Winner of Master Model Builder Competition Named for LEGOLAND Discovery Center Dallas/Fort Worth

GRAPEVINE, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--After two days of intense auditions, Cal Walsh, 24, from Grapevine, Texas, was named yesterday as the winner of The Brick Factor Master Model Builder Competition for the new LEGOLAND Discovery Center Dallas/Fort Worth, opening March 30, 2011, at Grapevine Mills Mall. First runner-up was Kassie Nopratvarakorn of Dallas, and second runner-up was Cody Martin of North Richland Hills, Texas. Beating over 200 applicants, Cal will go through the final interview process and background checks with Merlin Entertainments Group before officially assuming the position of Master Model Builder.

“It’s hard to put into words how excited I am about being named the winner of the Master Model Builder competition for LEGOLAND Discovery Center Dallas/Fort Worth”

As Master Model Builder, Cal’s new role will include creating new seasonal models, repairing the existing models and working with the hundreds of children expected to pass through the doors of the LEGOLAND Discovery Center Dallas/Fort Worth to build models.

“It’s hard to put into words how excited I am about being named the winner of the Master Model Builder competition for LEGOLAND Discovery Center Dallas/Fort Worth,” said Walsh. “This competition was really tough and there was so much talent among the participants. When I heard them call my name, I couldn’t believe it. I never would have thought that after graduating college with a bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering that today I would be offered a job that not only would allow me to do something I’ve loved to do since I was a child, but also be in a position to share this love on a daily basis with kids who have the same passion. It is the perfect combination. Building with LEGO bricks is such a unique activity with a sense of mystique and creativity, and this is truly the dream job. I can’t wait to get started when the Center opens in March.”

During the first round of auditions held Saturday, Jan. 22, at the AT&T Plaza at American Airlines Center, Cal and the other 200 participants were put through two time-limited challenges by Daniel Morey, Master Model Builder from Chicago. The first task was to build something Texas-themed in 30 minutes. Cal built an impressive large boot with a spur. For the second round, which was narrowed down to 45 candidates, the challenge was to build something Dallas Mavericks-themed in 45 minutes. Cal built his model with a Wild West theme in the form of a straight flush of cards, making “Go Mavs” as the primary “ace” card.

At the conclusion of Saturday’s events, 15 applicants advanced to the final round of competition, which was held on Sunday, Jan. 23, at Grapevine Mills Mall. Each candidate was asked to build something that was “representative of them,” within one hour. The final models were reviewed by a panel of judges, which consisted of adults and children. As a result of his creativity, performance and skill, Cal was selected the winner of the competition.

His final build was a three-image model that utilized his name and represented his various passions: C with a space shuttle, which combined his love to travel, his Aerospace Engineering degree and a strong family history of pilots; A with a unicycle, which is a mode of transportation that requires balance and shows how he views his life - with the right balance of activity and emotion; and L with a tennis shoe, which represented his role as president of a running club.

Iain Scouller, general manager of the LEGOLAND Discovery Center Dallas/Fort Worth, said: “We were thrilled with the quality turnout of talented applicants for the overall competition, and we thank everyone who came out to participate and watch. Cal is a very talented model builder and after observing his interaction with the crowd, especially the children, it gives us every reason to believe we made the right choice and have found a fantastic addition to our team. We look forward to the contributions Cal will bring to the LEGOLAND Discovery Center Dallas/Fort Worth.”

About LEGOLAND Discovery Center Dallas/Fort Worth

Opening at Grapevine Mills Mall in Grapevine, Texas on March 30, 2011, LEGOLAND Discovery Center Dallas/Fort Worth will be the second LEGOLAND Discovery Center venue to open in the U.S. and the fifth in the world. Described as stepping into the biggest box of LEGO bricks in the world, the $12 million, 35,000-square-foot LEGOLAND attraction will feature a unique MINILAND – a recreation out of LEGO bricks of landmark buildings in D/FW - as its key attraction, which the successful model builder will be responsible for helping to create and maintain. With over two million bricks under one roof, this exciting indoor attraction also will offer its visitors a fun, highly interactive and educational two-to-three hour experience that is made up of a series of interactive features, including hands-on play areas, a 4D cinema, LEGO rides, special party rooms for birthdays and other celebrations. For more information or to purchase advance tickets visit www.legolanddiscoverycenter.com. Visitors can also call 972-539-9386.

About Merlin Entertainments Group

Merlin Entertainments Group is the leading name in location based, family entertainment, which has seen the most successful and dynamic growth of any company in the sector over the last five years. Europe’s number one, and the world’s second largest visitor attraction operator, Merlin has 62 attractions and six hotels in 12 countries, across three continents. The company aims to deliver memorable and rewarding experiences to its 38.5 million visitors worldwide, through its iconic global and local brands, and the commitment and passion of its managers and more than 14,000 employees. Merlin Entertainments operates the following attractions – SEA LIFE – the world’s No 1 aquarium brand, Madame Tussauds, LEGOLAND, The Merlin Entertainments London Eye, Dungeons, Gardaland, LEGOLAND Discovery Centres, Alton Towers Resort, Warwick Castle, THORPE PARK, Chessington World of Adventures, Heide Park, Underwater Adventures, and Earth Explorer. Visit www.merlinentertainments.biz for more information.

MEDIA NOTE: Photos available upon request.