West Side Entertainment District Development Coming to Greeley, Colorado – Cascadia, a 300-acre site to include a New Colorado Eagles Arena
Cascadia a 300-acre Mixed Use Entertainment District Development Coming to Greeley, Colorado
GREELEY, Colorado (April 16, 2025) - In a significant step toward shaping Greeley’s future, Greeley City Council voted yesterday to approve the Pre-Development Services Agreement for Cascadia, a transformative 300-acre development that will bring new life, opportunity, and regional energy to the city’s west side. The Council’s vote approves the Pre-Development Services Agreement with The Water Valley Company, officially initiating next steps toward the creation of a mixed-use, transit-oriented entertainment district that aims to create a new economic engine and community destination for the city.
“This vote represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape Greeley’s future,” said Mayor John Gates. “We’re investing in our quality of life, our economy, and the kind of community we want to be. Greeley has always been built on vision and hard work, and now, we’re taking that legacy even further. This vote sends a clear message that Greeley is ready to lead, grow, and invest in a future that reflects the energy and ambition of our community.”
New Colorado Eagles Arena and Ice Center in Greeley
The district will be anchored by a new 8,600-seat arena and ice center, which will serve as the future home of the Colorado Eagles professional ice hockey team. The Eagles are an affiliate of the NHL’s Colorado Avalanche. The development will also include a year-round indoor waterpark and resort, a full-service conference hotel, regional transit hub, restaurants and shops, and approximately 11,000 new housing units.
“This is a legacy project for Water Valley and a moment we’ve been working toward for years,” said Martin Lind, CEO of The Water Valley Company. “We’ve always believed in the power of placemaking to bring people together and energize communities, and this is exactly the kind of transformative opportunity we’ve been looking for. The location, the support from the City of Greeley, and the overall development plan make this a smart, sustainable move for our organization.”
The district will transform currently underutilized land along Highway 34 into a dynamic regional destination. With its strategic location just 50 miles north of Denver and direct access to major highways, railways, and Denver International Airport, the site is uniquely positioned to support regional growth and economic connectivity. The development will be supported by key infrastructure investments, including the Greeley Merge project, which aims to improve transportation access and mobility across the region. The City anticipates construction of the district to begin in 2026, with major components, including the arena and waterpark, targeted for completion by mid-2028.
City of Greeley Plans Expansion of Greeley-Weld County Airport
Already the fourth fastest-growing metro area in the country, Greeley’s metro population grew by 30% from 2010 to 2020, and over the next 35 years, Greeley expects to welcome more than 100,000 new residents, bringing with them new customers, talent, and partnerships that will fuel the local economy. To support this growth and enhance regional connectivity, Greeley is investing in the expansion of the Greeley-Weld County Airport. These enhancements will position the airport as Colorado's third major airport, complementing Denver International Airport and Colorado Springs Airport.
“This is a defining moment for Greeley, and it’s only possible because of the generations of residents, families, and businesses who have invested in this community and believed in its potential,” said City Manager Raymond C. Lee III. “We’ve created a business-friendly environment with one of the youngest and most promising workforces in Colorado, and programs like gBETA Greeley continue to cultivate innovation at the local level. This district will deliver long-term economic value while offering new spaces for community, connection, and culture.”
The City of Greeley and Water Valley Company Collaboration Efforts Reach Milestone
The City Council vote comes after an extensive planning and evaluation process to determine the viability and benefit of the project. Over the past nine months, the City of Greeley and The Water Valley Company have engaged in multiple City Council work sessions, expert-led market and fiscal analyses, and more than 25 meetings with local stakeholders – from business owners and youth sports groups to housing advocates and neighboring property owners. The City also hosted four large-scale community meetings to gather feedback and answer questions from the public, helping shape the project with input from hundreds of Greeley residents.
The recent vote represents a key milestone in a longer, phased process to ensure transparency, fiscal responsibility, and alignment with community goals. Several future Council actions will still be required, including approval of a lease agreement with the Colorado Eagles, land acquisition and sale agreements, business incentive and coordination agreements, authorization of Certificates of Participation (COPs), and the formation of a General Improvement District (GID).
City of Greeley West Side Entertainment Pre-Development Phase
The approval of the Pre-Development Services Agreement marks the beginning of the project’s pre-development phase. During this stage, the City and The Water Valley Company will move into detailed design planning, land acquisition and due diligence and the continued evaluation of market and financial feasibility. This phase is critical to ensuring the project’s long-term viability and alignment with community goals. Each element of the district, from infrastructure and land use to financing and design, will be carefully studied and refined before moving forward with construction.
About City of Greeley Economic Development: Greeley, Colorado, is one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S., and is emerging as a vital hub in healthcare, energy, sports, agriculture, manufacturing, education, business innovation, technology and entertainment. Located near the majestic Rocky Mountains, Greeley combines small-town charm with big-city opportunities. The city’s Economic Development team collaborates with strategic partners to attract businesses and investments, supporting projects that align with Greeley’s vision for a vibrant, sustainable future. For more information about opportunities in Greeley please visit https://greeleyecodevo.com/.
