Westgate Entertainment District

Westgate Entertainment District is a mixed-use commercial and entertainment development in Glendale, Arizona. Formerly known as Westgate City Center, it was planned as a regional destination combining restaurants, retail, live entertainment, offices, hotels, residential space, public gathering areas, and sports-related activity. The development occupies approximately 223 acres near Desert Diamond Arena and State Farm Stadium, placing it within the principal sports and events corridor of the Phoenix metropolitan area. The project was developed around the arena formerly known as Glendale Arena, which was completed in late 2003 and hosted its first National Hockey League game on December 27 of that year. The broader commercial district began construction in October 2005. Its initial phase opened to the public on November 17, 2006, initially with a limited collection of restaurants and sports merchandise retail, followed by additional stores, restaurants, and a 20-screen cinema. A Renaissance Hotel and convention facilities were subsequently added, together with outdoor event spaces and the WaterDance Plaza fountain. Westgate’s business model is based less on conventional enclosed-mall retail than on destination programming and event-driven visitation. Its restaurants, bars, local businesses, national retailers, public spaces, digital signage, and entertainment venues benefit from visitors attending concerts, sporting events, conventions, and other large gatherings at the adjacent arena and stadium. The district has been promoted as a regional entertainment destination and as a western Phoenix-area counterpart to large urban entertainment streets. At its mature scale, the property has been described as containing more than 30 bars and restaurants, alongside a mixture of national, regional, and local retail businesses. The development experienced substantial financial and ownership pressure during the late 2000s and early 2010s. Uncertainty surrounding the Arizona Coyotes, including the team’s 2009 bankruptcy filing, contributed to concerns about the project’s economic prospects. Westgate received foreclosure notices in June 2011. Two related foreclosure auctions later failed to attract buyers at the required prices, resulting in lenders taking control of separate property interests. In November 2011, Vestar Development Company was appointed to manage the complex, with a mandate to improve occupancy and increase visitation during periods when the arena was not hosting events. The district continued operating through the foreclosure process and was subsequently reopened and repositioned under the Westgate Entertainment District name. Vestar has managed the property as a destination combining dining, nightlife, entertainment, public events, and commercial activity. Proposed later phases included additional retail and neighborhood retail integrated with a residential district, but much of that expansion remained contingent on market demand. As of the early 2020s, the completed development included a core entertainment area, hotels, restaurants, some perimeter uses, and event-oriented public spaces, while several originally proposed phases had not been completed. Westgate’s identity is strongly connected to its setting. Desert Diamond Arena remains its principal internal attraction, while nearby State Farm Stadium, home of the Arizona Cardinals and a venue for major football and national events, contributes substantial periodic traffic even though it is outside the district’s boundaries. WaterDance Plaza, large electronic signs, seasonal programming, farmers markets, live performances, sports-related events, and restaurant-led nightlife reinforce the property’s role as a place to spend time before and after arena or stadium events. The district is active and operational, although its occupancy, tenant mix, and future development have varied over time.

