Tuesday, March 19, 2024

First Mattel theme park announced during groundbreaking of Crystal Lagoons Island Resort

Groundbreaking took place on June 10, 2021 for Crystal Lagoons® Island Resort, a one-of-a-kind retail, dining and entertainment attraction in Glendale, Arizona. ECL Glendale, LLC will develop this mixed-use project unique to the Southwest.

The main feature of the project will be an 11-acre Public Access Lagoon™ that will be up to 10-feet deep. Crystal Lagoons® is the world’s leader in water innovation and technology, which transforms any corner of the world into an idyllic beach paradise, making them the perfect fit for the Sports & Entertainment District. With developments across the globe including Dubai, Japan, Brazil and South Korea, the private investment by ECL Glendale, LLC once again puts Glendale on the world stage as an entertainment hub.

These monumental crystalline lagoons surrounded by white sand beaches, can be accessed via ticketed entry. Crystal Lagoons® is internationally recognized for their contributions to communities and for the added value they bring to cities and regions. “Crystal Lagoons®, the World’s Top Amenity ®, is excited to bring the first branded Crystal Lagoons®, Island Resort entertainment destination to Glendale, Arizona,” says Crystal Lagoons® Vice President, Eric Cherasia. “As you will see in our announcements over the next few months, we have teamed with some of the world’s top attraction, entertainment, and hospitality brands to create the next wave in entertainment destinations.”

With the allure of year-round beach life and activities, Crystal Lagoons® catalyzes a wide array of revenue streams.

“We’re excited for this project on many fronts, but two really stand out,” says Glendale City Manager Kevin Phelps.  “Not only will this be a great example of experiential retail, which is the only area of growth in brick & mortar development over the past 10 years, but this project further cements Westgate as the largest Sports and Entertainment District in Arizona.”  

In addition to the lagoon, visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy 7 islands, each with their own theme, retail spaces, Fly and 4-D theaters, venue space, restaurants, a family entertainment center, amusement rides, office space, 600 plus hotel rooms and more. 

Announced during the groundbreaking, the first-of-its-kind Mattel Adventure Park™, will feature branded experiences such as a Hot Wheels® roller coaster and multiple go-karting experiences, a Thomas & Friends™ indoor theme park with the first life-sized Thomas the Tank Engine electric-battery powered passenger train, immersive branded dining, experiential retail, and more. 

“At Mattel, we are home to some of the most iconic, multi-generational franchises in the world,” said Julie Freeland, Senior Director, Global Location Based Entertainment, Mattel. “By partnering with Crystal Lagoons Island Resort, we will be offering new and immersive ways for families to experience classic brands like Hot Wheels, Thomas & Friends, and more.”   

“A passion for innovation and excellence has driven the design of our venue. Mattel shares our vision and sets the platinum standard for the concept of play.  We are thrilled to create the country’s first Mattel Adventure Park in Glendale,” said Mark Cornell, President of Attractions & Entertainment for Crystal Lagoons Island Resort.

“We are delighted for Glendale to be the flagship location for this resort that will bring technology and globally established partners to create a one-of-a-kind environment,” said Kevin Phelps, City Manager. “The Crystal Lagoons and the Mattel themed Adventure Park will complement our thriving sports and entertainment district and support our goal of being a premier destination for visitors from across the globe and for Glendale residents. Over the coming weeks we look forward to sharing the iconic hotel, restaurants, and entertainment brands that will join the Mattel Adventure Park in calling Glendale home as part of this world-class resort development.”

Another key attraction with the resort that brings a unique food and beverage experience to visitors is Aerophile’s Aerobar. At 130-feet tall, it will be the highest element in the development and will provide guests a unique view of the Sports & Entertainment District and the Valley. Similar attractions already operate in France and Dubai.

Located at the Southeast corner of Cardinals Way and the Loop 101, the Crystal Lagoons®, Island Resort is expected to bring an estimated $700.8 million in new sales, property and bed tax revenues to the city, county and state over the next 25 years. Glendale’s portion of the revenues are estimated at $240.5 million.

The Crystal Lagoons® Island Resort is planned as a single-phase development that is expected to be open to the public in 2022 ahead of Glendale’s hosting of Super Bowl in 2023.

Upon completion, the Crystal Lagoons®, Island Resort is estimated to bring 1,800 net new jobs to Glendale.

Related Articles

Latest Articles