CENTRAL ARIZONA
VisitGlendale.com; @VisitGlendaleAZ—Approximately 10 miles from downtown Phoenix, Glendale boasts a vibrant arts and culture scene, outdoor adventures, an entertainment district, and unique attractions. The new VAI Resort, featuring the state’s largest hotel and entertainment destination and a theme park, is set to open later this year.
Planned to open in phases beginning this year, VAI Resort will offer 1,200 guest rooms in three hotels overlooking a 52,000-square-foot manmade island surrounded by Caribbean-style waters, according to Visit Phoenix. The island will feature private beach rentals, concerts, and entertainment. The resort will offer 13 different dining options and a 20,000-square-foot spa. It will also feature Mattel Adventure Park, with such attractions as Hot Wheels-themed roller coasters, a life-size Barbie Beach House, and Thomas & Friends.
Desert Diamond Arena, a multipurpose sports and entertainment facility anchoring the Westgate Entertainment District, has a 19,000-seat arena and can host 20,000 guests for galas or banquets. State Farm Stadium features a 109,600-square-foot arena floor accommodating 650 exhibit booths. Both facilities have lounges, bars, and unique indoor and outdoor spaces for meetings and events. Camelback Ranch – Glendale is home to spring training for MLB’s Chicago White Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers. The facility offers 10,000 stadium seats and 3,000 lawn seats on a 141-acre campus with 118,000 square feet of clubhouse space.
Hotels and venues with function space include the 320-room Renaissance Phoenix Glendale Hotel & Conference Center, with 81,182 square feet of function space in 28 event rooms, and the 100-room Comfort Suites Glendale – State Farm Stadium, with six event spaces, including a 1,922-square-foot ballroom. Glendale Civic Center, located in historic downtown, can accommodate trade shows, social events, meetings, and receptions with a 7,958-square-foot main room, additional smaller event rooms, and a terrace and courtyard. The 17-acre Sahuaro Ranch features historic buildings, gardens, orchards, and groves. Listed on the National Register of Historical Places, this city park offers activities, exhibits, and guided tours. The ranch’s old Fruit Packing Shed offers 2,148 square feet of meeting space for 130 people.
