A rendering of the view of the amphitheater from a balcony of the Amphitheater Tower hotel. Photo: Courtesy of VAI
By Jessica Boehm | Axios
Excitement is building for VAI Resort, the over-the-top Glendale entertainment complex that promises to bring the nonstop excitement of the Las Vegas Strip to the West Valley.
Why it matters: The development team is betting big — $1.2 billion big — that it can attract high-rolling guests with its luxury hospitality.
The big picture: VAI will consist of four hotels, indoor and outdoor performance venues, a white-sand beach, 12 restaurants, bars, and shopping stalls. Plus, it’ll be home to the first-ever Mattel Adventure Park, which will feature a Hot Wheels roller coaster, Thomas & Friends kids zone, and life-size Barbie Dream House.
The intrigue: After a two-hour tour of the 60-acre site, I saw how the disparate pieces were starting to fit together like an elaborate (and expensive) puzzle that — if assembled as expected — will undoubtedly change the face of the West Valley.
