Mesa Council hears study recommending upgraded convention center, amphitheater and hotel improvements to boost downtown events

Andrea Moore, director of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities, told the City Council that staff and outside consultants completed a yearlong facility improvement study for the Mesa Convention Center and Mesa Amphitheater and were presenting “an overview of the facility improvement study” and a draft report available in the meeting agenda materials.

The study, led by consultant Tyler Oton of Convention Sports & Leisure with input from HMC Architects and others, recommends a set of targeted, phased improvements rather than a full replacement. The plan aims to raise the quality of events Mesa can host, increase hotel room nights downtown and improve the amphitheater’s artist and fan amenities so the district generates more economic activity for Mesa’s downtown.

Why it matters: consultants told council members that Mesa has increased convention activity in recent years but still trails newer, higher‑amenity venues in the region. Planners reported that the number of high‑impact conventions held in Mesa rose from about 15 in 2019 to 26 in 2024, and study participants said a lack of modern meeting and food‑function space limits Mesa’s ability to attract…