From its “party island” to its opening date and new renders, here’s what you need to know

GLENDALE, AZ — Earlier this year, the City of Glendale announced that VAI Resort was scheduled to open in late spring 2023, but now the entertainment complex is scheduled to open in late 2023 according to its latest press release.

This giant commercial enterprise is expected to create more than 1,800 new jobs for the city of Glendale and “have significant economic benefit for the region”, according to the city.

The video in the player above shows previous ABC15 coverage on VAI Resort, which was originally scheduled to open in late spring 2023. It is now expected to open in late 2023.

In an interview with ABC15, Grant Fisher, president of VAI Global Development, said the station will put Arizona on the map as international destination.

“Our designers design these buildings to look like Dubai and New York and have Konos Island which represents Mykonos and Tulum, Mexico, so we’re adding aspects from around the world to the heart of Glendale, Arizona,” Fisher said.

“When you choose your partners well, you can expect great things to happen,” Glendale City Manager Kevin Phelps said in a statement. “Mr. Fisher’s increased investment and enhanced vision for this world-class property will truly cement the town of Glendale here in the Valley, State and Country as a premier entertainment destination.

VAI Resort is slated to be a huge billion dollar business venture that will use 60 acres of land in Glendale.

According to a press release, here is what VAI Resort will offer:

• $40 million “state of the art” concert stage. According to the City of Glendale, VAI Resort is expected to host more than 100 events per year.
• 6 acre bathing sanctuary and temperature controlled white sand beaches.
• Konos Island, “a 52,000 square foot marvel that will feature a Mediterranean restaurant, private cabanas, a DJ booth and an airy bar for 16 people perfect for sipping cocktails with panoramic views 130 feet in the air,” read the VAI Resort press release.

VAI Resort

• 1,200 “luxurious rooms” and suites spread over three towers.
• 12 “top-of-the-range” restaurants & 10 “exclusive” bars and lounges.

VAI Resort

SAND AND WATER OF ‘KONOS ISLAND’

“In the heat of summer, our white sand beaches will never burn your feet from the material [of it], it just doesn’t absorb heat,” Fisher told ABC15. “Our water can be heated in the winter, so when Vegas pool parties are scheduled to close October through March, we’re open 365 [days]. So it can be Christmas Day and people can enjoy our water oasis.

The “water oasis” is expected to span 6 acres, or about one-tenth of the entire resort land. And if you’re wondering where the water will come from to complete this massive concept, here’s what Fisher told ABC15.

• According to Fisher, VAI Resort is currently “in discussions” with the city regarding the water. “They’ve been great partners – when it comes to water use and conservation, we’re going to be great stewards of the environment and everything, our water will actually be recycled and everything. So…they’ll be irrigating all of our vegetation on site, so really conscientious and eco-friendly,” Fisher said.
• Knowing the past: “Originally, the land we are building on was an agricultural field, so we use 30% less water. So we use the same methods to get that water as the previous landowner. But we’re actually only using about 30 percent of that water from when it was a real farm,” Fisher explained.

MATTEL ADVENTURE PARK IN PROGRESS

The first-ever Mattel Adventure Park will open in Arizona and will be located at the southern end of the VAI Resort property.

Mattel Inc.

“Super excited to have them there, I think it definitely brings the family and demographic dynamic to the resort, which Arizona currently doesn’t have,” Fisher told ABC15 and added that VAI Resort and Mattel Adventure Park “will open on the same dates.”

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