California Construction News staff writer
A new mid-sized live entertainment venue is set to reshape Orange County’s music and events landscape, with MATT Construction named as builder for a 5,000-capacity concert hall opening in early 2027.
The stand-alone facility will anchor the 100-acre OCVIBE mixed-use development surrounding Honda Center in Anaheim, marking a significant expansion of the region’s live performance infrastructure.
Designed by Populous, the flexible venue will accommodate concerts, comedy shows, esports, sporting events and televised programming. Project officials say the hall is intended to complement existing and planned venues within the district, creating a tiered system for performers.
The development will eventually include the 300-capacity Golden Bear club and the 18,000-seat Honda Center arena, offering what organizers describe as a rare “scalable” performance pathway for artists at different stages of their careers.
“Artists won’t just play at OCVIBE, they’ll grow here,” said Eric Bresler, senior vice-president of entertainment for the project, noting that performers will be able to move between venues without leaving the campus.
The concert hall has been designed with a focus on both production capabilities and artist amenities. Plans call for six dressing rooms, including two private suites, as well as a crew kitchen, showers, gated bus parking and an open-air backstage courtyard.
Project leaders say the design emphasizes acoustics, sightlines and circulation to create an intimate but high-energy experience for audiences. The venue will feature a sound system from L-Acoustics, aimed at delivering consistent audio quality throughout the space.
Architecturally, the building draws inspiration from musical instruments and amplification, blending sculptural design with functional performance requirements.
A key exterior feature will be the “Stretto,” a 62-foot-tall steel art installation clad in louvered metal panels. Positioned at the venue’s southeast corner, the installation is intended to serve as a visual gateway connecting the hall to the district’s Urban Park. A café located beneath the structure will operate daily as a public gathering space.
The venue will also include premium hospitality offerings, including access to The Gallagher Club, a private space with dedicated entry and enhanced amenities for guests attending concerts and special events.
The concert hall is part of a broader first phase of OCVIBE, which is expected to open in early 2027. That phase will also introduce Katella Commons, a chef-driven market hall, the Weave office building and new public spaces designed to support year-round activity.
Developers say the expanding mix of venues, dining and public infrastructure is positioning Anaheim to host a wider range of major events, from touring productions to large-scale broadcasts.
Additional details, including the venue’s official name and programming, are expected to be released in the coming months.
