A Scottsdale-based sports investment firm is proposing a massive redevelopment project for the former Fiesta Mall site in Mesa, with plans to transform the area into a $2.5 billion mixed-use destination called the Palo District. The development would cover the entire 80-acre property where the mall once stood, aiming to create a new hub for entertainment, housing, and economic activity in the East Valley.
At the center of the proposal is a 25,000-seat stadium designed specifically for women’s professional soccer. Developers say the goal is to attract a National Women’s Soccer League franchise to Mesa, bringing high-level professional sports to the area and helping anchor the broader development.
The project is being led by Sunny Day Sports, a Scottsdale-based firm headed by founder Vicki Mayo. Plans for the Palo District include a mix of residential housing, restaurants, retail spaces, and two hotels. The development would also feature a center focused on women’s health and innovation, adding a unique component aimed at supporting both wellness and economic growth.
Renderings released by the development team show a walkable, mixed-use environment designed to bring people together for both living and entertainment. Mayo said the project has been carefully planned to create a destination where people not only visit for events but also choose to spend time, live, and engage with the community.
Mesa City Council has already approved the plans for the site, and the final remaining structure from the former Fiesta Mall was demolished last year, clearing the way for redevelopment to begin. Developers say they are preparing for a potential groundbreaking, which could take place as soon as this summer, depending on final approvals, permits, and financing.
Interest in the proposed women’s soccer team is already growing. According to the development group, approximately 15,000 people have signed up as “founding fans,” signaling strong early community support for bringing a professional women’s team to Mesa.
The Palo District is expected to serve as both an entertainment destination and a neighborhood center, located within a short drive of downtown Mesa and surrounding communities. Developers believe the stadium, combined with nearby hotels, dining, and retail, will attract visitors from across the region while also serving local residents.
Local business owners are already anticipating the potential impact of the project. Some say the development could bring increased foot traffic and economic growth to nearby businesses, creating new opportunities as more visitors come into the area.
While the vision for the Palo District is ambitious, developers have not yet released a full construction timeline or detailed financial breakdown. City officials say they will continue reviewing plans and documentation as the project moves forward toward potential construction.
Source: ABC15
