Anaheim's Honda Center is poised for a $1-billion makeover courtesy of the Samueli family, which owns the Anaheim Ducks. 

Honda Center Encore, announced this week by OC Sports 7 Entertainment which operates the city-owned property, is expected to be implemented incrementally through the 2027, allowing the arena to serve as an event venue in the 2028 Summer Olympics. The Honda Center is to remain open through construction. 

Grand atriumOC Sports & Entertainment

“This is more than just an investment in a venue — it’s an investment in Anaheim and the future of Orange County as a global destination for live entertainment,” said OC Sports & Entertainment chief executive officer Bill Foltz in a news release. “Honda Center Encore reflects our commitment to delivering a world-class experience for every guest, every visit — all made possible through the vision and generosity of the Samueli Family.”

Per a news release, specific elements of the project include:

  • A new five-story South Entrance with a grand arrival experience and future plans for a high-impact digital display to host outdoor viewing parties and special community moments.
  • New escalators will improve vertical circulation and enhance guest flow throughout the arena.
  • A complete refresh of all food and beverage spaces, including ten brand-new concepts and the introduction of innovative self-service technology to elevate speed and convenience for guests throughout the arena.
  • A new all-inclusive club on the club-level, offering an upscale, hospitality-focused experience for premium guests, with curated food and beverage offerings and unmatched views of the action.
  • The debut of new opera box suites on the main concourse and a full renovation of all 68 existing luxury suites to deliver an elevated, modernized premium experience.
  • Three new parking garages totaling over 6,000 stalls.
  • Four new entry plazas, each with a distinct social aesthetic.

Plaza levelOC Sports & Entertainment

Members of the project team include master planners Smith Clementi, Bangmac Creative, Populous, interior design firms Elevate Creative and Studio UNLTD, and LGM Design Group, which will design food service and kitchen spaces.

The revamp of the Honda Center emerges as work ramps up for the adjoining OC Vibe development, a $4-billion project which is also being led by the Samueli family. That project will transform the land surrounding the arena into entertainment venues, offices, open space, hotels, and more than 1,500 homes.

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