Step Inside: Honda Center – Home of the Anaheim Ducks

Home of the Anaheim Ducks

Make a splash at The Pond, a.k.a. the Honda Center, home of the NHL’s Anaheim Ducks. As the cornerstone of Anaheim’s burgeoning OCVIBE entertainment district, Honda Center hosts year-round entertainment, from sports to concerts to special events. Below, dive into everything you need to know before hitting The Pond.

Honda Center History

Honda Center opened in Anaheim, California on June 19, 1993 with a sold-out concert by Barry Manilow. Later in October, the Anaheim Ducks took home ice for the first time as the newest NHL expansion team, the then-Mighty Ducks of Anaheim. Built along the Santa Ana River at an initial cost of $123 million, the arena was at first named Arrowhead Pond of Anaheim until 2006, when the naming rights were acquired by Honda. The agreement to keep the Honda Center name was renewed in 2020 on a 10-year deal.

Although Honda Center has undergone several upgrades and expansions, including a 2021 sound system modernization, the arena is set to experience its largest renovation yet with a three-year, interior revamp project starting in Fall 2024. The initiative coincides with the construction of Anaheim’s OCVIBE entertainment district, a 100-acre outdoor destination for shopping, recreation, business and more.

As a hockey venue, Honda Center has hosted the NHL’s Stanley Cup Final during the Ducks’ appearances in 2003 and 2007. For the latter, Anaheim clinched its first championship on home ice following a 6-2 victory over the Ottawa Senators in Game 5. Outside of the NHL, Honda Center presided over the National Championship game for the NCAA Frozen Four ice hockey tournament in 1999.

Beyond hockey, Honda Center has held events for WWE, UFC and the Disney D23 convention. As a concert performance venue, Honda Center has seen artists such as Kendrick Lamar, Mariah Carey, Metallica, Ariana Grande and Karol G take its stage. Looking ahead, Honda Center has been selected to host the indoor volleyball competition for the 2028 Summer Olympics.

Parking and Admission at Honda Center

Honda Center is located at 2695 East Katella Avenue in Anaheim, California. Due to its location adjacent to the Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center (ARTIC), Honda Center is easily accessible via public transportation. The travel hub hosts various rail, bus and taxi services provided by the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA), Metrolink, Amtrak, Anaheim Resort Transit and more. Find routes and schedules for each line via the OCVIBE website.

For parking at Honda Center, guests can reserve spaces in one of the six main lots near the stadium: Lot 1 is directly next to Honda Center, while Lots 2, 3 and 4 are located just north and Lots 5 and 6 can be accessed across Katella Avenue. Accessible parking can be purchased in Lots 1 and 2. Overflow parking is also offered on South Douglas Road and South Auto Center Drive. For a general parking space, Honda Center parking costs between $25 to $55, though prices vary by event. To purchase reserved parking at Honda Center, visit the venue’s website.

Typically, doors open 90 minutes prior to a Ducks game at Honda Center. Before heading to the arena, be aware that Honda Center is a cashless venue, from parking to concessions to merchandise.

Prior to entry, note the Honda Center bag policy prohibits any bag larger than 4” x 6” x 1.5” for Ducks games or 5” x 9” x 2” for non-Ducks events. Backpacks of any kind are not permitted. Additionally, Honda Center policy includes prohibited items such as weapons or toy weapons, laser pointers, illegal drugs, outside food and beverages, professional recording equipment, confetti and balloons. Smoking and vaping are not allowed inside or outside near the venue. For the full list of Honda Center rules for entry, see more on the venue’s website.

Honda Center Capacity & Seating Options

The Honda Center seating capacity ranges from 17,174 for Ducks games to 18,900 in a concert setting. In the Theatre at Honda Center configuration, the venue holds 8,400 seats. Seating at Honda Center is split between the Floor, Plaza, Club and Terrace levels. Honda Center offers ADA-certified seating to guests and companions at every ticketing tier. Before securing your tickets, check out the Honda Center seating chart to find your preferred viewing area.

VIP at Honda Center can be found in the arena’s Club and Plaza levels. Honda Center holds 81 luxury suites between the 200 and 300 levels, while the club sections are located exclusively on the 300 level. For VIP guests, amenities include reserved parking, team store discounts and in-seat food and drink service. Honda Center VIP seats and suites can be reserved by submitting a request via the venue’s website or calling (714) 634-2582.

How much are Anaheim Ducks tickets?

Ticket prices for Anaheim Ducks games depend on a variety of factors, including date and time, city, matchup, seat location, and when the tickets are purchased. There are options for all needs and incomes ranging from $29-$668.

Food & Beverage Options at Honda Center

Honda Center concessions the literal “Classics” to all local specialties. For guests looking for arena menu staples, The Classics and The Press Box offer hot dogs, chicken tenders, nachos, pretzels and more. While familiar spots such as California Pizza Kitchen and Anaheim Pizza Co. slice up some pies, Ducks fans can also feed their team spirit at the mascot-inspired Wild Wings or hockey-themed joints like Slapshot Grill, Hat Trick Hawaiian BBQ and Blue Line Taqueria. On the Club Level, grab a drink at the Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 Club, The Wine Cellar or the Anaheim-based Brewery X Biergarten.

Before games, fans can also take in music, food trucks and local vendors at Puck Drop Patio. Located outside of Honda Center’s northwest entrance, gates to Puck Drop Patio typically open 90 minutes ahead of the game’s real puck drop.

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