ARIZONA NEWS

Here’s what we know about Glendale’s blockbuster VAI Resort project

Apr 26, 2023, 9:50 AM | Updated: 9:54 am

(VAI Resort) (VAI Resort) (VAI Resort) (VAI Resort) (VAI Resort) (VAI Resort) (VAI Resort) (VAI Resort) (VAI Resort) (VAI Resort) (VAI Resort) (VAI Resort)

PHOENIX – Developers have revealed new details about VAI Resort, the blockbuster hotel and entertainment destination taking shape in Glendale.

After several delays and a change in ownership, the venue on 60 acres just south of State Farm Stadium and the Westgate Entertainment District is now expected to open at some point in 2024.

The $1 billion project includes the first Mattel Adventure Park, a theme park featuring Hot Wheels, Barbie and Thomas the Tank Engine attractions.

“Our mission is to redefine the luxury hospitality experience while incorporating the thrill of live entertainment,” Grant Fisher, president and CEO of VAI Global Development, said in a press release Wednesday.

“VAI is a one-of-a-kind destination set to exceed all expectations and leave a lasting impression on our guests.”

VAI Resort will be Arizona’s largest hotel, with more than 1,100 rooms, suites and villas housed in four distinct towers.

The 328-room Muse Tower will feature 160 rooms with balconies that double as VIP skyboxes for concerts at the resort’s amphitheater, which has space for over 8,000 fans.

When it comes to entertainment options, the theme park and amphitheater are just a start.

Visitors can also swim and sun at a 5-acre, temperature-controlled lagoon lined by nearly a mile of sand beaches.

At 52,000 square feet, Konos Island is being billed as the country’s largest man-made party island. It will have a restaurant, private cabanas and a DJ booth, plus a 150-foot-high aerial bar with space for 16 guests.

Here’s a by-the-numbers look at some of VAI Resort’s other features:

  • 12 restaurants, including seven with waterfront views.
  • 10 bar and cocktail experiences.
  • 80,000 square feet of shopping with about 40 luxury retailers.
  • 50,000 square feet of meeting and event space.
  • A 20,000-square-foot spa and fitness center.
  • An 18,000-square-foot, two-story nightclub.
  • A 2,500-square-foot wedding venue.
  • A 4D interactive theater.

When the development was announced in 2020, it was known as Crystal Lagoons Island Resort. The original aim was to open in time for Super Bowl held in Glendale earlier this year.

A groundbreaking ceremony was held in June 2021 at the site at Cardinals Way and 95th Avenue, just east of the Loop 101 Agua Fria Freeway.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

patrol vehicle in San Tan Valley nieghborhood...

KTAR.com

Teen fatally shot in San Tan Valley neighborhood; teenage suspect arrested

A suspect is in custody after a teenager was fatally shot in a San Tan Valley neighborhood Tuesday night, authorities said.

1 hour ago

Hilton Family Holocaust Education Center, Phoenix...

Balin Overstolz McNair

1st permanent Holocaust museum to be built in Phoenix

The Arizona Jewish Historical Society on Tuesday announced plans to build the first permanent Holocaust education center in Phoenix.

4 hours ago

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs signs a petition that would expand abortion rights in the state if on the ...

Heidi Hommel

Arizona Gov. Hobbs signs abortion rights petition, reaffirms desire for more access

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs wants to see abortion rights enshrined in the state constitution, but took a ceremonial step Tuesday in making sure the issue was on the ballot next year.

4 hours ago

Construction of the Manzana mixed-use project in Phoenix is expected to start in early 2025....

Kevin Stone

Manzana, an eye-catching mixed-use project, coming to Phoenix’s Roosevelt Row

An eye-catching mixed-use project called Manzana is coming to the Roosevelt Row Arts District in downtown Phoenix.

4 hours ago

A selection of Frito-Lay products. The snack food giant signed a 10-year lease on a facility in Gil...

Kevin Stone

Companies building Frito-Lay facility in Gilbert get $12M construction loan

The companies developing a shipping and distribution center for Frito-Lay in Gilbert have obtained a $12 million construction loan.

4 hours ago

Stock image of police tape and file photo of a Glendale, Arizona, police department cruiser....

KTAR.com

2 hospitalized with gunshot wounds after domestic dispute, police standoff in Glendale

One victim and one suspect were hospitalized with life-threatening injuries Tuesday after a domestic dispute and police standoff in Glendale.

10 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

Follow @KTAR923...

The best ways to honor our heroes on Veterans Day and give back to the community

Veterans Day is fast approaching and there's no better way to support our veterans than to donate to the Military Assistance Mission.

...

Desert Institute for Spine Care

Desert Institute for Spine Care (DISC) wants to help Valley residents address back, neck issues through awake spine surgery

As the weather begins to change, those with back issues can no longer rely on the dry heat to aid their backs. That's where DISC comes in.

...

DAY & NIGHT AIR CONDITIONING, HEATING AND PLUMBING

Importance of AC maintenance after Arizona’s excruciating heat wave

An air conditioning unit in Phoenix is vital to living a comfortable life inside, away from triple-digit heat.

Here’s what we know about Glendale’s blockbuster VAI Resort project