OCVIBE Reveals Renderings for Populous-Designed Concert Hall in Anaheim Entertainment District

The artist-driven concert hall designed by Populous is set to open in early 2027 as part of OCVIBE’s expanding entertainment campus surrounding Honda Center in Anaheim, California.

OCVIBE, the 100-acre mixed-use development transforming the area surrounding Honda Center in Orange County, has revealed the design of a new stand-alone, 5,000-capacity concert hall opening in early 2027. Designed by global design firm Populous, the venue will expand the district’s live music infrastructure and strengthen Orange County’s position as a destination for touring artists and entertainment.

The flexible venue is designed to host concerts, comedy, televised programming, esports and special events, combining high-impact production capabilities with elevated guest and artist amenities. It will join Honda Center and the historic Golden Bear to create a scalable network of performance spaces within the OCVIBE district.

"With the addition of the concert hall, we’re creating a rare ecosystem where an artist can move from an intimate club to a mid-size room to a major arena, all within one connected campus in the heart of Orange County, designed to support creative production and long-term touring relationships."

Eric Bressler

Senior Vice President of Entertainment, OCVIBE

Designed with performers in mind, the venue includes dedicated dressing rooms, private artist suites, crew amenities and an open-air backstage courtyard. Architectural inspiration draws from musical instruments and amplification, blending sculptural form with performance-driven function. State-of-the-art acoustics and clear sightlines ensure an immersive experience for every guest.

A defining feature of the venue’s exterior is Stretto, a 62-foot-tall steel art installation at the concert hall’s southeast corner that acts as a gateway between the venue and OCVIBE’s surrounding Urban Park. Beneath it, Stretto Café will serve as a daily gathering space connecting the concert hall to the broader district.

“The venue features an intimate seating bowl with outstanding acoustics and clear sightlines, ensuring every guest feels immersed in the energy on the stage,” said Julie Rinaldi, principal at Populous. “At the same time, we designed an artist-focused environment anchored by an open-air courtyard and headliner suites that embrace Southern California’s climate. Together, these elements shape a venue that is flexible, efficient and thoughtfully designed for the way livemusic happens today.”

When the first phase of OCVIBE opens in early 2027, it will introduce the concert hall alongside Katella Commons — a chef-driven market hall — Urban Park and additional mixed-use amenities, helping establish Anaheim as a year-round destination for live entertainment.