A bold, 100-acre vision is taking shape in the heart of Orange County.

It’s more than a destination — it’s a cultural statement, a neighborhood and a celebration of community. OCVIBE, the $4 billion mixed-use entertainment district under development around Honda Center, is quickly becoming the most anticipated lifestyle transformation in Southern California.

Backed by the Samueli family, longtime owners of the Anaheim Ducks, OCVIBE is a walkable, transit-connected urban oasis that seamlessly weaves together sports, music, dining, green spaces and housing — all while honoring the diverse cultures that make Orange County unique.

“This is not just about building structures. It starts with a vision and an authentic story,” said Brian Myers, senior director of entitlement for the project. “We believe that authenticity brings stability — the project reflects the roots of Orange County: tribal heritage, agricultural history, and the vibrant cultures that have settled here.”

More than a venue — a community hub

At the core of OCVIBE is a promise to create a “third place” for everyday life — OCVIBE is a home, a workspace, and a public space that invites people to connect, relax and celebrate. With over 35 new restaurants, an artisan market hall, two public parks, and a 5,700-capacity concert hall, OCVIBE is poised to become the cultural heartbeat of the region.

Matthew Hicks, vice president of public affairs, said the project builds on three decades of success at Honda Center and takes it a step further. “We’re delivering so much more for our fans — and the community — to enjoy,” he said. “Whether it’s a Ducks game, a concert or grabbing a cup of coffee in one of our parks, there’s a reason to come back.”

Hicks emphasized OCVIBE’s commitment to sustainable housing, noting a voluntary pledge to set aside 15% of residential units for low, very low and moderate-income households. “It’s transforming the living experience — for those who live on site, work on site, and the surrounding community,” he said.

Reviving the Golden Bear spirit

Music lovers are highly anticipating the return of the legendary Golden Bear. Once a beloved Huntington Beach venue that hosted the likes of Jimmy Buffett and Van Halen, the Golden Bear is being revived at OCVIBE as an intimate 300-person music hall — a nod to the region’s cultural legacy.

“It was the place to go to enjoy music,” Hicks said. “The family still had the keys to the original Golden Bear and gifted them to Henry and Susan Samueli as a symbol to pass on the Bear’s legacy — it was a really special moment for us.”

This modern iteration of the Golden Bear will serve as an anchor for live entertainment at OCVIBE, which also includes large-scale performance venues and immersive indoor-outdoor event spaces designed to host everything from concerts to community festivals.

Inclusively designed for the ultimate visitor experience

For Makenna Song, director of special events sales — and a proud product of Kennedy High and Cal State Fullerton — OCVIBE is more than just a job. It’s a full-circle moment.

“That I was able to get all my education here in Orange County, build up my knowledge base working in Orange County… It feels so special that I can take all of that and put it to work here,” she said. “We get to curate something very special for our guests — once-in-a-lifetime memorable experiences that reflect the OC I know and love.”

Song says the walkable nature of the district, its transit-friendly location near ARTIC, and flexible venues will enable locals to host events, dances, conferences and more. “You could spend your whole weekend here and never run out of fun things to do,” she said. “For corporate gatherings, we want to break people out of the ballroom — bring all these things together for them in one place.”

Built with vision, purpose

OCVIBE’s philanthropic foundation sets it apart from other large-scale developments. The Samueli family, who are also the sole operators of the project, have embedded their philanthropic values into its blueprint. “It’s local. It’s philanthropic. That gave me great confidence,” said Myers, a veteran planner who has worked with the Irvine Company, FivePoint Holdings, Lennar and more top-tier developers.

“This connection to the Samueli Foundation motivates me — you’ll see this commitment played out in this project. That’s what gets me up in the morning,” Myers emphasized.

Song agrees. “The Samueli family’s philanthropic ventures are what drew me here. It’s all about giving back to the community. That shines through the OCVIBE office.”

From hybrid office spaces with artisan dining to the pedestrian bridge connecting both sides of Katella, every inch of the development was intentionally designed for ease, connection and inclusivity. Myers noted, “The whole land plan is stitched together to create a path of experience — not just buildings, but stories.”

A legacy for the future

OCVIBE is legacy in motion. “It’s a commitment to Anaheim and Orange County,” Hicks said. “This isn’t a short-term project. This is our home.”

And it’s being embraced as such. The project earned unanimous approval from the Anaheim City Council – no small task — and as construction continues, buzz only grows.
Job creation, revenue generation and enhanced quality of life are just a few of the expected benefits.

“There’s a lot of pride and excitement around this project,” Hicks added. “Not just saying it, but really delivering on that promise to Orange County.”

Whether it’s catching a show at the Golden Bear, spending a sunny afternoon in a public park, or starting a new career in a cutting-edge Weave office space above the market hall — OCVIBE invites everyone to find their place in a space built for all.

The news and editorial staffs of the Orange County Register had no role in this post’s preparation.