A new Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament is going up in the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community in its Talking Stick Entertainment District in Scottsdale.
Video by Jesse A. Millard
The company broke ground today signaling the start of a year-long construction process as completion of the entertainment space is estimated for early 2019. The unique 11th century style castle will be the only of its kind in Arizona. The 79,000-square-foot structure will join a team of nine other Medieval Times castles across the country.
“We are delighted to welcome Medieval Times to our community,” said Delbert Ray Sr., president of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, “Over the two years of planning that made today a reality it became clear we have much in common, from our shared respect for family heritage and authenticity to our mutual esteem for the magnificent horse.”
Located on a 10-acre lot, adjacent to the Salt River Fields, Medieval Times’ Scottsdale castle will be one of the most architecturally distinctive among its nationwide properties. The first U.S. castle opened in 1983, and the concept has grown into the most popular dinner attraction in North America, with locations in Atlanta, Baltimore, Buena Park, Calif., Chicago, Dallas, Lyndhurst, N.J., Myrtle Beach, S.C., Orlando, Fla., and Toronto.
“Today represents more than the start of construction on a new venue,” said Perico Montaner, president and CEO of Medieval Times. “We have tremendous respect for the rich traditions of the Pima-Maricopa people, and are honored to become a part of this proud and storied community.”
Medieval Times is a newcomer to an already impressive lineup of high profile attractions. The district also boasts the Odysea Aquarium and Dolphinaris Arizona, Butterfly Wonderworld, Pangaea Land of Dinosaurs, TopGolf and, within the next two years, the anticipated opening of Great Wolf Lodge water park and family entertainment center.
