Orange County offers a variety of sporting events to entertain local sports enthusiasts. Major League Baseball’s Los Angeles Angels play their home games at Angel Stadium of Anaheim, and National Hockey League’s Anaheim Ducks play their home games at the Honda Center. There are also several annual events including the US Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach. Here’s more information about sporting events in Orange County.
Anaheim Ducks at the Honda Center
2695 East Katella Avenue, Anaheim
714-704-2400
The Honda Center hosts all home games for the Anaheim Ducks from September through April. During hockey season, the Honda Center can accommodate just over 17,000 fans to watch their favorite team on the ice. During the off season, Honda Center hosts a variety of other concerts and events including musical guests like Depeche Mode and Pink, and family events like the Harlem Globe Trotters, Disney on Ice, WWE Summerslam, and Nitro Circus. Honda Center also hosts the Big West Basketball Tournament.
Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park
30753 La Pata Road, San Juan Capistrano
Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park is the premier year-round equestrian event center in the west with many regular events hosted by Blenheim Equisports. The riding park is a 40-acre facility with sprawling lawn areas including a grand prix field and seven competition rings. Riding tournaments often include Family Fun Days with activities and entertainment. Upcoming events include the Blenheim Red, White, & Blue Classic, the Showpark Summer Festival, and the USEF Junior Hunter National Championship. Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park now also features a premier outdoor entertainment venue, The Outpost, featuring concerts and festivals.
Los Alamitos Racetrack
4961 Katella Ave, Los Alamitos
714-820-2800
Opened in 1951, the race course at Los Alamitos is a favorite place for people from Orange County to come out and bet on the horses. Quarter horse and thoroughbred racing events are featured regularly at Los Alamitos. Races run year-round, with night races Friday through Sunday and include major events such as the California Breeders Champions Night in July and the Champion of Champions race in December. Million dollar races held at Los Alamitos include the Ed Burke Million Futurity, Golden State Million Futurity, and the Los Alamitos Two Million Futurity. Many quarter horse legends have come out of Los Alamitos, including Corona Chick, Go Man Go, and Vandy’s Flash. Enjoy lunch or dinner at the race course at the Vessels Club. Los Alamitos Race course is also the site for the annual Wienerschnitzel Wiener Nationals.
Los Angeles Angels at Anaheim Stadium
2000 East Gene Autry Way, Anaheim
714-940-2000
Angel Stadium of Anaheim is the home stadium to the Los Angeles Angels. Opened in 1966, the stadium has hosted numerous baseball teams and events. Today, all of the Angels’ home games are played here from April through September. The stadium has a seating capacity of just over 45,000. In the offseason, Angel Stadium hosts other sporting events like Monster Jam.
Monster Jam
Angel Stadium of Anaheim
2000 East Gene Autry Way, Anaheim
Get ready for the event of the season. Monster Jam comes regularly to Angel Stadium for a monstrous showdown. Monster Jam is a live motorsport event that features massive modified trucks competing in races, obstacle courses, freestyle events, and more. Observers will enjoy the action-packed competition full of wheelies, jumps, and roaring engines. Bring ear protection if you have sensitive ears because this event gets loud! After the event, head out to the arena to meet the drivers of monster trucks like Grave Digger, Megalodon, Monster Mutt, El Toro Loco, and Whiplash.
FIVB Huntington Beach Open Volleyball Tournament
Huntington Beach sets the scene for many volleyball tournaments throughout the year. Past events have included the US Open of Volleyball and the Huntington Beach Open. The Association of Volleyball Professionals (AVP) hosts their event in Huntington Beach, and qualifiers for other major volleyball events take place on the sand annually. Volleyball events are generally held on the beach volleyball courts on the south side of the pier.
Orange County Fairgrounds and Event Center
88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa
714-708-1500
The Orange County Fairgrounds and Event Center features a variety of sporting events year round, with a little extra fun in the summer. Fight Club OC is a Pro Boxing and Pro MMA event featuring 40-foot big screens to watch the action. Events are held in the Hangar. Costa Mesa Speedway features live action motorcycle racing including Harleys, sidecars, and juniors. Extreme Freestyle Moto-X features motorcycle riders battling it out in races and performing extreme stunts in the air and in the dirt. You can even watch the Broncs & Bulls Rodeo and the Monster Truck Destruction Tour here at the OC fairgrounds. An exciting but less well known event at the OC Fairgrounds is the Motorhome Destruction Derby. Come out and watch these motorhomes make a mash-up mess. Check the OC Fair Events Calendar to find fun events for the whole family. In addition to year round events, there is a packed calendar during the Orange County Fair.
Vans US Open of Surfing
Pier Plaza, Huntington Beach
Every summer, the Vans US Open of Surfing hits the sand and sea in Huntington Beach. Downtown is taken over by visitors in bikinis and board shorts and the pier is packed with onlookers to see who can catch the best wave. General admission is free but some areas may require a fee for participation. Skateboarding and BMX exhibitions are often part of the event. Don’t miss the outdoor movies, vendors, art displays, musical guests, and athlete meet & greet sessions.
Orange County Golf
Orange County has many golf courses – from scenic, seaside courses like Pelican Hill’s Ocean South Course and the Links at Monarch Beach to local favorites like Ben Brown’s course at the Ranch at Laguna Beach. Catch the annual Hoag Classic, the only PGA Tour Champion event to come through the area, hosted at Newport Beach Country Club.
5Ks, Marathons, and Fun Runs
Whether you’re looking to join in one of Orange County’s biggest races or just a fun, family run, we’ve got a full list of races of all lengths and skill levels. View the listings, sign up for your next race, and get started smashing your fitness goals. Also check out some of California’s best marathons!
Related Articles
| Angel Stadium of Anaheim | Orange County Fair & Event Center |
| Monster Jam – Angel Stadium of Anaheim | Orange County 5Ks and Fun Runs |
| Fishing In Orange County | Best California Marathons |
