Events at 800 W Katella Ave, Anaheim

About 800 W Katella Ave (Anaheim Convention Center)

Located at 800 West Katella Avenue, the Anaheim Convention Center (ACC) is a vast, multi-purpose exhibition complex. Originally opened in July 1967 to boost Anaheim’s year-round tourism, the ACC has been expanded repeatedly and now ranks as the largest convention facility on the U.S. West Coast (populous.com) (www.hotel-online.com). The center’s total rentable space is roughly 1.8 million square feet (www.hotel-online.com). It consists of five major exhibit halls (Halls A–E) covering about 813,000 sq. ft. (www.visitanaheim.org), a 7,500-seat indoor arena (28,140 sq. ft. flat floor) (www.visitanaheim.org), plus numerous meeting rooms and pre-function lounges. Hall D alone spans over 221,000 sq. ft. and can seat up to 15,000 people theater-style (www.visitanaheim.org). Signature architectural features include soaring glass facades and a retro-*Googie*-inspired design with a 190-foot glass atrium (ocstructure.blogspot.com) (www.hotels4teams.com). In 2013 the ACC even completed an iconic outdoor “Grand Plaza” – a 1,400×120 ft. open-air promenade lined with fountains, orange trees and palm groves, illuminated by LED “River of Light” landscaping (www.ilight-tech.com). This futuristic Mid-Century look and its Disneyland-area location make ACC a landmark of the Anaheim Resort district. Adjacent to it are three large hotels (Hilton, Anaheim Marriott and Sheraton Park Hotel) that together offer thousands of rooms (www.hotels4teams.com), reflecting the Convention Center’s fundamental role in the local economy. From its first opening ceremony – complete with parachuting dignitaries, fireworks and the Disneyland Band in 1967 (www.hmdb.org) – to hosting major expos today, the ACC stands out for scale, modern amenities and historical significance in Southern California’s entertainment scene.

Events and Programming

The Anaheim Convention Center is built for big events. Throughout the year it hosts a busy mix of conventions, trade shows, festivals and tournaments. Major recurring events include industry conventions (e.g. the NAMM Show for musical products and the Natural Products Expo West) and fan expos (WonderCon, BlizzCon, Disney’s biannual D23 Expo, VidCon for digital creators, etc.) (ocstructure.blogspot.com) (www.vidcon.com). It also stages hobbyist and consumer shows – for example, annual trade shows for California restaurants or fitness (TheFitExpo), as well as enthusiast gatherings like anime/pop-culture conventions and the Pokémon World Championships (www.anaheim.net) (www.anaheim.net). The ACC Arena specifically has been used for sports and entertainment: it once hosted the Anaheim Amigos of the old ABA basketball league and even Olympic wrestling in 1984 (www.hotels4teams.com) (www.hotels4teams.com). In recent years (2020–2025), events have ranged from academic and corporate conferences to pop concerts and esports nights, reflecting post-pandemic recovery. For example, VidCon Anaheim in 2025 drew over 55,000 attendees for three days of panels and concerts (www.vidcon.com). Many popular comic/anime conventions and tech expos have returned to the ACC, filling its halls on weekends. Typical ticket prices vary by event: local trade shows and one-day fairs can cost as little as $10–$30, while multi-day fan conventions or VIP packages at big shows often run $50–$150 or more. Holiday schedules (e.g. winter trade shows) and spring/summer fan conventions keep the center busy nearly every week.

Tickets and Booking

Tickets for ACC events are sold through each event’s official outlets rather than a single ACC ticket office. Attendees should check the specific event’s website or announcements for on-sale dates and authorized sellers. Open public sales typically happen months in advance for large conventions. The ACC lobby has counters where organizers sometimes sell or distribute badges on show days, but availability varies by event. For high-demand shows, fans often sign up for pre-sale “badges” or fan club memberships early. As a rule of thumb, buying tickets early is wise: big conventions can sell out quickly. Walk-up or box-office sales may be limited to any remaining general-admission passes after advance sales. Ticket pricing usually has tiers – general seating or standing floor, plus upgrades (VIP meet-and-greets, special seating, etc.) – so attendees should decide their budget beforehand. Note that the ACC itself generally does not add extra fees to ticket prices; any service charges come from the event’s chosen ticket vendor. (In short, plan ahead by using official event channels, and inquire at the venue’s admissions desk if unsure.)

