Oean_Center_Re-Imagined.pdf

This document is a press release from Volusia County, Florida, detailing the 40th anniversary reimagining of the Ocean Center, a convention and event venue in Daytona Beach. Opened in 1985, the Ocean Center has historically hosted high-profile artists like Journey, AC/DC, Britney Spears, and Elton John, and served as a venue for sports events. In 2024, the Volusia County Council is overseeing a transformative $40 million reinvestment in the facility, which includes comprehensive improvements such as a new director, updated vision and mission, refreshed branding, new programming, and significant facility upgrades.

The Ocean Center is Florida's fifth-largest convention center and plays a crucial economic role in Volusia County. In 2024, the venue aims to return to its entertainment roots while maintaining its reputation as a premier destination. The facility attracts over 513,000 guests annually, generates 88,000 room nights, supports 980 jobs, and contributes $1.9 million in sales tax. The venue offers over 200,000 square feet of event space, including a 42,000-square-foot arena seating 8,000 guests, a 93,000-square-foot exhibit hall, and 32,000 square feet of meeting room space. The planned improvements include new arena seating, LED lighting, enhanced sound systems, renovated spaces, and upgraded infrastructure to modernize the facility and expand its event capabilities.