Marketing Manteca: Spotlight on the Family Entertainment Zone (FEZ)
Manteca, California, has come a long way since 1966, when the city acquired 80 acres for $56,000, primarily eyeing it for wastewater treatment plant expansion. Fast forward to today, and this very land—along with an additional 70 acres—is being transformed into Manteca’s prime Northern San Joaquin Valley location for restaurants, retail stores, and entertainment venues.
The Vision for the Family Entertainment Zone
On Wednesday, Manteca City officials unveiled an engaging 3-minute and 38-second marketing video on their Facebook page, aimed at catching the eye of private sector decision-makers. This video highlights the economic potential of the Family Entertainment Zone (FEZ), an expansive 150 acres of land primed for development.
The FEZ boasts a shovel-ready design with a comprehensive four-lane extension of Daniels Street, incorporating three separate intersections for easy access throughout the site. What makes FEZ even more attractive? It’s strategically located between the 500-room Great Wolf indoor water park, the largest hotel in the Great Central Valley, and the Big League Dreams sports complex.
A Gateway to Connectivity
Access is a crucial factor for any commercial venture, and the FEZ doesn’t fall short in this area. The marketing video prominently features two interchanges on the 120 Bypass, including the newly completed McKinley interchange, offering a swift five-mile connection between Interstate 5 and Highway 99.
Key Highlights of Manteca
The marketing initiative presents compelling statistics that underline Manteca’s potential:
- Population: Now home to 94,000 residents, Manteca is expected to surpass 100,000 by 2028.
- Household Income: The median household income stands at $124,000, indicating a wealthy community on the rise.
- Real Estate: The median house price is currently at $590,000, signaling a robust housing market.
- Accessibility: Four major international airports—San Jose, Oakland, San Francisco, and Sacramento—are all within a 70-mile radius of FEZ.
- Demographics: Manteca is thriving, with more than 30,000 rooftops, including 1,306 single-family homes either built or underway in 2024.
- Business-Friendly Environment: Manteca offers a streamlined process for businesses eager to set up shop.
This exciting environment has already attracted Loma Brewing Co., scheduled to open its doors in the FEZ this summer.
A Prime Destination for All
The term “prime” isn’t just marketing fluff—it’s backed by the numbers. The Great Wolf Lodge and Big League Dreams draw nearly 2 million visitors annually, ensuring a steady stream of potential customers for the new businesses.
Visuals showcased in the promotional video feature serene walkable settings filled with stores and restaurants, interconnected by beautiful promenades and supportive park areas. The main focus is creating an engaging environment that caters specifically to families.
What’s Next for the FEZ?
The FEZ plans to include diverse venues, from the Chicken N Pickle chain, showcasing pickleball courts coupled with restaurant service, to thrilling climbing wall gyms. Larger park areas are also in the works, equipped with multi-use fields and small-scale concert venues.
Previously, the city primarily focused on establishing sports-recreation businesses. However, the addition of retail spaces is expected to harness the existing momentum created by Costco and capitalize on the rapid growth in the southwest portion of Manteca, where household incomes are reportedly exceeding $140,000.
To watch the full marketing video and learn more about the exciting changes coming to Manteca, visit the Manteca City Facebook page.
As Manteca continues to evolve, the Family Entertainment Zone stands as a testament to the city’s vision for a vibrant, community-focused destination.
For media inquiries, contact Dennis Wyatt at [email protected].
