Glendale to Welcome Crystal Lagoons Island Resort

Source: Glendale Office of Economic Development
Global entertainment and experiential leader Crystal Lagoons® has chosen Glendale for a one-of-a-kind attraction. ECL Glendale, LLC will develop Crystal Lagoons Island Resort, a mixed-use project unique to the Southwest.
As a first step in the process to bring this development to Glendale, the City Council has voted to approve a development agreement and Government Property Improvement Leases.
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 a leader in water innovation and technology, 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 (aims to put) “Glendale on the world stage as an entertainment hub.”
“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 seven 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.
Located at the SEC of Cardinals Way and the Loop 101, the resort is expected to bring an estimated $700.8M 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 is estimated at $240.5M.
As part of the project deal structure, the City Council will act on additional agreements to support this project on Sept. 22
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.
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 resort is estimated to bring 1,800 net new jobs to Glendale.