VAI Resort has assumed full ownership, development, and operational control of Mattel Adventure Park in Glendale, Arizona, following the exit of former developer Epic Resort Destinations prior to August 26, 2026. VAI’s Senior Vice President of Marketing, Rian Kirkman, confirmed the company’s new role. The previous developer, Epic Resort Destinations, led by CEO Glenn Bilbo, did not respond to requests for comment, according to ABC15 Arizona in Phoenix (KNXV).
The Mattel Adventure Park project originally launched in 2020 along the 101 freeway in Glendale under a different name, with an initial planned opening before the 2023 Super Bowl hosted in
the city. The project did not meet this deadline. In 2022, the development rebranded to VAI Resort under a new ownership group that includes executives from Fisher Industries. Meanwhile, Epic Resort Destinations developed Mattel Adventure Park next door with a planned 2023 opening. By 2024, delays pushed the project’s expected opening to 2025. A fatal construction accident occurred in December 2024 when a worker fell at the site.
Current construction shows significant progress across the resort. The amphitheater hotel along the 101 freeway is under development, including its lobby, steakhouse, and guest rooms. The 157-room VAI Villas on the east
side are nearly structurally complete, as is the conference center adjacent to the freeway. The resort’s current footprint has expanded beyond the original plans.
VAI Resort states the transition of ownership and management was seamless, claiming it did not slow construction activity. The company emphasized its priority is quality over speed or low-cost completion.
VAI Resort plans to announce an official timeline for the park’s opening approximately 12 months in advance, with an expected announcement in November 2026. Once finished, the project is expected to create more than 2,500 jobs in Glendale and generate over $2.2 billion in tax revenue
for the city and the state of Arizona.
