Concerts, Courts, and Cuisine: Behind the Ocean Center’s Flavor-Forward Reinvention
A quarterly meeting becomes a culinary event. A local launch party turns into an unforgettable evening. At the new Ocean Center, hosting a business gathering no longer means choosing between style and substance. Thanks to a bold culinary upgrade and flexible new spaces, the venue now offers elevated catering and amenities that make it easier—and tastier—for local companies to gather, celebrate, and grow right in their own backyard.
From freshly baked bread to sleek LED lighting and thoughtfully designed meeting spaces, the Ocean Center has transformed into more than just an events venue—it’s a fully equipped stage for local businesses to shine.
The scent of warm sourdough now drifts through the concourse. Spotlights gleam off a newly finished basketball court. Sizzling local fare replaces standard stadium snacks, and a cold craft beer brewed just down the road is never more than a few steps away. This isn’t the Ocean Center of decades past—it’s a reimagined experience, one where every detail, from lighting to lunch, reflects the heart of Daytona Beach.
As the Ocean Center celebrates its 40th anniversary, the beloved venue isn’t just marking a milestone—it’s undergoing a renaissance. With a $40 million reinvestment aimed squarely at the local community, the transformation is about more than polished amenities. It’s about crafting memorable experiences, building hometown pride, and creating a cultural hub that feels as fresh and dynamic as the city it serves.
From food to fanfare, this reinvention is local, bold, and undeniably flavorful.
A Local Collaboration at the Core
At the heart of the transformation is a deep commitment to local partnerships. Food and beverage service is no longer an afterthought—it’s the headliner. Under the direction of Food Service General Manager Matt Dye, the Ocean Center is redefining event cuisine with a bold new approach that’s fresh, unexpected, and vibrantly local.
“We’re featuring three new Daytona-based businesses,” Dye says. “This is about building partnerships that reflect the community while offering sustainable, elevated dining for our guests.”
Among those featured: Sorrento’s Bakery, which provides all of the bread—fresh-baked daily; Ormond Brewing Company, whose craft beers add a local twist to every pour; and Copper Bottom Rum, supplying Florida-distilled spirits that elevate the cocktail menu. Local beverage distributors Daytona Beverages and S.R. Perrott ensure smooth operations and hometown reliability behind the scenes.
“We’re introducing exciting new flavor pairings and culinary techniques that push the boundaries of our previous offerings,” Dye adds. “In addition to focusing on taste, we're elevating the visual presentation of each dish, enhancing the overall dining experience, and making the Ocean Center an even more memorable experience for our guests.”
From Chicken Tenders to Culinary Star Power
Gone are the days when event food meant Dippin’ Dots and concession-stand nachos. The Ocean Center’s new culinary program includes rotating chef features, curated concession menus, and locally inspired recipes that turn even a courtside snack into something worth talking about.
“If you attended the State of the County, you know what I mean,” says County Council Chairman Jeff Brower. “That meal was incredible. I’ve been to conventions all over the U.S., and I don’t know that I’ve ever had a meal that good.”
This bold culinary shift reflects more than elevated taste—it’s a symbol of the venue’s broader vision: to make every moment, and every bite, feel exceptional.
Built for the Community, By the Community
The Ocean Center’s transformation isn’t just about amenities—it’s about intention. The $40 million capital improvement plan touches every corner of the venue, from newly installed arena seating with built-in cup holders to advanced LED lighting, upgraded meeting spaces, and a gleaming new basketball court. But what makes it special is how deeply it’s tied to the community it serves.
“My family used to vacation here when I was a little girl,” recalls Director Lynn Flanders. “I watched this building being built. It was beautiful then, and it’s beautiful now. What we’re doing today is about honoring that legacy—and creating something unforgettable for future generations.”
County Council Vice Chair Matt Reinhart agrees. “There was an indoor rodeo,” he recalls of his first visit to the venue. “It was the moment I fell in love with this place. That was over 30 years ago. And now, seeing it evolve like this—it’s something special.”
The numbers tell a compelling story: In 2024 alone, the Ocean Center hosted 118 events, welcomed over 500,000 attendees, and generated an estimated $114 million in regional economic impact. But perhaps the more lasting effect is emotional—rekindling a sense of local ownership and pride.
The ‘Four for 40’ Promise
As part of the 40th anniversary celebration, the Ocean Center is launching an ambitious new initiative: Four for 40—a commitment to hosting four major concerts this year, re-establishing the venue as a must-stop destination on Florida’s entertainment map.
“We’d like four for 40,” Flanders says with a confident smile. “It’s more than a slogan—it’s a declaration of intent.”
It’s a revival that nods to the past—when Tom Petty rocked the stage and a rising Britney Spears lit up the crowd—and boldly looks toward the future.
A Milestone—and a Movement
Whether it’s a sold-out concert, a local business conference, or a family cheering on a basketball tournament, every event at the new Ocean Center feels like a hometown celebration.
“It’s not just about the building,” Reinhart says. “It’s about the memories we make inside it.”
With bold flavors, major headliners, and a community-first approach, the Ocean Center’s 40th year is shaping up to be more than a milestone—it’s a movement. And if the first four decades were about establishing presence, this next chapter is about raising the bar.
Forty years. Four concerts. Endless possibilities—served fresh daily.
“We’re not just serving food—we’re setting the table for connection, celebration, and community pride,” says Dye.