Crystal Lagoons Island Resort announced today an agreement with Mattel, Inc. for a new entertainment destination slated to open late 2022 in Glendale. The first-of-its-kind Mattel Adventure Park will feature branded experiences such as a Hot Wheels roller coaster and multiple go-karting experiences, a Thomas & Friends indoor theme park with the first life-sized Thomas the Tank Engine electric-battery powered passenger train, immersive branded dining, experiential retail, and more.
READ ALSO: Why new Glendale entertainment district resort with lagoon is a ‘game changer’
“At Mattel, we are home to some of the most iconic, multi-generational franchises in the world,” said Julie Freeland, Senior Director, Global Location Based Entertainment, Mattel. “By partnering with Crystal Lagoons Island Resort, we will be offering new and immersive ways for families to experience classic brands like Hot Wheels, Thomas & Friends, and more.”
“A passion for innovation and excellence has driven the design of our venue. Mattel shares our vision and sets the platinum standard for the concept of play. We are thrilled to create the country’s first Mattel Adventure Park in Glendale,” said Mark Cornell, President of Attractions & Entertainment for Crystal Lagoons Island Resort.
“We are delighted for Glendale to be the flagship location for this resort that will bring technology and globally established partners to create a one-of-a-kind environment. The Crystal Lagoons and the Mattel themed Adventure Park will complement our thriving sports and entertainment district and support our goal of being a premier destination for visitors from across the globe and for Glendale residents,” said Kevin Phelps, City Manager. “Over the coming weeks we look forward to sharing the iconic hotel, restaurants, and entertainment brands that will join the Mattel Adventure Park in calling Glendale home as part of this world-class resort development,” said Phelps.
Crystal Lagoons Island Resort develops mixed-use, resort destination venues in top cities across the United States. The resorts feature Crystal Lagoons, world-class hotels, restaurant entertainment, specialty retail stores, and world-class, branded destination attractions. Our mission is to create venues that deliver immersive and memorable experiences to engage and excite guests from around the world. We have decades of experience in venue and attraction development, and we incorporate the latest technological innovations to deliver an unparalleled guest experience. Our understanding of the destination culture and overall guest experience, complimented by our passion for innovation, has driven the evolution of our venue designs.”
As the sixth largest city in Arizona, with a population of over 250,000, Glendale is a premiere destination to live, work and play. Glendale features premium entertainment and shopping opportunities and a growing list of signature companies who all call our city home. The City is also home to Luke Air Force Base and major defense contractors including Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Magellan Aerospace and Honeywell. Other major employers include Red Bull, Humana, Ball, Bechtel and White Claw. From major, international manufacturers, Fortune 100 firms and luxury auto dealers to locally owned small shops and restaurants, Glendale provides the ideal location for businesses to arrive and thrive. Employers will also find access to robust and qualified talent pipelines, with six postsecondary educational institutions. State Farm Stadium and Gila River Arena in Glendale’s Sports and Entertainment District host hometown teams the Arizona Cardinals and Arizona Coyotes as well as mega events such as the Super Bowl and NCAA Final Four. Camelback-Ranch Glendale is the spring training home of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago White Sox.