Who Knew Eastland Mall Was A Hub For Walkers

The Day I Learned Eastland Mall Is Actually a Walking Track

After the show this past Friday, Bobby and I headed out to Eastland Mall to do a remote for the Red Cross Blood Drive. I’ve been to that mall a handful of times, but I had never been there right when it opened and let me tell you, I was not prepared for what I walked into.

We got there just before 9 a.m. as the doors were opening, and there was already a line of people waiting outside. Naturally, I’m thinking, "Wow… holiday sales must still be happening, people must be off work, everyone’s ready to shop."

Turns out — not even close.

Once we got inside and started setting up, I noticed people absolutely booking it around the mall. Families were pushing strollers at top speed. Groups of ladies were power-walking and chatting like it was their morning meeting. And whatever you do — do not get in their way, because they will run you over.

Some people had shopping bags, but most didn’t. And then it clicked, these people weren’t there to shop at all. They were there to walk.

A Blood Drive Made Me Realize The Mall Was The Spot To Be

As I started talking to folks who were also there for the blood drive, they explained that Eastland Mall is THE walking spot during colder weather. It’s a well-known Evansville thing. People of all ages come out early to get their steps in, stay warm, stay inside, and maybe even squeeze in a little window shopping along the way.

I even got to meet the man behind the mall, Senior Manager of Marketing, Sean Ferguson. He told us the mall has basically become Evansville’s indoor walking track. At one point, the mall even opened an hour or two before stores just for walkers, but after some discussion, they decided opening alongside most of the stores made the most sense.

So now I have to ask — are you a dedicated mall walker? Because at this point, I feel like I’m obligated to lace up my tennis shoes, get there early one Saturday morning, and join the crowd just to officially call myself a true Evansville citizen. 👟😄

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