Westgate Entertainment District was conceived as a large-scale mixed-use development in Glendale, Arizona, intended to create a destination for shopping, dining, entertainment, offices, hotels, public events, and residential uses. The project was funded by New York architect and investor Ron Elsensohn and was planned for approximately 223 acres. Its location next to State Farm Stadium and around Desert Diamond Arena gave it a strong sports and event orientation from the beginning. Construction began with the arena, initially called Glendale Arena. The facility was completed in late 2003 and held its first NHL game on December 27 of that year. The arena later became associated with the Arizona Coyotes, whose presence helped establish the surrounding area as a regional sports destination. Construction of the wider commercial district began in October 2005. The first phase opened in limited form on November 17, 2006, with a small number of restaurants and a sports merchandise store. Additional retail, restaurants, and a 20-screen movie theater opened in the weeks that followed. The first phase was later complemented by a 12-story Renaissance Hotel, completed in the middle of 2007, together with convention facilities, outdoor entertainment spaces, and the WaterDance Plaza area. The plaza’s centerpiece is a large choreographed fountain, designed as a public attraction modeled in part on the type of spectacle associated with the Bellagio in Las Vegas. Westgate also incorporated extensive electronic advertising and media signage. In cooperation with Clear Channel Communications, the project installed approximately 30 large electronic signs, some exceeding 100 feet in height, supporting its identity as a highly visible entertainment destination. The original development plan contemplated approximately 8 million square feet of retail and related uses, including higher-end condominiums, parks, and office space. A later second phase was proposed with roughly 436,000 square feet of additional retail, 105,000 square feet of neighborhood retail, and a residential district containing approximately 440 units. Those plans were not fully realized. Future construction was left dependent on market demand, and several proposed completion targets were not met. By the early 2020s, the completed area included the principal entertainment core, restaurants, hotels, some perimeter businesses, and event-related uses, while substantial portions of the original long-range plan remained undeveloped. Westgate’s financial difficulties became especially visible during the economic downturn and the period of uncertainty surrounding the Coyotes. The team filed for bankruptcy in 2009, adding to concerns about the commercial district’s ability to support its debt and maintain event traffic. In June 2011, foreclosure notices were issued. The development remained open, while the companies associated with Steve Ellman attempted to restructure debt and avoid the sale of the property. Ellman had acquired an interest in Westgate in 2006 through a transaction involving his ownership interest in the Coyotes. Two foreclosure auctions took place in 2011. The first, held on September 19, concerned property securing a $97.5 million iStar Financial loan. No buyer met the reserve price, and iStar took the related approximately 33-acre property. A second auction, held on November 3, concerned approximately 95 acres securing a $202 million Credit Suisse loan. No bidder met the stated minimum, and Credit Suisse retained those properties. Later that month, iStar appointed Vestar Development Company to manage the complex. At the time, retail space was reported as approximately 75 percent leased and office space as approximately 50 percent leased. Vestar’s role included improving occupancy and generating traffic on days without arena events. Following the foreclosure period, the property was repositioned under the Westgate Entertainment District name and operated by Vestar. The district continued to rely on a combination of restaurant and bar activity, retail, public programming, hotel and convention business, and visitors attending events at Desert Diamond Arena or the nearby State Farm Stadium. Its event calendar has included New Year’s celebrations, volleyball, action sports, tailgate programming, farmers markets, live music, art exhibitions, and comedy performances. The district also developed smaller promotional gatherings connected with local cultural and television events. The Arizona Coyotes played their final game in Glendale on April 29, 2022. Although the team’s departure changed the area’s sports relationship, Desert Diamond Arena continued to host concerts and other events, and State Farm Stadium remained a major neighboring venue. Westgate therefore continued as an independent mixed-use entertainment destination whose traffic depends on both regular tenants and periodic large-scale events.

• 2022

  Arizona Coyotes play their final Glendale game

  [1]Westgate Entertainment Districten.wikipedia.org

  The Coyotes played their final game at the arena in Glendale on April 29, ending the team’s regular home-game association with the development.

• 2020

  Shooting occurs at the district

  [1]Westgate Entertainment Districten.wikipedia.org

  Three people were shot on May 20 before the attacker surrendered to police.

• 2017

  Stir Crazy Comedy Club joins the district

  [1]Westgate Entertainment Districten.wikipedia.org

  The entertainment mix expanded with the addition of a small comedy club.

• 2011

  Foreclosure proceedings begin

  [1]Westgate Entertainment Districten.wikipedia.org

  Foreclosure notices were issued in June, followed by unsuccessful auctions in September and November.

• 2011

  Vestar takes over property management

  [1]Westgate Entertainment Districten.wikipedia.org

  Vestar Development Company was appointed manager of the complex in November after lender control of key property interests.

• 2007

  Renaissance Hotel is completed

  [1]Westgate Entertainment Districten.wikipedia.org

  A 12-story Renaissance Hotel and associated convention facilities were added to the development.

• 2006

  Initial phase opens

  [1]Westgate Entertainment Districten.wikipedia.org

  The first phase opened to the public on November 17, initially with limited retail and dining, followed by additional tenants and a cinema.

• 2006

  Westgate Rocks launches

  [1]Westgate Entertainment Districten.wikipedia.org

  The district hosted its first major independent event, a New Year’s Eve block party called Westgate Rocks, on December 31.

