OCVIBE Unveils Design for a New 5,000-Capacity Concert Hall Opening in Anaheim in Early 2027
TAGS: OCVIBE, Honda Center, Populous, Gallagher, Julie Rinaldi, Eric Bresler, Tina Suca, Katie Pederson,
OCVIBE has revealed the design for a new 5,000-capacity concert hall opening in early 2027 as part of the 100-acre mixed-use entertainment development surrounding Honda Center in Anaheim. Designed by global architecture firm Populous, the venue is the first of its size in Orange County and is built with artists and crew at the center of every decision. The design draws architectural inspiration from musical instruments and amplification, pairing sculptural form with performance-driven function and a state-of-the-art L-Acoustics sound system throughout.
Artist hospitality goes well beyond the standard. The concert hall includes six dedicated dressing rooms, two private artist suites, crew kitchen and showers, gated bus parking, and an open-air backstage courtyard built to deliver arena-level comfort in a mid-size setting. “The backstage experience is intentionally different,” says Tina Suca, Senior Vice President of Venue Operations. “Every element was designed to create an environment where performers and crew can settle in, feel supported, and deliver unforgettable shows.”
The venue slots into a rare scalable performance pathway within the OCVIBE campus. Emerging artists can start at the historic 300-capacity Golden Bear, opening in 2029, move to the 5,000-capacity concert hall, and headline the 18,000-capacity Honda Center, all within one connected district. “Artists won’t just play at OCVIBE, they’ll grow here,” says Eric Bresler, Senior Vice President of Entertainment at OCVIBE. A defining exterior feature is the Stretto, a 62-foot steel art installation at the venue’s southeast corner, with Stretto Café operating beneath it daily.
When phase one of OCVIBE opens in early 2027, it will also introduce Katella Commons, a 21-chef-driven kitchen market hall, The Weave office building, and an Urban Park. The full development, privately funded with a $5 billion commitment by the Samueli Family, is slated for completion in 2033 and will ultimately bring three entertainment venues, 35-plus dining experiences, 20 acres of open space, and more than 2,000 residences to Orange County. The concert hall’s official name and programming lineup will be announced in the coming months.