When I first saw the news that the Honda Center was celebrating 30 years, I did not think it was possible. That’s longer than some of the people who are reading this article have been alive. But then I remembered my first concert ever was at this very arena in 1996 for Smashing Pumpkins and Garbage. So, yes, I guess it really has been around that long.
Originally known as the Anaheim Arena, it was quickly changed to the Arrowhead Arena in 1993 shortly after construction was completed. Famously, the NHL hockey team the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim were founded by Disney and found a home at the Arrowhead Arena, often referred to in the ‘90s and early 2000s as Arrowhead Pond.
In October of 2006, the venue would get its current name, and just a few months later, the Anaheim Ducks would bring a Stanley Cup home to the newly anointed Honda Center.
The Honda Center has seen so many spectacular, larger-than-life music events in the past three decades. Everything from U2 to Barbra Streisand; Shakira to Britney Spears to Katy Perry; Jay-Z, Kendrick Lamar, Ariana Grande; the list goes on. Just last year, Iron Maiden, Ghost, and Karol G all had concerts at the Honda Center. Let’s not forget, The Stones played there too.
What better way to celebrate Honda Center and the city of Anaheim than with the Queen of Orange County: Gwen Stefani. You’d be hard-pressed to find someone who’s done more for bringing attention and putting Anaheim on the map than the native-born superstar. As lead singer of No Doubt, the ska band recorded two shows in 1997 at the Honda Center, which were eventually edited together for the release of their first concert video, “Live in the Tragic Kingdom.”
Stefani eventually ventured out on her own for her first album, “Love Angel Music Baby,” in 2004. The album would go on to sell over five million copies in the United States (eight million worldwide) and establish her as a true icon.
Gwen Stefani Live | Photo by Tiny Toyland
When it came time to film a live DVD for her first album, you know she had to come back home and record it at the Honda Center for what would be “Harajuku Lovers Live.”
Once again, the Honda Center welcomes Gwen Stefani back home to celebrate 30 monumental years in Anaheim. I just saw Stefani absolutely crush her Saturday headline spot at BeachLife Festival and I can tell you, fans are in for a treat as she brings her live spectacle to the Honda Center.
Gwen Stefani Live | Photo by Tiny Toyland
The one-night event will take place September 9th and tickets go on sale to the general public starting this Thursday at 10 a.m.
Honda Center and Live Nation presale tickets will be available starting Wednesday at 10 a.m. To sign up for Honda Center’s presale list, visit Encore Club and register by Tuesday.
Until then, look out for her new album, it drops June 25th!
