Mesa staff present study to modernize Convention Center, amphitheater and adjacent hotel; consultants propose outdoor event patio, larger lobby and enhanced rig

Andrea Moore, director of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities, told the Mesa City Council that consultants had completed a draft facility improvement study for the Mesa Convention Center and Mesa Amphitheatre and that a 190‑page report was available on the council agenda.

The study, presented by Tyler Oton of Convention Sports & Leisure, recommends targeted, phased investments to improve the city’s ability to attract higher‑value, multi‑day conventions and more commercially competitive concerts. "This is an older building," Oton said, noting the center’s origins in the 1970s–80s and several size and amenity constraints.

Why it matters: consultants and local hotel ownership told the council the center and the amphitheater are drawing more interest than a few years ago, but Mesa is losing potential business to newer or higher‑amenity venues in the Valley. The study estimates about $79.8 million in additional direct spending over 20 years from new, net‑new events and about $133 million in total economic output; the consultants and hotel owner said those gains would primarily benefit downtown businesses and hotel room nights.

Key findings and recommended capital moves

- Market…