• 2005

  Construction of the wider district begins

  [1]Westgate Entertainment Districten.wikipedia.org

  Construction of the commercial and entertainment district beyond the arena began in October 2005.

• 2003

  Desert Diamond Arena is completed

  [1]Westgate Entertainment Districten.wikipedia.org

  The arena at the center of the development was completed in late 2003 and hosted its first NHL game on December 27.

A regional, event-driven entertainment district that combines dining, nightlife, retail, hotels, public spaces, and commercial uses around a major sports and concert arena.

• Retail · 2006

  Retail and specialty shops

  Westgate includes a changing mix of national, regional, and local retailers. Early development emphasized sports merchandise and destination shopping, while later operations focused on complementary retail that supports dining, nightlife, arena visitors, and seasonal events.

• Food and beverage · 2006

  Restaurants and bars

  Dining and nightlife are central to the district’s operating model. The property has been described as containing more than 30 bars and restaurants, ranging from national chains to regional and independent venues. These businesses serve everyday visitors as well as crowds attending concerts, sporting events, and conventions.

• Entertainment venue · 2003

  Desert Diamond Arena

  Desert Diamond Arena is the principal anchor of Westgate. Completed in 2003, it hosted NHL games during the Arizona Coyotes’ Glendale tenure and continues to support concerts, sports, conventions, and other large events that generate traffic for the surrounding district.

• Public attraction · 2006

  WaterDance Plaza

  WaterDance Plaza is a central public gathering space featuring a large choreographed fountain. The approximately 60,000-gallon installation was designed as a visual attraction and contributes to Westgate’s outdoor, event-oriented identity.

• Hospitality · 2007

  Hotels and convention facilities

  The development includes hotel and convention uses intended to support visitors attending arena events, stadium events, business gatherings, and regional entertainment programs. The 12-story Renaissance Hotel was completed in 2007.

• Events · 2006

  Outdoor events and entertainment programming

  Westgate operates as an event destination beyond the arena itself. Its programming has included block parties, volleyball, action sports, tailgate gatherings, farmers markets, live entertainment, art exhibitions, and comedy performances.

• 2011Holiday programming transition

  Glendale · Phoenix metropolitan area

  After the change in property management, the traditional New Year’s Eve block party was discontinued for December 31, 2011. Management instead emphasized expanded December holiday events and supported individual restaurant and bar celebrations.

  Outcome. The event strategy shifted from one large district-wide New Year’s celebration toward broader holiday programming and tenant-led events.

  Source
• 2006Westgate Rocks

  Glendale · Phoenix metropolitan area

  Westgate Rocks was the district’s first major independent event, launched as a New Year’s Eve block party on December 31, 2006. It was positioned as a large public celebration for the western Phoenix area and reportedly drew approximately 7,500 attendees.

  Outcome. The event established a recurring block-party tradition and helped introduce Westgate as an entertainment destination beyond its retail tenants.

  Source
• 2006Westgate outdoor event programming

  Glendale · Phoenix metropolitan area

  The district developed recurring public programming including live performances in Fountain Park, seasonal events, farmers markets, sports-related gatherings, and exhibitions.

  Outcome. The programming supported Westgate’s positioning as a year-round destination rather than a location visited only for arena events.

  Source

• 2011

  Repositioning after lender controlStrategy

  Background

  Foreclosure proceedings and failed auctions left lenders controlling important property interests. Occupancy and visitation were concerns, particularly on days without arena events.

  Action taken

  Vestar Development Company was appointed to manage the complex and was tasked with improving leasing performance and non-event foot traffic. The property was subsequently operated under the Westgate Entertainment District name.

  Aftermath

  The development remained open and continued as a mixed-use entertainment destination, although proposed later phases remained dependent on market demand.

  Source

• 2011

  Shift from a New Year’s Eve block party to broader holiday eventsStrategy

  Background

  The new property managers reviewed the district’s event calendar after taking over management.

  Action taken

  Management ended the district-wide New Year’s Eve block party planned for December 31, 2011, while supporting parties hosted by restaurants and bars and increasing December holiday programming.

  Aftermath

  Westgate’s seasonal programming became more distributed across the property and its individual tenants.

  Source

1. 1Westgate Entertainment Districten.wikipedia.org