The owners of the Anaheim Ducks are investing heavily in the future of Anaheim as they move forward with a $1 billion renovation of the city-owned Honda Center, complementing their already massive $4 billion OC Vibe development that will transform the area around the arena into a dynamic mixed-use entertainment hub.
Henry and Susan Samueli, owners of the NHL’s Anaheim Ducks, have submitted formal plans to upgrade the 20,000-seat Honda Center at 2695 East Katella Avenue. The ambitious renovation project, dubbed Honda Center Encore, will be led by OC Sports & Entertainment, the Samueli-controlled affiliate that operates the arena. Designed by global sports architecture firm Populous, the revamp will unfold in phases and is expected to be completed by 2027.
“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 Bill Foltz, CEO of OC Sports & Entertainment, in a public statement.
The Honda Center makeover will introduce a wide range of modernizations and amenities to enhance the fan experience and elevate the arena’s position among premier sports and entertainment venues. Key upgrades include:
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A five-story south entrance featuring a massive digital display for outdoor viewing parties and community events
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New escalators to improve flow and access throughout the venue
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A complete refresh of all food and beverage offerings, including ten new restaurants and the integration of self-service checkout options for faster service
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A brand-new club-level lounge with curated food and beverage service and panoramic views of the action
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New opera box suites on the main concourse and a complete renovation of 68 existing luxury suites
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The construction of three new parking structures with more than 6,000 stalls to accommodate growing demand
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Four redesigned entry plazas, each with unique landscaping and architectural elements to provide distinct arrival experiences
These enhancements are timed to coincide with the progress of the larger OC Vibe development—a sprawling, 95-acre mixed-use community envisioned by the Samueli family. The $4 billion project, located between the Santa Ana River and the 57 Freeway, will completely reimagine the area surrounding the Honda Center as a thriving urban village built around sports, entertainment, and lifestyle.
OC Vibe will feature:
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1.1 million square feet of office space
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230,000 square feet of shops and restaurants
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Two hotels offering a total of 550 rooms
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A 5,700-seat concert hall
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11,000 parking spaces
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Approximately 1,500 residential units
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20 acres of public parks, green space, and walkways
When completed, the combined transformation of the Honda Center and the OC Vibe district will represent one of the most ambitious sports-anchored urban developments in the country. The goal is to create a year-round destination that draws locals and tourists alike, serving as both a community gathering space and a high-profile venue for global entertainment events.
The project is expected to generate thousands of jobs and inject billions into the local economy, while also enhancing Anaheim’s reputation as a premier hub for sports, concerts, and cultural attractions. For the Samuelis, it marks a long-term commitment to both their team and the broader Orange County region—a vision not just for the next hockey season, but for decades to come.