OCVIBE, the 100-acre mixed-use development surrounding Honda Center in Orange County, has unveiled the design of a new, 5,000-capacity concert hall by Populous. Scheduled to open in early 2027, the venue will strengthen Anaheim’s position as a premier destination for live music, comedy, esports and televised events.
Artist-focused design enhances performance experience
Designed with performers at its heart, the Populous-designed concert hall includes dedicated dressing rooms, private artist suites, crew facilities and an open-air backstage courtyard. The venue’s intimate seating bowl, state-of-the-art acoustics, and clear sightlines ensure every guest enjoys a fully immersive experience.
“Every detail was conceived to support artists and audiences alike, from flexible performance spaces to climate-conscious open-air courtyards.” – Julie Rinaldi, Principal at Populous
Sculptural form meets musical inspiration
Architectural inspiration draws directly from musical instruments and amplification. The venue blends sculptural exterior form with performance-driven function, creating a visual landmark that complements OCVIBE’s surrounding Urban Park. A defining feature, Stretto, is a 62-foot-tall steel installation acting as a gateway between the concert hall and the wider campus. Beneath it, Stretto Café will serve as a vibrant social hub for the district.
Flexible spaces for modern entertainment
Populous designed the concert hall to accommodate a wide variety of events. From intimate club-style concerts to mid-size shows and major arena productions, the venue offers a scalable ecosystem for touring artists. This approach ensures that Anaheim can host a range of cultural programming, creating long-term opportunities for performers and promoters alike.
“The concert hall establishes a rare ecosystem where artists can seamlessly move across performance scales within one connected campus.” – Eric Bressler, Senior Vice President of Entertainment at OCVIBE
Establishing Anaheim as a year-round destination
The first phase of OCVIBE, opening in 2027, will also introduce Katella Commons, a chef-driven market hall, Urban Park, and additional mixed-use amenities.
Together, these elements will position Anaheim as a vibrant year-round entertainment destination, offering both residents and visitors a unique combination of live performance, leisure, and cultural experiences.
