No one understands the power of big events better than the Ocean Center. Just 400 feet from the world-famous Daytona Beach, this premier arena and convention center hosts over 100 events annually. With a 42,000-square-foot arena seating 8,000 guests, a 93,000-square-foot exhibit hall, and an elegant ballroom, the facility is equipped to accommodate everything from trade shows and competitive arts to live entertainment. It’s where community spirit meets professional opportunity.

“Our mission at the Ocean Center is straightforward but ambitious: Go Beyond. Culture, Clients, Community,” said General Manager Lynn Flanders. “We strive to exceed expectations in serving our clients, nurturing our team and enhancing the Daytona Beach community we’re so proud to call home.”

Since opening as a standalone arena in 1985, the Ocean Center has been a focal point for gatherings in Daytona Beach. For two decades, it served as the region’s premier concert venue, hosting more than 100 artists, including Jimmy Buffett, Stevie Wonder, Metallica, Britney Spears and Cher. A major expansion in the mid-2000s nearly doubled its size, and by 2009, the facility had become Florida’s fifth-largest convention center.

The expansion allowed the Ocean Center to attract a broader clientele, including conventions and multi-day events that drive hotel bookings. Today, it welcomes a diverse range of events, from sports competitions and graduations to concerts and conventions.

One of the center’s signature events is the NCA & NDA Collegiate Cheer and Dance Championship, made famous by the Netflix show Cheer. Since 1996, the competition has been held at the Ocean Center and the Daytona Beach Bandshell. In 2025, 10,000 competitors from 470 teams will participate, bringing over 20,000 friends and family and generating between $40 million and $60 million in economic impact.

Another long-standing tradition is the National High School Drill Team Championships, which has been a staple at the Ocean Center since its inaugural year. Today, the event hosts more than 100 schools representing all four military service branches, along with two independent service championship events.

“The Ocean Center is honored to be the longtime host of such notable events that bring both entertainment and economic impact to our community,” said Sales Manager Tim Buckley. “These events allow us to welcome thousands of competitors, along with their friends and family, to both our facility and the surrounding destination.”

The facility also hosts major sporting events, including competitive volleyball, Division I college basketball and USA Gymnastics competitions. Each July, several religious youth groups hold week-long retreats, drawing thousands of attendees to the area.

In recent years, there has been renewed interest in expanding community-focused events and live performances. Recent highlights include Bert Kreischer, Pablo Cruise, Big Boi (of Outkast), Hot Wheels Monster Trucks, AMA Motocross, bull riding and Jeff Dunham.

“In alignment with our mission to Go Beyond, we prioritize enriching our community by hosting events that resonate with locals and visitors alike,” said Flanders. “In 2024, over 513,000 attendees experienced everything from trade shows to sports tournaments to live entertainment. Each event we host enhances community life and bolsters the local economy, strengthening our region’s position as a hub for tourism and engagement.”

While county-owned and operated, the Ocean Center does not receive money from the General Fund. Instead, it operates as an enterprise fund, relying on event-generated revenue and the Tourist Development Tax (TDT). In fiscal year 2025, Volusia County collected $32 million in Lodging Tax, allocating $16 million to the Ocean Center for facility enhancements, programming and outreach—all while ensuring taxpayer dollars stay dedicated to the local economy.

“At the Ocean Center, our purpose extends beyond hosting events,” said Flanders. “We exist to be a major economic driver for Daytona Beach and Volusia County, creating jobs, supporting local businesses and boosting tourism.”

The facility’s fiscal year 2024 impact on the local economy was record-breaking, generating over $114 million in economic activity and contributing $1.8 million back to the General Fund through sales tax. Events hosted at the Ocean Center helped support 980 jobs while driving 88,000 hotel room nights and attracting over 513,000 attendees across 118 events. This makes the center a critical anchor for local hotels, restaurants and businesses.

To ensure continued success and meet client needs, the Ocean Center is continually investing in upgrades. Over the next five years, up to $50 million in capital investments are planned, including new arena seating, landscaping, utility upgrades, and interior and exterior renovations.

This October marks a milestone as the Ocean Center celebrates 40 years—a milestone that reflects four decades of growth, evolution, and commitment to the community.

“This anniversary is more than just a celebration of the past; it’s a testament to the Ocean Center’s role in shaping the future,” said Flanders. “We’re excited to continue our commitment to going beyond, investing in our future, and supporting the people and businesses that make Daytona Beach thrive. Whether it’s a first-time visitor stepping inside for an unforgettable event or a longtime partner returning for another year, the Ocean Center’s legacy lives on in the connections made, the experiences shared and the impact felt across the community.”