Seating and Layout

The ACC campus is organized into multiple buildings and floors. Five large exhibit halls (labeled A through E) sit on the ground level: Halls A, B and C are each roughly 250×530 ft (providing about 145,000 sq. ft. each) (www.visitanaheim.org), while Hall D is ~325×530 ft (over 221,000 sq. ft.) (www.visitanaheim.org). Hall E is a smaller 143,000-sq.ft. space. Open exhibit floors allow flexible layouts; aisles and booths can be arranged in theater, classroom or banquet style. Above certain halls are mezzanine meeting rooms. The ACC Arena (146×207 ft floor) attaches at the north end and seats 7,500 in permanent stadium-style rows (www.visitanaheim.org). For Arena events (sports, concerts or ceremonies), the best seating is in the lower bowl, front and center. Upper-tier seats are higher and farther back, so sightlines can be trickier (and ADA-accessible seating is located on the floor level only, since no arena elevators serve upper tiers (www.visitanaheim.org)). There are also smaller breakout rooms (AR1/AR2, etc.) near the Arena used for workshops. In general admission events spread across halls, the main lobbies serve as gathering spaces. Unique vantage points include the glass-walled lobby overlooking Harbor Blvd. and the outdoor Grand Plaza (some events set stages there for concerts or demos). Common advice: try to stand or sit near the middle of any open hall if you want an even vantage of presentations. Because the floating floor can get crowded, acquaintances often pick less congested lobby seating or outdoor areas for breaks. (On a related note, one reviewer noted the center is “steel and glass” and “comfortably built for any event” (www.tripadvisor.com).)

Getting There and Parking

The Anaheim Convention Center is chiefly accessed via Interstate 5 (exit Katella Avenue) or CA-57 (exit Ball/W. Katella). Its address is 800 W. Katella Ave, Anaheim. Surrounding the venue are several large parking structures. The main public lots (Park 1 through 4) offer thousands of spaces. For example, Car Park 4 alone holds about 1,000 vehicles (en.parkopedia.com). Smaller lots (Park 5 and 6) add a few hundred more (en.parkopedia.com). These on-site garages generally charge per day (about $12–$15 for a full event day) (ocstructure.blogspot.com). Pay kiosks or attendants are usually at entry; rates and accepted payment types (cash vs. credit) can vary by lot. Note that nearby hotels (Hilton, Marriott, Sheraton) also provide paid parking at slightly higher rates, and the adjacent GardenWalk mall has additional paid parking structures (often used by visitors). Metered street parking near Harbor Blvd. is very limited and usually fills by mid-morning on event days. It’s best to arrive early or use paid lots. Beware posted regulations carefully – local sources warn that tow companies patrol nearby private lots (ocstructure.blogspot.com).

Public transit to the ACC is available via the OC Bus and Anaheim Resort Transportation (ART) systems. Several ART shuttle routes stop at the Transit Plaza on Katella Avenue and Harbor Blvd right outside the Grand Plaza (www.visitanaheim.org). Likewise, Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) buses run regular lines down Harbor Blvd. and Katella to nearby stops. The nearest rail hub is the Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center (ARTIC), which connects Metrolink passenger trains, Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner and local buses. ARTIC is about 2–3 miles away; riders can transfer at ARTIC to an ART shuttle that serves the Convention Center (www.octa.net). Shuttles, taxis and ride-share vehicles have a designated drop-off/pick-up area in front of the main plaza. For drop-offs, use the south-side lanes off Katella (driver signage will usually point to “Arena/Convention Center”). Given heavy traffic during peak events, many attendees opt to share rides or use hotel shuttles. For navigation apps, select “Anaheim Convention Center” or “Grand Plaza” (800 W Katella) as the destination.

Inside the Venue

Upon entry, you’ll walk into wide, glass-walled lobbies that receive abundant daylight. Security is usually visible: for most large events expect a bag check and metal detectors at the entrances. Once inside, the atmosphere varies by event (from trade-show bright and businesslike to festival-like cosplay crowds). Hallway signage and maps (often digital kiosks) help navigate to specific halls or meeting rooms. The center is fully air-conditioned; the main foyer’s 190-ft ceiling and full-height glass admit natural light while keeping the area cool. Free high-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout the ACC from Smart City Networks (www.visitanaheim.org). Attendees commonly note that connectivity is strong – a useful tip if you rely on laptops or streaming demos. Power outlets may be scarce on the exhibit floor, so bring portable chargers. Cellular coverage is generally good (multiple carriers) but can slow at very crowded shows.

