As commercial and multifamily development ramps up in the North Gateway Village Core, the 500 acres along the east side of Interstate 17 between Sonoran Desert Drive and Dove Valley Road, construction on the half-built sports arena and hotel remains at a standstill.
Valley Vibe has been exclusively covering the details involved in this complicated project since construction began and was halted during the pandemic as then-owner Rob Eaton, a local resident and entrepreneur, struggled to secure financing to bring the project to completion during a time when the entertainment and recreation industry faced uncertainty.
In June 2023, Texas-based SSS Partners, LLC, acquired 100 percent membership interests in the formerly named Legacy Sports Arena to Fire N Ice Sports, LLC, according to documents filed with Maricopa County. The acquisition by SSS includes both the arena and hotel.
Valley Vibe spoke to Eaton last month, who still works with SSS under a collaborative agreement, and while he could not speak directly on behalf of SSS to details regarding when and if construction
could resume, he did say the new owners are still working on securing financing.
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The City of Phoenix Community Economic Development Department (CED) confirmed that the new group still intends to complete the hotel and the hockey arena, as planned and have spent the last 6 months reviewing the permits that were submitted and identifying issues with the site.
The City said SSS is first submitting the permits for the hotel, which could be back underway in the first quarter of 2025.
“They are currently securing their financing now for the completion of the training facility. CED has talked to their potential investor and is optimistic they will be able to provide funding,” according to a statement from the Economic Development Department.
“CED knows that getting this facility back under construction was important to the community, and they have been working diligently to make it happen.”
Besides the commitment to complete the sports complex and hotel, SSS Partners has previously indicated the plan also includes housing a future school.
By Karen Goveia
editor@valleyvibenews.com