Arrowhead Towne Center, often referred to by locals simply as Arrowhead Mall, stands as the premier shopping and entertainment destination in Glendale, Arizona. Spanning nearly 1.2 million square feet, this two-level enclosed regional shopping center has served the Northwest Valley for over three decades. Whether visiting for a quick retail errand or a full day of family entertainment, understanding the specific layout is essential for an efficient and enjoyable experience.

Quick Overview of Arrowhead Towne Center Structure

The mall is designed in a sprawling, multi-wing layout that maximizes walking efficiency while housing over 180 specialty stores and major department anchors. It is characterized by its bright, climate-controlled interior and a logical progression of retail zones.

  • Total Levels: 2 (Level 1 and Level 2)
  • Major Anchors: Macy’s, Dillard’s, JCPenney, and Dick’s Sporting Goods.
  • Entertainment Anchors: AMC Theatres (14 screens) and Round1 Bowling & Arcade.
  • Walking Logistics: A direct walk from the Macy’s wing to the Dillard’s wing on the lower level covers approximately 2/3 of a mile. For those walking the full perimeter, the distance approaches 3/4 of a mile.

Detailed Breakdown of Level 1: The Foundation of Retail and Play

Level 1 serves as the primary entry point for most visitors and houses the most diverse range of services, including family-oriented amenities and high-energy entertainment.

The Central Concourse and Retail Diversity

The first floor is where many of the mall's most recognizable fashion and lifestyle brands are located. The layout features wide walkways with plenty of seating areas, interspersed with kiosks offering specialized goods. The central area acts as a hub, connecting the four main wings leading to the anchor stores.

Retailers on this level typically include jewelry stores, beauty outlets like Sephora (a pioneer in the West Valley), and high-traffic apparel brands. The architectural flow is designed to lead shoppers naturally from one wing to the next, with clear signage indicating the direction of the major department stores.

Family Amenities and Children’s Play Area

One of the defining features of the Level 1 layout is the dedicated children’s play area. Strategically placed away from the busiest thoroughfares but easily accessible from the main mall entries, this area provides a safe environment for younger visitors to burn off energy. The surrounding seating allows parents a clear line of sight, making it a functional layout choice for families.

Round1 Bowling & Arcade: The Entertainment Powerhouse

Located at one end of the mall (formerly the Forever 21 space), Round1 has transformed the layout of the south wing. This massive entertainment complex offers:

  • Bowling lanes
  • Professional-grade billiards
  • Karaoke rooms
  • The "Spo-Cha" (Sports Challenge) area

The presence of Round1 on Level 1 ensures that the mall remains active late into the evening, even after traditional retail shops have closed, as this venue often maintains extended hours.

Detailed Breakdown of Level 2: Dining, Cinema, and Fast Fashion

Level 2 of Arrowhead Towne Center offers a slightly different atmosphere, focusing heavily on dining and leisure while housing several "big box" retail formats.

The Food Court Layout

The Food Court is the centerpiece of Level 2’s social layout. With over 15 fast-dining options, the seating area is designed to accommodate hundreds of diners simultaneously. The layout is circular, allowing visitors to view all culinary options—from Chipotle and Panda Express to Johnny Rockets—before making a selection. High ceilings and large windows in certain sections provide natural light, preventing the space from feeling cramped.

AMC Theatres and Nightlife

The 14-screen AMC Theatres complex is situated on the second level, accessible via elevators and escalators near the central hub. The layout of the cinema entrance is designed to manage large crowds during blockbuster releases without obstructing the flow of mall traffic. Its proximity to the Food Court makes it a popular destination for "dinner and a movie" outings.

Fashion and Tech Hubs

Level 2 is also home to major tech and upscale fashion retailers. The Apple Store, a significant draw for the mall since its opening in 2008, is a key landmark on this level. Visitors will also find a concentration of athletic wear and "fast fashion" brands that occupy larger footprints than the boutique-style shops found downstairs.

The Anchor Store Strategy: Four Pillars of Arrowhead

The layout of Arrowhead Towne Center is anchored by four massive department stores, each occupying a corner of the mall’s cross-shaped footprint. These anchors act as the primary navigational markers for visitors.

Macy’s

Macy’s occupies a significant portion of the mall's northern end. In our experience, this is often the busiest anchor, serving as a gateway for shoppers coming from the northern parking lots. Its two-level layout within the store itself mirrors the mall's structure, with clear access points to both mall levels.

Dillard’s

Positioned at the opposite end, Dillard’s provides a more traditional department store experience. The walk between Macy’s and Dillard’s is the longest straight-line distance in the mall, making it a favorite route for the local mall-walking community.

