PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Phoenix city leaders want to transform the downtown area around the Mortgage Matchup Center, Chase Field and the Phoenix Convention Center into an entertainment district.
On days where there are games, events, or marquee shows in town, there’s different energy in that stretch of downtown.
“Especially for those that are not heavy into the bar scene or anything like that, there’s not much else to do about from those things,” said one fan at Monday night’s Suns playoff game.
The implementation plan was scheduled to be heard and possibly voted on by the city’s Economic Development and the Arts Subcommittee this month, but it was withdrawn at the meeting after city staff asked for more time to talk to stakeholders.
“I’m disappointed that I heard about it this morning and that we can’t get the entertainment plan up and going and being able to be heard,” Councilwoman Laura Pastor said during the April 8 meeting. “And it’s not a reflection of anybody in the work. It’s just, this is a high priority for the committee.”
Proposed changes
A more than 160-page study outlines what the city could be trying to do, including building more public plazas where surface lots are, redeveloping the convention center’s south building and making the area more walkable.
It would also create more shaded areas, streetscapes, retail activation, and new marketing.
The goal is to create activity in the area even when there aren’t shows or games drawing fans.
Downtown Phoenix has 14 music venues and more than 245 restaurants and bars. City officials want to turn the area into what they call a vibrant, sustainable, urban core.
The city’s Economic Development and the Arts subcommittee is next scheduled to meet on May 14.
The City of Phoenix is actively advancing work on the proposed Entertainment District Implementation Plan, which would provide guidance for improving access and connectivity to existing entertainment assets in Downtown Phoenix. This analysis is part of a broader effort to plan for the continued growth and vibrancy of downtown. Additional information and the implementation plan can be found on InvestInPhoenix.com.
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