If you grew up in Tucson during the seventies or eighties, El Con Mall was basically the center of the universe. You probably remember the fountains, the dim orange lighting, and that specific "mall smell"—a mix of popcorn, floor wax, and new shoes. Fast forward to 2026 and honestly, if you walk into the middle of the property looking for a food court or a Cinnabon, you’re going to be very, very confused.
El Con Mall Tucson isn't really a mall anymore. Not in the way we think of them.
👉 See also: How Much Money Does Musk Get From the US Government: What Most People Get Wrong
The days of wandering through an enclosed labyrinth of neon-lit storefronts are mostly dead and buried here. Today, it’s what developers call a "power center," which is basically a fancy way of saying it’s a giant parking lot surrounded by big-box stores. But even with that shift, there is a weird, stubborn magic to the place that keeps it from disappearing entirely.
The Identity Crisis of Tucson's Oldest Shopping Hub
It’s actually the oldest mall in the city. When it opened in 1960, it was an outdoor plaza before they put a roof on it later to hide from the Arizona sun. But for the last two decades, El Con has been caught in this bizarre tug-of-war between retail giants and neighborhood activists.
You’ve got the Walmart on one side, which was famously fought over in court for years. Then there’s the Target, the Home Depot, and the Cinemark theater. These are the anchors that keep the heart beating, but the "mall" part? That middle section that used to house smaller boutiques? Most of that has been gutted or repurposed.
The owner, Stan Kroenke—yeah, the guy who owns the Los Angeles Rams and Arsenal F.C.—bought the place back in 2014. People expected a massive, glitzy overhaul. Instead, the strategy has been more about "de-malling." They ripped out the enclosed walkways and turned it into an open-air setup. It was a survival move. While other malls like Park Place and Tucson Mall are currently struggling with massive debts and receivership, El Con found a weird kind of stability by leaning into the boring stuff: groceries, hardware, and cheap clothes.
Who is actually left at El Con?
If you're heading there today, you aren't going for a "day at the mall." You're going there because you need a specific thing.
- The Big Anchors: Walmart, Target, and Home Depot. These three are the reason the parking lot is never empty.
- The Discount Tier: Ross Dress for Less, Burlington, and Marshalls. These stores thrive here because they don't need the foot traffic of a fancy mall to survive; people drive specifically to hunt for deals.
- The Survivalists: There are a few long-term tenants that just won't quit. El Continental Barber Stylist has been there for over 45 years. Dale Radtke, the owner, has seen the mall rise, fall, and basically reincarnate. It’s one of those spots where the clientele is so loyal they’d find him even if the mall was a pile of rubble.
- The "New" Additions: In-N-Out Burger and Chick-fil-A on the periphery. Honestly, these two probably generate more consistent traffic than half the retail stores combined.
The Ghostly Vibe of the Mid-Section
Walking through the remaining "hallways" of El Con Mall Tucson is a surreal experience. It’s quiet. Like, really quiet.
The skylights still let in that gorgeous Arizona sun, but instead of illuminating crowds, they usually just highlight empty floor space. It feels like a liminal space—those eerie, transitional spots you see in internet memes. One minute you’re in a bustling Target, and the next you’re walking past a shuttered JCPenney that looks like it hasn't seen a customer since the Clinton administration.
There's a persistent rumor that the whole thing will eventually be leveled for luxury apartments. It makes sense, right? It’s prime real estate right on Broadway. But so far, the "Uptown" style redevelopment we’re seeing at the old Foothills Mall hasn't quite hit El Con yet. It just lingers in this half-state.
Why Does Anyone Still Care?
Most people go to El Con out of habit or convenience. If you live in Sam Hughes or the surrounding midtown neighborhoods, it’s just there.
But there’s also the cinema. The Cinemark Century 20 is still one of the best places in town to catch a movie. It doesn't have the "dead mall" energy because movies are the one thing that still brings a diverse crowd together. You’ve got college students from the U of A, families from the neighborhood, and seniors who have been coming to this exact spot for forty years.
The Wal-Mart War Legacy
You can't talk about El Con Mall Tucson without mentioning the "Stop Walmart" signs that used to be in every yard in the neighborhood. It was a decade-long saga. The city and the developers basically had to jump through every legal hoop imaginable to get that big-box store built.
Looking back, was it worth it?
From a business perspective, probably. It saved the property from becoming a total wasteland. But it also killed the "mall" vibe forever. It turned a social gathering place into a utility hub. It’s a trade-off that many Tucsonans still have mixed feelings about.
How to Actually Navigate El Con Today
If you haven’t been in a while, don't try to "park and walk the whole thing." You’ll end up hiking three miles across asphalt.
- For Groceries/Essentials: Park on the east side near Target. It’s the most "normal" part of the center.
- For the Cinema: Park in the back. There’s a specific entrance that saves you from the Walmart chaos.
- For the "Hidden" Gems: Look for the small shops like the Barber Stylist tucked away near the Macy's footprint. These are the last remnants of the old-school Tucson business community.
Honestly, the best way to think of El Con in 2026 is as a collection of separate islands. You visit an island, you get your stuff, and you leave. It’s efficient, if a bit soulless. But in an era where massive shopping centers like the Tucson Mall are facing $180 million in delinquency, maybe "efficient and soulless" is the only way to stay alive.
Practical Steps for Your Visit
If you're planning a trip, skip the peak Saturday afternoon hours if you can. The Chick-fil-A line alone can back up traffic onto Broadway, which is a nightmare.
Check the movie times at the Century 20 online before you go, because the box office can be hit-or-miss for popular releases. And if you’re looking for a specific store that isn’t a major anchor, call ahead. In the current retail climate, stores at El Con have a habit of disappearing or moving without much notice.
The mall isn't what it used to be, but it’s still standing. For a 66-year-old piece of Tucson history, that’s saying something.