JCPenney

JCPenney has been a staple of the layout since the mall opened in 1993. It serves the eastern wing and is particularly popular for family shopping and home goods. Its entrance is conveniently located near several mid-sized retailers, creating a high-density shopping zone.

Dick’s Sporting Goods

Originally housing other department stores like Sears or Montgomery Ward in the past, the western anchor space is now occupied by Dick’s Sporting Goods. This store caters to the active lifestyle of Glendale residents and is situated near the entrance most convenient for those visiting from the nearby sports complexes.

Navigating the Dining Options Beyond the Food Court

While the Food Court provides quick meals, the layout of Arrowhead Towne Center includes several sit-down restaurants integrated into the perimeter of the mall or located as standalone buildings ("outparcels") in the parking lot.

  • Internal Sit-Down Dining: Restaurants like Chompie’s and Sizzle Korean BBQ are integrated into the mall structure but often have their own exterior entrances. This layout allows them to operate independently of mall hours.
  • Peripheral Dining: Just outside the main doors, visitors can find options like Pickleman’s Gourmet Café and various coffee shops.
  • Strategic Placement: The placement of these restaurants near mall entrances serves to draw visitors in and provides convenient meeting spots that don't require navigating deep into the mall interior.

Amenities, Services, and Accessibility

The layout of Arrowhead Towne Center is designed with accessibility and modern convenience in mind.

Mall Walking Culture

The mall opens its doors early specifically for walkers—8:00 AM from Monday to Saturday and 9:00 AM on Sundays. The flat, wide concourses of Level 1 and Level 2 provide an ideal environment for exercise, especially during the extreme heat of Arizona summers. The layout is free of significant obstacles, and the availability of elevators ensures that multi-level walking is accessible to everyone.

Connectivity and Charging

Free wireless internet is available throughout the mall. Charging stations are strategically placed in seating areas, particularly on Level 2 near the Food Court and in the lounge areas on Level 1. These "pit stops" are essential for modern shoppers navigating a facility of this size.

Transit Center Integration

On the exterior, the mall layout serves as a vital transit hub for Valley Metro buses. The transit center is located near the main entrances, allowing commuters to transition easily from public transport to the shopping center. This makes Arrowhead one of the most accessible suburban malls in the Phoenix metropolitan area.

Parking and Exterior Access

Navigating the parking lot is just as important as navigating the interior layout. The mall is surrounded by a ring road that connects to Bell Road and 75th Avenue.

  • Anchor Parking: Each major department store has its own dedicated parking area. If you are visiting specifically for Macy’s, parking in the north lot is most efficient.
  • Entertainment Parking: For Round1 and AMC Theatres, the southern and western parking areas provide the fastest access.
  • Proximity to Peoria Sports Complex: During spring training, the parking layout near the western side of the mall becomes particularly busy due to its proximity to the Peoria Sports Complex across the street.

Why the Layout of Arrowhead Mall Still Works Today

Entering its fourth decade, Arrowhead Towne Center remains successful because its layout has evolved. The transition from traditional department stores to entertainment-heavy anchors like Round1 shows a commitment to the modern "lifestyle center" concept while maintaining the comfort of a classic enclosed mall. The clear, two-level distinction between "play/family" (Level 1) and "food/entertainment" (Level 2) creates a logical flow that few other regional malls in Arizona have mastered.

Summary of the Arrowhead Mall Experience

Arrowhead Towne Center offers a balanced, intuitive layout that caters to diverse needs. From the expansive 3/4-mile perimeter walk for fitness enthusiasts to the concentrated entertainment zones for families, the mall is more than just a collection of shops. Its four-anchor system provides clear landmarks for navigation, and the two-level design effectively separates high-traffic dining from quieter retail corridors.

FAQ about Arrowhead Mall Layout

Where is the Food Court located in Arrowhead Mall? The Food Court is located on Level 2, centrally positioned between the major wings to allow easy access from all anchor stores.

Which level is the children's play area on? The children's play area is located on Level 1, making it easily accessible for families entering through the main ground-floor doors.

How many floors does Arrowhead Towne Center have? It is a two-level enclosed shopping center. Both levels are accessible via multiple escalators and elevators located in the central hub and within anchor stores.

Where can I find the AMC Theatres? The AMC Theatres entrance is on Level 2, near the Food Court and the central elevator bank.

Is there an Apple Store at Arrowhead Mall? Yes, the Apple Store is located on Level 2, serving as a major tech anchor for the West Valley.

Is the mall layout accessible for strollers and wheelchairs? Absolutely. The mall features wide concourses, automatic doors at main entrances, and multiple elevators connecting the two levels.

Where is Round1 located? Round1 is located on Level 1, occupying a large space in the south wing of the mall.