Staff Reports | Business & Construction
Sunny Day Sports has announced plans for two new hotels within the Palo District, the redevelopment of the former Fiesta Mall site in Mesa.
The hotels are intended to support the district’s emerging focus on women’s health, athletics, research, business and tourism as part of a broader mixed‑use redevelopment, according to a press release.
Together, the two proposed hotels would add approximately 600 rooms to the district, serving different but complementary uses tied to sports, sports medicine, research, business travel and leisure visitors.
The first hotel is planned as a 400‑room, lifestyle‑oriented property located adjacent to the proposed stadium. Plans call for a chef‑driven restaurant and meeting space designed to support conferences, athletic events and visitors spending time in the district.
The hotel is expected to serve a range of guests, including business travelers, event attendees, athletes, coaches, officials and fans. Project representatives said the concept is intended to provide flexible lodging and meeting space for both professional and leisure uses.
The second hotel is planned as a 200‑room, extended‑stay property designed to accommodate families, researchers, visitors and longer‑term guests, including those connected to the district’s planned Women’s Health Campus.
Sunny Day Sports is working with Plaza Companies to identify potential hotel brands and operators. Both hotels are expected to open in early 2028.
“These hotels are not standalone projects — they are essential infrastructure that supports the mission and functionality of the Palo District,” Vicki Mayo, chief executive officer of Sunny Day Sports, said. “Whether it’s elite athletes coming to compete, tourists and sports fans flocking to new attractions, families supporting loved ones receiving care, or researchers and clinicians collaborating on‑site, these lodging options are designed to meet real needs and enhance the experience of everyone who comes to Palo.”
The hotels are expected to complement the district’s planned Women’s Health Campus, a $100 million project focused on women’s health, wellness, research and athletic performance. They will also support additional sports facilities, medical and office space, restaurants, retail, entertainment and community amenities planned for the site.
The Palo District redevelopment spans approximately 80 acres and remains in the master‑planning phase. Phased construction is expected to begin following city approvals. Additional announcements regarding hotel partners, operators and timelines are expected in the coming months.
