Anaheim Is More Than Just Disneyland, and This $4B Project Hopes to Prove It

A groundbreaking initiative is taking shape in Orange County, poised to expand Anaheim's reputation beyond its well-known theme parks to include vibrant live entertainment. The Samueli family, recognized as the owners of the Anaheim Ducks, is spearheading the development of OCVIBE, which is anticipated to become the largest entertainment venue in the United States upon its completion.

The vision for OCVIBE is to establish a dynamic urban center for all of Southern California, offering a space where locals and visitors alike can unwind, indulge in culinary options, and experience world-class performances. Set for completion in 2028, the project aims to transform the area into a lively community space that seamlessly integrates entertainment with daily life.

The venue

OCVIBE will be situated around the Honda Center, a sports arena with a capacity exceeding 18,000. Developers plan to enhance this existing venue, which first opened in 1993, by adding communal and residential spaces, as well as entertainment complexes, that cater to a diverse array of audiences, extending beyond just tourists.

A seasoned architectural team has been engaged for the project, with the Smith-Clementi firm bringing extensive experience in Los Angeles design. Lead architects Julie Smith-Clementi and Frank Clementi have worked on notable projects such as the Hollywood Bowl and L.A.'s Grand Park. The design aims to create an engaging atmosphere from the moment guests arrive, incorporating bright colors and grand entrances to evoke an event-like ambiance.

Currently, Anaheim's identity is largely tied to Disneyland, which welcomes around 50,000 visitors daily. In 2024, the park recorded 17.3 million visitors, nearly double New York City's population. However, many of these guests rarely explore beyond the theme park, and most of the financial impact of their visit remains within Disney's domain.

With the completion of OCVIBE, there is optimism that both tourists and local residents will be encouraged to spend more time exploring Anaheim itself.

New offerings planned for OCVIBE

Occupying 95 to 100 acres, OCVIBE will feature cutting-edge event spaces, a variety of dining options, expansive public parks and plazas, three miles of pedestrian trails, multiple hotels, as well as residential and office spaces.

A highlight of the development will include a concert space with a capacity exceeding 5,000, distinct from the existing arenas at the Honda Center. This new venue aims to enhance acoustics and optimize the overall experience for attendees. While the Honda Center accommodates larger acts, it is not specifically designed for sound quality and stage performances.

Guests attending games and concerts will have the opportunity to enjoy a full day of activities, including dining options in the pleasant California climate. OCVIBE plans to introduce over 35 new dining establishments once completed. Among the most exciting additions will be Katella Commons, a proposed market hall featuring stalls from 21 different restaurants and chefs, fostering a vibrant communal environment.

Chef Rémi Lauvand, the former Director of Culinary Operations at Universal Studios Hollywood, will manage Katella Commons. The hall will also include six bars, such as the Vesper Lounge with its Japanese-Scandinavian inspired cocktails, a 1970s-themed cocktail lounge, and Bar Barcelona, dedicated to amaro and wines.

Public spaces

Los Angeles is celebrated for its exceptional year-round weather, and OCVIBE will provide visitors access to 20 parks and plazas designed as inclusive, free spaces for all. According to the venue's website, a primary motivation for OCVIBE's development is to offer "Orange County the downtown they deserve."

Over three miles of walking trails will interconnect various areas of the complex, aligning with the developers' vision of creating an easily navigable environment that minimizes reliance on cars.

Hotels and living space

Plans currently include two on-site hotels expected to debut by 2028, providing a total of 500 environmentally sustainable hotel rooms. However, the scope of the development extends well beyond tourism. OCVIBE will incorporate over 2,000 residential units, and according to the development plan approved by the Anaheim City Council, 15% of these will be allocated for affordable housing. The residential sector is set to cover approximately 40% of the overall project area.

Who is OCVIBE for?

OCVIBE is designed not only as a gathering spot for locals but also as a destination for residents across California and visitors. Individuals looking to enjoy concerts, catch a Ducks game, or take a break from Disneyland's crowds will find ample opportunities to explore this expansive new complex.

Strategically located near the Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center (ARTIC), OCVIBE will be accessible via public transit for Angelenos. ARTIC serves as a comprehensive transportation hub encompassing Amtrak, Metrolink, and respective local and intercity bus services.

The development also promises thousands of square feet dedicated to office and commercial space, suggesting that developers anticipate the influx of restaurants, apartments, and transit hubs will attract employers and retail businesses to the area.

Will residents benefit from OCVIBE?

While the tangible benefits of OCVIBE will only become fully evident upon completion, the developers project substantial economic gains for the locality.

Expected direct financial advantages include an estimated $9.2 million in tax revenue for Anaheim and $255 million in public benefits, such as enhancements to public spaces and improvements to the ARTIC hub. Despite the project's high construction costs, projected at approximately $4 billion, it is expected to be funded primarily through private investment, minimizing taxpayer burden. The only government financing involved comprises $400 million in city-issued bonds secured by revenue from the Honda Center, thus alleviating the financial responsibility from Anaheim residents.

Consequently, while the immediate financial burden of construction will not be placed upon the community, the anticipated benefits are hoped to enrich local businesses and taxpayers. Community feedback observed on platforms such as Reddit has generally been supportive yet cautiously optimistic, with many residents expressing enthusiasm for the addition of a dedicated concert venue while advocating for the utilization of ARTIC transport.

OCVIBE opening date

The current objective is to have the entire venue operational by 2028. Certain segments of the complex, including public parks and plazas, may be completed earlier—potentially as soon as early 2027.

Given the scheduled Olympic events in the vicinity, including indoor volleyball tournaments at the Honda Center, an opening prior to the commencement of the ceremonies on July 14, 2028, would be advantageous.