Big Surf in Tempe, closed since 2019 due to COVID, sold for more than $49M
Apr 13, 2022, 12:10 PM | Updated: 2:45 pm
PHOENIX — Iconic Tempe water park Big Surf has been sold for more than $49 million to a California-based real estate company.
The sale of the 35.5-acre property on McClintock Road just north of the Loop 202 Red Mountain Freeway was announced in a press release on Tuesday by Velocity Retail Group.
More than 30 offers were made to the family that owned the East Valley summer staple, which has been closed for the past two years due to COVID-19, with the bids ranging from $30 million to nearly $50 million.
Overton Moore Properties has yet to announce a plan for the 52-year-old site.
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“The sellers had a comfort level that OMP (Overton Moore Properties) could perform and close on the Big Surf property and create a development that will enhance, bring employment and other activity to the trade area,” Darren Pitts, executive vice president of the retail group, said in the release.
The real estate company has experience developing industrial projects throughout the southwest, Pitts added.
Big Surf opened on Oct. 24, 1969, and was home to America’s original wave pool, according to the official website.
Along with other attractions like various slides, the facility also hosted legendary musical acts.
Pink Floyd, Elton John, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, the Beach Boys, Chicago, Sting and Rod Stewart are just a few of the names who played at the water park.
The sale also included Oceanside Ice Arena, the former home of Arizona State University’s hockey team.
