West Valley developers capitalize on tourism boom

By: AZ Big Media 

Whether it’s a concert, the Super Bowl, March Madness or a bowl game, you can find it all in the West Valley. Thanks to an influx of tourists heading west for entertainment, cities in the West Valley are trying to capitalize off these guests — newcomers and locals alike.

The West Valley is proving itself to be a top destination for hospitality in the Grand Canyon State, with developments such as theme parks, the largest hotel in Arizona and indoor sports districts.

VAI Resort

One of the largest hospitality developments coming to the West Valley in 2023 is the construction of the VAI Resort, a 60-acre entertainment resort opening in Glendale near State Farm Stadium and the Westgate Entertainment District. Upon opening, VAI Resort will be the largest hotel and entertainment destination in the state of Arizona. 

After VAI is built, guests won’t have to go far for warm white sand beaches and clear blue water. VAI Resort will bring in a mix of Las Vegas, Miami, Dubai and Greece, offering a first of its kind experience. The resort will be home to a $40 million stage, 1,200 luxury hotel rooms and a 52,000-square-foot party island, according to VAI’s Vice President of Marketing Jessica Anderson. 

“Instead of going potentially to Cabo, Puerto Vallarta or some of these options that may be close to the U.S, why not just come to Arizona instead?” Anderson asks. 

Centered around the resort is a 360-degree, state-of-the-art concert stage. The main hotel features an amphitheater that sits 10,000 in a semi-circle built around the stage. VAI is looking to program the concert stage over 100 nights a year with a variety of artists including “very, very high level artists” that could be potentially coming to the area during tours, Anderson says. 

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