Honda Center visitor guide: everything you need to know

Many people travel to Anaheim, California, for Disneyland, but locals know that this exciting city is also the location of the Honda Center, which is the home of the NHL’s Anaheim Ducks. The arena’s construction was completed in 1993, and LA-based hockey fans will already likely be familiar with the indoor arena. But this venue also hosts countless other types of performances. In addition to NHL games, you can attend events ranging from bull riding competitions to concerts.

The Honda Center is located about half an hour’s drive from downtown LA, so it’s relatively easy to get to, although traffic is always a factor here. Once you purchase your event tickets, you’ll need to start planning your visit. We’ll tell you what you need to know about the camera, bag, food, and other policies at the arena and offer ideas for how best to travel here on the day of.

Unfortunately, the bag policy at the Honda Center is quite prohibitive, so if you’re traveling with large bags or suitcases, it’s a good idea to plan to leave them somewhere before you arrive at your gate. Bounce has tons of Honda Center luggage storage available in Los Angeles and Anaheim. Just drop everything off and pick it up the day after the game. It’s easy.

Honda Center bag policy

The Honda Center bag policy permits bags, but only within certain guidelines. Regardless of whether the bags or purses are clear or not, they can’t be larger than 5” x 9” x 2”. If you have a backpack, you’ll need to check it somewhere first because no backpacks at all are permitted in the arena. The only exception to this rule is anyone who needs a larger diaper bag or a larger bag for medical items or equipment.

All bags are likely to be manually inspected, and guests may also be required to pass through a metal detector. It’s safe to say that the best way to keep things simple is to visit a Bounce location before you arrive at the Honda Center and store everything there that you don’t need. The Honda Center doesn’t offer any lockers or baggage check services inside the stadium.

Honda Center food policy

The Honda Center food policy is about as simple as it gets. Guests are not permitted to enter the arena with any outside food or drinks, and that includes empty water bottles. The only exceptions that will be made relate to food or drinks used for medical reasons or baby food. Whatever you’re going to consume at your Honda Center event will need to be purchased from the concessions.

The good news is that the concession offerings here are fantastic. For all the usual stadium staples, head to aptly named, The Classics. There are locations on every level, and they feature items like waffle fries, hot dogs, and nachos. 

It’s also important to note that during General Admission floor shows, food and drinks are not allowed into the event area - they must be consumed in the arena’s concourse.

Honda Center transportation

Driving

With Los Angeles area traffic and the price of parking, driving isn’t recommended. But if that’s your preferred way to get to the Honda Center, general parking is $20 for Ducks games and can be reserved and paid for online in advance. In all, there are seven lots with easy access to the arena.

Public transportation

If possible, plan to take public transportation to the Honda Center. It’s affordable and convenient, especially because the Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center (ARTIC) is right across the street from the venue. This is your link to bus, rail, and taxi options. Fans and concertgoers can hop on an Amtrak or Metrolink train to get to the Honda Center easily.

Rideshare

For a combination of Honda Center public transportation and driving, many people opt to use a rideshare service like Lyft or Uber. The drop-off and pickup location for these rideshares is also conveniently located at ARTIC.

Honda Center camera policy

While the Honda Center camera policy will vary based on the event you’re attending, there are a few rules that apply to every event. Cameras with detachable lenses are prohibited, as are cameras with attached lenses that are longer than 6”. You’ll also have to leave your camera bag, video camera, GoPro, selfie stick, monopod, and tripod at home (or at a Bounce storage location). Although this may seem strict, at least binoculars are allowed if you have nosebleed seats.

Honda Center rules

The overall Honda Center policies are fairly stringent, and here are a few more rules and recommendations to keep in mind on your next visit:

• Strollers of any kind are not allowed unless you have a ticket to a suite.
• If you’re seeing a sporting event, you can bring your tablet with you. For any other type of performance, you’ll need to leave it behind at home.
• The arena has a no-re-entry policy. Once you’re in, you’re in.
• Signs are permitted as long as they don’t obstruct the view of another guest and aren’t attached to a stick or pole. Generally speaking, any signs must be 26” x 30” or smaller. This policy can vary based on your event, so double-check, just in case.
• Don’t plan to do any tailgating in the Honda Center parking lots. No alcohol or open flames are allowed in these areas.

Conclusion

Seeing a Ducks game or your favorite band at the Honda Center is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for some. Just make sure you don’t bring too much with you and get stranded with your bags.

After your game, since you won’t have any bags with you, use your time wisely. Make plans to check out some of the amazing things to do in Los Angeles at night, or just grab a bite from one of the local street food vendors. It would be a shame to go home or back to your hotel too early.