Twenty-five years ago, music icon Barry Manilow took the stage at the grand opening of Anaheim’s world-class facility. Since that night, Honda Center has hosted over 4,000 events and more than 39 million guests. Commemorating its 25th anniversary, Honda Center will stage a year-long celebration featuring a tremendous lineup of events at Orange County’s premier entertainment venue.
Kicking off the 25th silver anniversary is a unique promotion inviting fans to enter the “This Is 25 Silver Ticket Sweepstakes.” For the next 12 months, one fan on the 25th of each month will win a pair of tickets to their choice of any event at Honda Center plus VIP parking. This includes top tours like Shakira’s El Dorado World Tour, Justin Timberlake’s Man of the Woods World Tour, J. Cole’s KOD Tour, Panic! at the Disco’s Pray For The Wicked Tour, and many more. Starting at noon today, fans can enter for the chance to win at HondaCenter.com/ThisIs25. Fans should stay tuned for more exciting 25th anniversary promotions and giveaways available over the next year.
“We are so grateful for the Orange County community and its incredible fans that have been so supportive of the remarkable events we’re so fortunate to host. This is our opportunity to say thank you for their loyalty over the past 25 years. This will be a special year at Honda Center as we look back and celebrate our history with the biggest names in sports and entertainment, Honda Center’s President/CEO Tim Ryan said.
Over the past quarter century, Honda Center has earned world-class status by hosting the top names in entertainment. Music legends who have taken the OC stage over the years include The Rolling Stones, Madonna, Elton John, Barbra Streisand, U2, Janet Jackson and so many more. Fans have watched artists’ careers grow right in front of their eyes. Beyonce performed with Destiny’s Child twice and as a solo artist four times. Justin Timberlake performed with *Nsync in 1999 and 2002, and solo four times since. Twenty One Pilots opened for Fall Out Boy in 2013, and went on to headline consecutive sold-out shows in 2017.
Honda Center has hosted memorable tours that signified meaningful moments for fans including: Van Morrison with Joni Mitchell and Bob Dylan sharing the stage in 1998, Orange County native Gwen Stefani and No Doubt Tsunami Relief in 2005, The Police reunion in 2007, Roger Waters climbing The Wall in 2010, Neil Diamond’s 40th anniversary in 2012, “History of the Eagles Tour” in 2014 was the last production with Glenn Frey before his passing, and Fleetwood Mac reuniting Christine McVie in 2014. In 2019, fans can be a part of music history when Elton John brings his Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour to Anaheim.
Over the past 25 years, fans have been treated to not only the best in music, but also incredible sport and family entertainment. On seven separate occasions, the NCAA has brought March Madness to Orange County, with the eighth time coming in 2019. Honda Center has hosted seven UFC events, including the first in California and the first women’s event, tying for the most UFC events outside of Las Vegas. On an annual basis, crowds have been dazzled by the stars of Disney on Ice, Harlem Globetrotters, Professional Bull Riders, Stars on Ice and WWE. In 2019, Honda Center will host the world’s best in figure skating at the ISU Four Continents Figure Skating Championships.
The Anaheim Ducks will celebrate their 25th anniversary in the upcoming 2018-19 hockey season. Honda Center and the Anaheim Ducks are one of three arena/NHL tandems that will celebrate a connected anniversary. In 2007, the Anaheim Ducks became the first Stanley Cup Champion in California’s history. Together the Anaheim Ducks and Honda Center will engage fans in a celebration of 25 years together.
Honda Center continues to make venue upgrades and improvements around the building, all in the interest of creating a great experience for every visiting guest. Currently, replacement of the building’s bowl seating is underway with the first phase to be completed by this fall. Over the past 25 years, Anaheim Arena Management owners Henry and Susan Samueli have invested over $100 million dollars into state-of-the-art facility upgrades including the 15,000-square-foot indoor-outdoor entertainment space called the Shock Top Terrace. In fall of 2017, the building’s South Entrance was expanded to add 10,000 square feet of gathering space and features four new food and beverage concepts, including the building’s first in-the-round bar with 14 points of service getting fans back to the action faster.
Twenty-five years later, Honda Center continues to prove itself as the top venue in Orange County for fans to experience the best in music, sports and family entertainment.
“Honda Center may be turning 25, but the arena has never looked better!” said Ryan regarding the continual upgrades to the venue. “With all of the exciting fan enhancements we’ve implemented, the building continues to feel current. We’re looking forward to delivering many more memorable moments in the years to come!”
To join the conversation, follow Honda Center on social media and use #HCThisis25.
