A Long, Loopy Ride

Article originally posted on Phoenix Business Journal on April 4, 2025

Glendale City Manager Kevin Phelps would like to see the $1.2 billion VAI Resort and Mattel Adventure Park welcome guests before he leaves the city in 2026 for his next career move.

The hospitality project, which kicked off construction in 2021 in Glendale’s sports and entertainment district, is the single project Phelps said he’s put the most personal time and energy into during his 10 years leading Glendale.

“I wish it were already open,” Phelps said in March. “I kind of laugh, a couple years ago we thought we might try to push to get it open by Super Bowl. And then it was — well can we get it open by Final Four? And now I’m hoping, can we get it open before I walk out the door?”