Food and drink: The ACC partners with Aramark for catering and concessions (www.visitanaheim.org). Every exhibit hall and lobby area has snack bars or coffee stands; menus include sandwiches, salads and typical expo fare. Outside of the halls, the Grand Plaza often hosts up to two dozen food trucks and local vendors during events (www.visitanaheim.org). Many visitors enjoy sitting in the outdoor plaza or the Arena Plaza (adjacent to the Arena) for quick meals under umbrellas. An important tip: cooling a soda or carrying open drinks is allowed, but outside full meals or alcohol typically are not (vendors on site hold the exclusive rights). As a convenience, the facility has restrooms (with baby-changing tables) at each lobby and a note that two lactation rooms (for nursing mothers) exist in ACC South (Lobby A & D) and one in ACC North (www.visitanaheim.org). Keep in mind, however, that major receptions or buffets are run by event organizers (not the ACC itself), so on-site dining can vary by show.

Other services: The ACC building has a full event services staff. In the main lobby you can find a concierge kiosk and a Restaurant Reservation Center to help plan meals or local logistics (www.hotels4teams.com). Coat checks are uncommon (bring bags inside with you for the day, if allowed). There is no general gift shop – merchandise tables are rented by each show’s promoter. For medical needs, first-aid rooms are maintained on-site; look for signage or ask staff in the lobby if needed. The venue’s box offices (call (714) 765-8950) operate mainly on event days for will-call pickup or last-minute sales. As for comfort, one reviewer summarizes it: “the building is a steel and glass kind of construction, functional with thousands of rooms… and comfortable for any event” (www.tripadvisor.com). In practice, bring layers (event halls can be chilly under AC) and wear comfortable shoes – the ACC often requires long walks between sessions.

Nearby Amenities

Thousands of hotel rooms are within walking distance. Immediately adjacent is the Hilton Anaheim (1,576 rooms, several bars and the upscale Howard’s Steakhouse), the Anaheim Marriott (1,030 rooms, with Chain’s, Ruth’s Chris, and 25 North sports bar), and the Sheraton Park Hotel at the Anaheim Resort (486 rooms, plus Pacific Ballroom). All these properties link directly to the ACC campus (www.hotels4teams.com). In addition, other chain hotels (Hyatt, Residence Inn, etc.) are a short walk. The nearby Anaheim GardenWalk entertainment complex (a mall just north of the ACC) contains many casual-to-fine dining options – e.g., Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., Roy’s Hawaiian Fusion, PF Chang’s, and more – all a few minutes’ walk from the emergency entrances. (If you need reservations or suggestions, the ACC Concierge can handle bookings (www.hotels4teams.com).)

Dining and nightlife: Downtown Anaheim has countless restaurants and bars. Within a 5-minute walk are sports bars and breweries (like Dave & Buster’s), fast-casual chains (Chipotle, In-N-Out), and Disneyland Resort’s Downtown Disney District is just 0.5 miles west (with themed eateries and entertainment). Late-night options (after events end) include hotel lounges or a quick ride to Anaheim Packing House (1 mile away) for casual food. Since the resort district is pedestrian-friendly, many attendees stroll to nearby spots between sessions. Public restrooms outside the ACC are also available in these hotels and restaurants if needed.

Transportation and logistics: If flying in, John Wayne Airport (SNA) is 15 miles away, LAX about 35 miles. The Hyatt Regency / ARTIC station (Anaheim train hub) is 2 miles north – frequent ART shuttle buses (ART Route 15) run from there directly to Katella/Harbor by the ACC (www.octa.net). Ultralocal transit (ART buses) will even drop you off right at the ACC Grand Plaza from Disneyland or nearby stops (www.visitanaheim.org). Taxi and rideshare services have designated lanes on Convention Way and Katella for easy pickup. If you drive, note that traffic on Katella or Harbor can back up during morning and evening rush. Plan extra time for arrival/departure around hotel check-out times (usually by 11 a.m.) and after 5 p.m. on weekdays. Overall, most visitors find it convenient to arrive by 8:30–9:00 a.m. before events and leave a bit early (e.g., around 4–5 p.m.) to beat peak congestion.

