Golf entertainment company TopGolf unveiled its 12th location and first in Arizona and Metro Phoenix, TopGolf at Riverwalk in Scottsdale

The 13-acre property is part of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community (SRPMIC). TopGolf will officially break ground on the facility, at 9500 E. Indian Bend Rd. across the street from Talking Stick Resort, during a ceremony on July 19.

General contractor for the project is ARCO/Murray Construction Company of Illinois. The site is expected to in spring 2014.

TopGolf offers competitive golfing games for all ages and skill levels and advanced technology to track every player’s shot. Those who just want to relax can enjoy the upscale, laid-back ambiance that boasts more than 230 high-definition flat-screen TVs and an extensive food and beverage menu crafted by executive chef Mark Boyton.

“TopGolf is honored to partner with the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community to bring a new kind of entertainment concept to an area that is already renowned as a top cultural tourism destination,” said TopGolf Chief Development Officer Randy Starr.

The July 19 groundbreaking ceremony will feature dancing and singing performances from the SRPMIC and remarks from TopGolf, The Alter Group (TopGolf’s landlord and a major developer in the region), and SRPMIC Council leaders.

“The Alter Group, along with our landowners, are very excited that TopGolf selected our Riverwalk development for its first facility in metropolitan Phoenix,” said Kurt Rosene, senior vice president, national development for The Alter Group.

“TopGolf is unique, bringing golf together with experiential retail to offer something fun for all ages and skill levels, from seasoned golfers to people being introduced to the game for the first time. This first-class operation will provide a wonderful destination and amenity for our Riverwalk tenants and visitors.”

The tri-level facility  will include up to 3,000 SF of private event space and 102 climate-controlled hitting bays that can host up to six players at one time. Starr estimates that TopGolf at Riverwalk will serve approximately 400,000 visitors in its first year of operation. Nearly half of all TopGolf guests describe themselves as “non-golfers.”

“We are thrilled that TopGolf has chosen the Talking Stick Cultural and Entertainment Destination (TSCED) for its new state-of-the-art facility,” said TSCED Project Manager Blessing McAnlis-Vasquez. “This complex will significantly expand tourism as well as job growth for our residents.”

Founded in 2000, TopGolf attracted 1.5M participants in 2012. Its economic impact in the community is significant, creating hundreds of jobs at each location and serving as an anchor tenant that tends to attract other popular franchises to the area.

Its economic output within the SRPMIC and greater Scottsdale alone is expected to exceed $264.5M over a 10-year period, according to a third-party audit.