billion-dollar arena facelift for ducks, hassle-free parking assured. Yet, will any OC team secure victory?
In a sea of sporting gloom in Orange County, there's a glimmer of hope. The Angels last graced the playoffs 11 long years ago, and the Ducks not much longer, at 7 years. But fear not, faithful fans, for the Ducks are pulling out all the stops to change that.
Embracing a full rebuild, the Ducks actually scored more points last season than they had in six years. Yet, they still posted a losing record, leading to their coach's dismissal. Meanwhile, the Angels, choosing neither a full rebuild nor an all-in push, find themselves in last place yet again.
But today, we bring good tidings to Orange County's loyal sports fans. In their $1-billion renovation of the Honda Center, the Ducks are rolling out a policy that might just be the most fan-friendly stadium game changer in our car-obsessed local culture. Say goodbye to spending precious minutes inching forward to the parking attendant, and the usual wallet-riffle dance for cash or swiping a credit card. No more fumbling through your phone for that bar code, or scouring your glove compartment for a parking pass.
Shaikin: If the Ducks can save O.C., maybe their owner can save the Angels?
The Ducks are transforming the land around Honda Center into a vibrant mix of shops, apartments, office space, and more. Conveniently situated across the street from Angel Stadium, the contrast couldn't be starker.
Bill Foltz, chief executive officer of OC Sports and Entertainment, points out, "We think this will get people in 20 to 30 minutes faster." The renovations, revealed this week, include a five-story grand entrance and community gathering space; new and expanded concession areas to reduce lines; new and renovated suites and luxury seats; and three new parking garages.
This update is a much-needed boost for LA28. The Honda Center will be hosting Olympic volleyball, and the Ducks' owners are throwing in a billion-dollar venue facelift.
"If you're going to spend this kind of money," Foltz commented, "why not do it when the world is coming here?"
Fortunately, the Ducks' owners, the Samuelis, would've splurged on renovations anyway - they've committed $4 billion to the OC Vibe development now under construction around the Honda Center. The performance hall, restaurants, a food hall, park, homes, hotels, and additional entertainment venues are all part of the plan, scheduled to open next year.
The revamped district around the arena is what shaped the parking policy. Regardless of whether you're there to watch the Ducks, see a concert, grab dinner, or hang out with friends, the parking policy is the same.
"What we're trying to do is eliminate that transaction that everybody has when you're pulling into a parking lot," Foltz explained. "You are just going to pull in."
While there will still be a parking fee for general lots, it'll be inclusive within the overall ticket price. The Ducks claim this parking model is "the first of its kind at a U.S. arena."
Orange County: From playoff-less sports to fan-friendly parking
In a fascinating twist, Anaheim Mayor Ashleigh Aitken hailed the Ducks as "unparalleled partners with Anaheim" and praised their devotion to the fan experience. "The Ducks are great stewards of the Honda Center," she said, "ensuring their followers feel valued."
The good news is welcome relief for Orange County sports fans, long-suffering in their vigil for postseason appearances. But as Foltz touted the brand new, grand new plaza outside Honda Center, he couldn't help but express a touch of envy. "I'm jealously watching the Kings and Edmonton play," he conceded, "or seeing Toronto, where they have just as many fans outside as they do inside. We're building for that future."
However, the future for Angel Stadium remains uncertain and fraught with complications. The city of Anaheim and the Angels have twice agreed upon plans to enhance the stadium, but both deals fell through, with the city walking away each time. If no agreement is reached, potential options include the city selling the stadium or the Angels exercising their remaining lease options, granting them control over development until 2038 without providing the city with rent or tax revenue from parking lots[2].
Still, the juxtaposition of the fan-friendly parking policy at Honda Center and the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Angel Stadium can't help but raise hope that perhaps Orange County's sports fortunes might soon turn for the better. After all, good times can't last forever in the world of pro sports - but here's hoping they're just around the corner for Orange County's loyal and long-suffering sports fans.
- Despite the sporting gloom in Orange County, with the Angels and Ducks having not made playoffs in 11 and 7 years respectively, the Ducks are endeavoring to change this narrative.
- The Ducks, following a full rebuild, scored more points last season than they had in six years yet still posted a losing record, leading to their coach's dismissal.
- Meanwhile, the Angels, opting neither for a full rebuild nor an all-in push, find themselves in last place.
- In a sea-change move, the Ducks are renovating Honda Center to the tune of $1 billion, transforming the area into a vibrant mix of shops, apartments, office space, and more.
- Conveniently situated across the street from Angel Stadium, the contrast between the two stadiums' surroundings couldn't be starker.
- The Ducks' CEO, Bill Foltz, expects the renovations to get people to the venue 20 to 30 minutes faster.
- The renovations include a five-story grand entrance and community gathering space, new and expanded concession areas, new and renovated suites and luxury seats, and three new parking garages.
- This upgrade is timely for LA28, as the Honda Center is set to host Olympic volleyball, and the Ducks' owners are contributing to the venue's facelift.
- Foltz stated, "If you're going to spend this kind of money, why not do it when the world is coming here?"
- The Samueli family, the Ducks' owners, have already committed $4 billion to the OC Vibe development nearby.
- The revamped district around the arena will employ a unified parking policy, regardless of whether one is attending a game, concert, or visiting for other purposes.
- Foltz expressed that the aim is to eliminate the traditional parking transaction and provide a seamless entry process.
- Although there will still be a parking fee for general lots, it will be incorporated within the overall ticket price.
- The fan-friendly parking policy at Honda Center, along with the ongoing challenges surrounding Angel Stadium, offers an optimistic perspective for Orange County's sports fans, who have long been waiting for postseason appearances in both sports.