What Makes This Venue Special

The Anaheim Convention Center has a unique character born from its history and design. Opening in the late 1960s, it was one of the first modern “arenatoriums” on the West Coast – a hybrid expo-sports hall conceived to complement Disneyland and fill local hotels year-round (www.hmdb.org). Its original arena (with 5,500 permanent seats, expandable to 9,100) was bold for its time (www.hmdb.org). In fact, that arena’s distinctive futuristic roof and “spider-legged” pylons were so iconic they earned a spot on travel guide lists as a must-see retro-futurist landmark (ocstructure.blogspot.com) (www.hmdb.org). Culturally, ACC’s legacy spans from hosting the Boston Pops at its 1967 opening to being a part of the 1984 Olympics (wrestling venue) (www.hotels4teams.com) (www.hmdb.org). Legendary rock shows took place here too: The Doors, Jefferson Airplane and Led Zeppelin all performed at the ACC within its first two years (ocstructure.blogspot.com).

Today, ACC’s scale and adaptability are what make it a favorite for organizers. It can transform from a high-tech trade show floor into a concert arena or a large banquet hall on demand. Its 2016 glass expansion earned praise for bringing in natural light and open space (www.hotel-online.com) (populous.com). Environmental initiatives also set it apart: the facility achieved LEED Gold in 2016 by installing energy-efficient lighting, water-saving fixtures and even a rooftop garden (www.hotels4teams.com). The grand outdoor plaza – once a city busway – now serves as a festive piazza with fountains and LED-art lighting (www.ilight-tech.com), a feature rarely found at convention centers. Local tradition abounds: attendees know that every two years D23 Expo documents Disney’s legacy right across the street, while the city’s hotel tax revenue relies on ACC’s success to pay for shopping/promenade bonds (www.hotel-online.com). For performers and exhibitors, the ACC offers proximity to Disneyland crowds in a professional venue. For visitors, it combines the convenience of Southern California resort life with the excitement of world-class expos. All these elements – multi-million-square-foot scale, historic architecture, and a one-of-a-kind resort context – make 800 W Katella Ave a special place to host and experience large events.

Visitor Tips and Information

If this is your first visit, a few insider tips can help. Arrive early. Even if an event starts at 9 or 10 a.m., traffic and parking lines can form by 7:30–8:00 a.m. (ocstructure.blogspot.com). Wear comfortable shoes and lightweight layers – exhibit halls are large and usually have cold air conditioning. Many people dress casually (t-shirts and jeans) even for evening events. Bring water and snacks if allowed; you can also refill at water fountains (bottle fillers are available in restrooms). Note that smoking (including vaping) is banned everywhere inside the building and within 25 feet of any entrance by city law (codelibrary.amlegal.com), so plan to use the designated outdoor areas between halls. Outside food (large coolers, etc.) is not permitted, but small snacks may be allowed based on each event’s rules.

Accessibility is well-supported: Park in Car Park 1 or 4 if you need ADA spaces (www.visitanaheim.org). Once inside, elevators connect most floors (in particular, there are elevators near Lobby A and D in ACC South, and two in ACC North) (www.visitanaheim.org). For wheelchair or scooter needs, services can be pre-arranged through local rental providers. The Arena has wheelchair seating on the floor level only, since upper tiers have no ramps (www.visitanaheim.org). If you need assistance, there are accessible restrooms and even two family/lactation rooms in ACC South and one in ACC North (www.visitanaheim.org). The ACC’s staff and volunteer teams are generally accustomed to helping guests – look for a “Concierge” desk in the main lobby (www.hotels4teams.com), which can answer questions or coordinate first aid, lost-and-found, etc.

Avoid common mistakes: Do not assume door signage will list everything – shorter lines are often found entering through any open lobby (there are four) rather than crowding the main entrance. It’s wise to bring identification (driver’s license) for any cash transactions inside or if an event requires it (e.g. age-check for alcohol). Keep track of time in afternoon, as late events can jam traffic out of the area. Also be cautious where you leave valuables; don’t leave belongings in your car in surface lots (use garages). Many guests use their phone calendars and maps for schedules and to find nearby restrooms or food stands quickly. Finally, talk to fellow attendees or staff at the start – many cosplay or repeat-convention visitors have great tips (such as the best snack counter or the quietest lobby nook). By planning ahead and taking the above into account, you’ll make the most of your visit to the distinctive Anaheim Convention Center.