Behind-the-scenes developments continue at the $2.5 billion PALO District stadium development on Mesa’s former Fiesta Mall property. As a result, the developers are now hoping to add a Major League Soccer team to the original National Women’s Soccer League team. The PALO District soccer stadium is located on Alma School Road at U.S. Route 60 in West Mesa. The development site is still not being disturbed by construction machinery, while the planning process continues.
District developers formed a board of directors and designated the area as a transaction privilege tax district that benefits from sales tax collection in the area. In particular, the 25,000-seat stadium and the surrounding area may be designed to accommodate a women’s health care center, two hotels, and several restaurants. Thus, the PALO District soccer stadium is not a typical real estate project, but rather a year-round entertainment venue. Though the cost of the stadium is significant in Mesa, it does not match up to some of the most expensive stadiums in the world.
PALO District Stadium Development Aims to Attract Professional Teams
Sunny Day Sports of Scottsdale is spearheading development planning for the PALO District soccer stadium, said Chris Glover, the PALO District’s chairman. In addition, the development is targeting MLS and NWSL teams to relocate and expand the league. Further, the youth sports market in Arizona is strong and can serve as a breeding ground for nurturing local soccer talent to benefit the professional teams as well. It’s not just a real estate transaction, it’s a shopping centre, that has an entertainment vision, Glover said. Actually, right here we have an entertainment district that we hope will be here all year around, and people will come and do something fun.
Community Communication Concerns Surround PALO District Stadium Development
Business owners in the area have reports of less communication about the PALO District soccer stadium than there was six months ago. In particular, TC Eggington’s breakfast manager, Darci Dankrel, said people are still contacting the site for updates. However, she remarked on guests’ excitement despite the lack of communication over construction timelines. Glover admitted to an Open Meeting violation for failing to comply with Arizona Open Meeting rules, which was clerical in nature and occurred in late July. Additionally, PALO District leaders will make efforts to reach out to neighbors and update them in the coming months.
Project Overview
- Project Name: PALO District Soccer Stadium Development
- Total Project Value: $2.5 Billion
- Location: Former Fiesta Mall site, Alma School Road and U.S. Route 60, Mesa, Arizona
- Lead Developer: Sunny Day Sports (Scottsdale-based)
- Chairman: Chris Glover
- Status: Planning phase, developer search underway
Scope
- 25,000-seat soccer stadium
- Women’s health care center
- Two hotels
- Multiple restaurants
- Year-round entertainment district programming
- Potential MLS and NWSL franchise facilities
Project Highlights
- Potential inclusion of Major League Soccer franchise
- NWSL team originally planned
- Transaction privilege tax district established
- Designed as year-round entertainment destination
- Major mixed-use revitalization of former Fiesta Mall site
Key Developments
- Board of directors appointed for PALO District
- Developer search initiated by district staff
- District established as transaction privilege tax area
- Late July 2026 Arizona Open Meeting law violation acknowledged
- Next major announcements expected within 2-3 months
Key Challenges
- Community communication decreased from six months ago
- Construction site remains untouched by equipment
- Open Meeting violation requires procedural corrections
- Franchise acquisition timeline uncertain
- MLS/NWSL relocation vs. expansion decisions pending
Outlook
- Major announcements expected within next 2-3 months
- Potential MLS and NWSL franchise attraction ongoing
- Restaurant and retail tenant mix being finalized
- Community engagement events planned for near future
- Construction start date not yet announced
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