Chula Vista Bayfront Could See Major Sports, Hotel, and Retail Development
The Chula Vista Bayfront may soon welcome a new wave of development, with the Port of San Diego preparing to take a significant step forward. On Tuesday, the Board of Port Commissioners will review a proposal that could transform a 124-acre section of the bayfront into a mixed-use destination featuring sports, hospitality, and retail experiences.
A Vision for Pangaea Chula Vista Sports Entertainment District
At the heart of the proposal is the Pangaea Chula Vista Sports Entertainment District, a project led by The McGarey Group. The plan calls for a world-class tennis center, reportedly tied to an elite professional athlete, as well as three hotels offering up to 700 rooms in its initial phase. Additional features include a water polo academy, a multi-use stadium, a 300,000-square-foot retail complex, two golf courses, an IMAX theater, and approximately 150,000 square feet of aquaculture and bluetech innovation space.
The Port is considering a six-month exclusive negotiating agreement with The McGarey Group for the Otay District, which stretches between L Street and the Chula Vista Marina, about a mile south of the recently opened Gaylord Pacific Resort. Greg Mueller of Tucker Sadler Architects—known for The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park and Portside Pier—is the architect behind this ambitious vision.
Part of a Larger Redevelopment Plan
This project marks Phase 3 of the long-term Chula Vista Bayfront Master Plan, which has been decades in the making. Phase 1 brought the highly anticipated Gaylord Pacific Resort, Sweetwater Park, and the Sun Outdoors RV Park to life. Phase 2 focuses on expanding retail and cultural amenities near the marina and across from the Gaylord resort. The Otay District redevelopment, which includes the former South Bay Power Plant site, is the next step in this extensive revitalization effort.
Why the Port is Moving Forward
Port officials are optimistic about the proposal for several reasons. Tennis, in particular, has a growing following in Southern California and South Bay residents have shown strong interest in both tennis and pickleball. The McGarey Group’s willingness to take on the site as-is could also save the Port significant costs in planning and entitlement work.
“This proposal stands out for its unique mix of sports, entertainment, dining, and wellness,” project developers F. Denver McGarey and Gerald Divaris noted in a letter to Port President and CEO Scott Chadwick. “Our mission is to create a destination that enriches the lives of the community and visitors alike.”
The Port believes the development would attract not only locals but also visitors from Mexico and beyond, enhancing the appeal of the Chula Vista Bayfront as a regional destination.
What’s Next?
If approved, the development team will have six months to finalize its partnership with the professional athlete and conduct a market study, particularly regarding any need for geographic exclusivity. At the end of this period, the team will report back to the board for further direction.
With tennis participation on the rise and the potential for a vibrant mix of attractions, the Pangaea Chula Vista Sports Entertainment District could become a cornerstone of the South Bay’s transformation.
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