MESA, AZ (AZFamily) — After years of sitting vacant, the 80-acre site where Fiesta Mall once stood may finally be getting a second life.

The Mesa City Council has unanimously approved the creation of the Palo Theme Park District, opening the door to a massive mixed-use redevelopment that could include retail, restaurants, housing, and a potential bid for a Major League Soccer (MLS) team.

City leaders say the district gives developers new tools to bring large-scale projects to the area, including the possibility of a soccer stadium that could host both a men’s MLS team and a women’s professional team.

The Palo District would transform the area into a mixed-use destination featuring:

Restaurants and retail

Lodging

Office space

Apartments, condos, and townhomes

A theme park-style e

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