Cabela’s, the prominent Nebraska-based retailer of hunting, fishing and outdoor gear, will open the doors of its Columbus store — the company’s first Ohio location — at 11 a.m. March 7.

The 80,000-square-foot store – expected to employ about 175 full-time, part-time and seasonal staffers – is located at 1650 Gemini Place in the Polaris Business Park, off I-71 north of Columbus.

“Ohio is full of loyal Cabela’s customers, avid outdoorsmen and women who live the Cabela’s lifestyle,” said Tommy Millner, Cabela’s chief executive officer. “Many hunters, anglers and outdoor enthusiasts across the region have supported Cabela’s for a long time through our catalog and website. Now they get to enjoy the extraordinary Cabela’s retail experience.”

A ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by Cabela’s executives and local officials will begin at 10:45 a.m. The opening will mark the beginning of a weekend of activities that will include giveaways, family events and appearances by outdoor celebrities.

Founded in 1961, the Sidney, Nebraska-based Cabela’s operates 40 stores across the U.S. and Canada.