The fourth-oldest arena in the NHL will be getting some much-needed tender loving care to match its rapidly growing surroundings.
Anaheim Ducks owners Henry and Susan Samueli are investing $1 billion into Honda Center Encore–a privately funded transformation of Honda Center, which will renovate nearly all aspects of the 32-year-old arena in conjunction with the construction of the OCVIBE district currently sprouting up around the building.
OC Sports and Entertainment, the affiliate operator of the city-owned arena, announced the project on Tuesday, stating that renovations will run through the end of 2027. Honda Center will remain open throughout the process.
The Ducks are one of just two major professional teams in Southern California to play in city-owned venues, and if the team takes its contractual options of its current lease, the Ducks could be playing in Honda Center until 2064.
OC Sports & Entertainment
Honda Center Encore is a $1 billion renovation of nearly every aspect of the 32-year-old Anaheim Ducks arena.
With longevity as a focus, it was important to the organization to invest in the building the Ducks have called home since 1993, and maybe even more important to the City of Anaheim that the investment continued to come privately from the Samuelis.
“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,” OCSE CEO Bill Foltz said in a statement. “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.”
Two parking garages–the first phase of the construction process that fans and visitors have seen under construction all season–will open in October 2025 in time for the next Ducks season. All told, there will be three parking garages built with over 6,000 spaces, which will increase parking capacity by over 60%.
For the former Anaheim Arena and former Arrowhead Pond of Anaheim itself, Honda Center will be completely reimagined with this massive investment from the Samuelis.
OC Sports & Entertainment
Honda Center Encore is a $1 billion renovation of nearly every aspect of the 32-year-old Anaheim Ducks arena.
Most notably will be new entrance areas, including a fully redone South Entrance for a “grand arrival” experience with future plans for a “high-impact digital display” for outdoor viewing parties like in Stanley Cup Playoffs past and other community events. There will also be four newly designed entry plazas around the arena, each with their own distinct aesthetic.
The building will have escalators for the first time, where the building only had various stairwells and elevators before.
All food and beverage spaces will be refreshed, including 10 brand-new concepts, some of which will bring self-service technology in the name of speed and convenience.
The luxury areas of Honda Center will also receive upgrades, highlighted by a new all-inclusive hospitality club for premium guests on the club level, new “opera box” suites on the plaza level and a full renovation of all 68 existing suites.
This investment from the Samuelis is the latest to anchor the OCVIBE district–the $4 billion, 100-acre mixed-use development around Honda Center. OCVIBE will eventually feature hotels, restaurants, 5,700-set performance venue, 50,000-square-foot food hall, 20 acres of parks and public spaces and more as construction continues into 2029.
