedaz5952]

😮You saw someone inside the mall or outside?

[@jeffreykoran4820]

@abandonedaz5952 THEY WERE SITTING OUTSIDE DURING THE VIDEO...SOME GUY CHILLIN OUT DRINKING A SODA IT LOOKED LIKE...

[@aztrh2005]

What are those two cats doing there

[@abandonedaz5952]

Feral cats, I tried to get them to come over to me so I could take them home but no luck 😢 I hope a rescue can save them before the mall is demolished 😳

[@aztrh2005]

@@abandonedaz5952 Didn't a kitten got stuck in a pipe at Fiesta Mall

[@robertlyman9789]

Who blew their ass out on the wall?

[@abandonedaz5952]

🤢

[@frostanimate]

Are they demolishing it right now?

[@abandonedaz5952]

Pretty soon, I heard demo is starting within the next couple of months 😢

[@frostanimate]

@@abandonedaz5952 I heard that they are building like a mix between a lifestyle center and an urban village. It’s pretty sad that they are demolishing it. I’m not surprised though, it was private property and not really abandoned unlike fiesta. The owners had to do something with it

[@phoenixskeptic7698]

What a lame video. Camera work is worse than 6yo’s.

[@julianbloedow9164]

I went inside I climed onto the roof it was insanely hard but doable

[@abandonedaz5952]

Awesome!!!

[@Johncruel]

Bro you gotta tell me how 🙏🙏

[@julianbloedow9164]

How is security there?

[@abandonedaz5952]

I’m not sure if they have security guards (I don’t remember seeing any) but each entrance has an alarm that goes off if you get too close.

[@jacobbradley7405]

Hella security

[@julianbloedow9164]

@@jacobbradley7405 possible to get in?

[@mariogiresi6792]

My local shopping mall was once a paradise of fountains, ponds, trees, vines, two level shopping, an amphitheater, and glass elevators. But that was 1969. In 2023 most of the four wings have been reduced or sold off, many shops are empty, all fountains and ponds removed along with most of the shrubs and flowers. The only major attraction is the food court which is huge. Why? Because the generations that supported the mall have passed on. Now there are armed guards posted at the entrance ways because todays young people tend to attack and beat up anybody who looks over 30. The trash cans are overflowing with garbage, rap music is piped in instead of a more relaxing sound, and fistfights are common. All these kids do is eat and fight. They don’t actually buy anything yet the mall is still open. It’s s mystery.

[@abandonedaz5952]

OMG that’s terrible! If you don’t mind me asking, which mall is this?

[@mariogiresi6792]

@@abandonedaz5952 Southaven Mall, Long Island.

[@FranciscoHolescko-iw2xq]

Before Metro Center we had A Fedmart off of Dunlap and I 17

[@abandonedaz5952]

Oh wow…I’ve never even heard of Fedmart!

[@Runnerschai]

I wish there was some narrator. This is weird so long and silent. Hard to know why some of the close ups or what things were. Thumbs up attempt.

[@abandonedaz5952]

This was a group explore we did with some other Urbexers; we didn’t narrate because we didn’t want to all be talking in the background in each other’s videos lol

[@julianbloedow9164]

I’m gonna get inside somehow

[@abandonedaz5952]

If you do please let me know how!! That would be amazing!

[@CHRISTINA-z9t]

A "very close friend of mine" got in last week..first in the theater..but couldn't get through to the mall...elevator still worked...the theaters were very creepy..." from what I hear" There's a little stairwell over to the right of the main metro center entrance you have to hop a little gate and then you go down 3 little flights of stairs and there's a door down there it's locked but It can be opened with a friend and A small prybar to get started in a large pry bar to finish it. It's so surreal in the mall You can go into the back stock rooms of these stores and there's still some merchandise there different things here and there peoples address books Old gift cards and stickers cash registers computers at the kiosks in the middle of the mall still. They made it all the way from the park where they got in UP the escalator and the exit with the door on the outside says the children's place right next to the movie theater . At some point they had to hide because they heard someone coming behind them and it could have been a security guard or someone living in there or whatever else so they hid for a minute and listened for the footsteps And then hold ash out Period there were definitely security card guards on the outside talking about people being in there And when the door was checked that they used to get in it was already locked back app and fixed so they knew there were people in there gotta be careful Period they didn't hear any of those alarms though that are in this video which is odd

[@a62dave]

😢

[@abandonedaz5952]

It’s so sad to see such a beautiful mall in this condition 😢

[@F77PilotF77]

I got in

[@abandonedaz5952]

How???

[@abandonexplorations3896]

Any way to get in that anyone knows or just message me

[@abandonedaz5952]

If you figure it out let me know!

[@jaredv5741]

Is exactly what I came to this video to ask, I have every intention of exploiting the inside of that mall before they completely demolished it. I also intend to skate the brand new parking garage before they open it to the public. Come and get me Coppers!

[@Joesmusclecargarage]

I cut many farts and went diarrhea many time at that mall back in the 80s/90s 🤌🏻

[@abandonedaz5952]

I’m sorry to hear that you had such a “shitty” time there 🤣

[@Youdaboob]

If you were in biking distance from MC in the 70-90s is was basically a fixture in your life for crusin shopping hooking up, and all around entertainment. The arcades and ice rink as a kid. Then at 18 I worked at Robinsons May catching some rather rough shoplifters. Was a daily event and I had so much fun doing it. Worked with great people too. Spent most of my paychecks at that mall in those days. You couldn’t help but to meet girls (or boys I’m sure) because that’s where they all went on the weekends. Kids don’t have to leave home these days. Thankful that I grew up when I did. Would have missed out on so much.

[@abandonedaz5952]

Thank you for sharing those wonderful memories 🥰 I’m so grateful to have grown up being a mallrat in the 80s/90s . What do kids these days even do for fun with no malls to hang out at???