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Top 24 Hotels Near Great Park Ice & Fivepoint Arena
888 Ridge Valley Irvine, CA 92618
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Irvine Spectrum
Within Irvine, La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Irvine Spectrum is a simple drive from Great Park Ice & Fivepoint Arena, a fact that offers a simple solution for daily travel.
La Quinta reinforces brand care with complimentary Bright Side Breakfast®, ensuring guests begin mornings with clarity and consistency. Guest rooms emphasize microwaves, refrigerators, and coffee makers, creating practical convenience and clarity for extended travel. Pools featuring towel racks, loungers, and shaded seating give travelers dependable spaces for leisure and relaxation daily.
Free Wi-Fi, breakfast dining, and vending setups pair with pools and parking, making routines stress-free for leisure travelers.
Marriott Irvine Spectrum
This quick drive to Great Park Ice & Fivepoint Arena from Marriott Irvine Spectrum lets guests to feel more in control of their schedule in Irvine.
Reception staffing levels at Marriott remain high even during events, ensuring check-in moves quickly and arrivals stay stress-free. Guest rooms provide branded bath amenities, walk-in showers, and soft towels, helping travelers refresh daily with a touch of style. The fitness room includes cardio machines, free weights, and open floor space, making it easy for guests to stay active on the road.
Breakfast buffets, pet accommodations, and indoor pools work alongside Wi-Fi and parking, ensuring stays remain convenient and dependable.
Courtyard Irvine Spectrum
The brief drive from Courtyard Irvine Spectrum to Great Park Ice & Fivepoint Arena in Irvine means guests have a pleasant option for their daily travel.
Courtyard greets travelers with its 24/7 Market adjacent to reception, ensuring snacks and essentials are always within easy reach. Suites feature sofa beds, hardwood finishes, and minibars, stylish and practical setups that provide comfort and consistency. In the Bistro, Starbucks® coffee, breakfast sandwiches, and soft seating create rituals that help mornings feel dependable and smooth.
Amenities such as business lounges, valet parking, breakfast service, and 24/7 markets sustain productivity and simplify routines.
DoubleTree by Hilton Irvine - Spectrum
The brief drive from DoubleTree by Hilton Irvine - Spectrum to Great Park Ice & Fivepoint Arena in Irvine keeps the connection between the two simple and fast.
EV-charging availability at select DoubleTree hotels demonstrates modern convenience and helps arriving drivers plan logistics early. In-room entertainment systems with premium channels deliver convenient relaxation, making the transition from travel to rest seamless for guests. Fitness centers stock resistance bands and mats, letting travelers complete balanced workouts that maintain health while away.
Wi-Fi, coffee service, spa treatments, meeting rooms, and valet parking keep routines consistent, reinforcing balance and convenience.
Extended Stay America Suites Orange County Irvine Spectrum
Within Irvine, Extended Stay America Suites Orange County Irvine Spectrum is an easy drive from Great Park Ice & Fivepoint Arena, which helps the hotel to feel both convenient and accessible.
The simple and efficient check-in at Extended Stay America is designed to get long-term guests settled into their suites quickly. All guest rooms are designed as functional living spaces, with zones for sleeping, cooking, and working integrated into the hotel suite. The simple lobby breakfast bar, with its complimentary coffee and pastries, provides a reliable and budget-friendly start to the day.
Between the free grab-and-go breakfast, a fitness center, guest laundry, and a full kitchen, convenience is built into every stay.
Sonesta Simply Suites Irvine Spectrum
From the lobby of Sonesta Simply Suites Irvine Spectrum, Great Park Ice & Fivepoint Arena is a simple drive for an easy commute, simplifying the visit.
At check-in, Sonesta Simply Suites aligns reception sightlines with communal tables and outlets, helping guests regroup and plan the day ahead. Every suite supplies a sofa bed, a stocked kitchen area, and storage, so multi-night stays remain tidy and mealtimes stay convenient on demand. Club lounges include sofa clusters, coffee stations, and power outlets, a quiet place for focused work or low-key conversation.
From in-suite kitchens and full fridges to fitness rooms, business centers, laundry, and accessible parking, guests balance meal prep, work, and downtime with ease.
Residence Inn by Marriott Irvine Spectrum
For a trip to Irvine, Residence Inn by Marriott Irvine Spectrum's location an easy drive from Great Park Ice & Fivepoint Arena is a foundational part of its convenience.
Grab-and-go counters in Residence Inn receptions reduce travel fatigue by offering immediate refreshment, reinforcing small-scale care. Guest rooms feature full kitchens with stovetops, refrigerators, and microwaves, giving travelers independence to prepare meals on their own schedule. Evening gathering spaces with small plates, wine service, and social seating create relaxed connection points that balance daily rhythms.
Hot breakfast, complimentary Wi-Fi, meeting rooms, indoor pools, and fitness areas support balance that simplifies extended-stay needs.
Sonesta Simply Suites Irvine East Foothill
Guests at Sonesta Simply Suites Irvine East Foothill can appreciate the easy drive to Great Park Ice & Fivepoint Arena as a defining feature of a well-located stay.
To reduce wayfinding stress, Sonesta Simply Suites situates clear paths from curb to desk with nearby seating, so orientation feels immediate. Standard guest rooms balance a compact kitchenette, bedside charging, and blackout curtains, promoting restful nights and simple mornings. Grab-and-go markets stock refrigerated cases, snacks, and beverage stations, enabling quick refuels and simple meal solutions on site.
Between pool access, a compact gym, a grab-and-go market, meeting rooms, and laundry facilities, travelers find both refreshment and practical support on site.
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Irvine Lake Forest
The benefit of a direct drive to Great Park Ice & Fivepoint Arena renders SpringHill Suites by Marriott Irvine Lake Forest into a great starting point before the rest of the stay unfolds.
SpringHill Suites features a hot breakfast program anchored in quality and variety, ensuring day starts feel balanced and dependable each visit. Suites are designed with west elm furnishings, lounge seating, and modern décor, creating stylish retreats that feel both comfortable and functional. The breakfast section features cereals, hot items, and fresh pastries with coffee, giving mornings structure and predictability for every guest.
Amenities like indoor pool access, a 24/7 Market, breakfast service, and self-parking work together to provide dependable balance and flexibility.
Homewood Suites by Hilton Irvine Spectrum Lake Forest
At Homewood Suites by Hilton Irvine Spectrum Lake Forest, Great Park Ice & Fivepoint Arena is a simple drive, a central feature that elevates the convenience of the stay.
Reception desks at Homewood Suites are placed prominently, giving first-time guests orientation clarity and reducing stress at check-in. Every suite features sofa seating, dining tables, and smart TVs, giving guests flexible areas for both relaxation and family activities. In the breakfast area, waffles, eggs, and fruit are served, ensuring mornings begin consistently for guests across all locations.
Meeting rooms, fitness centers, complimentary breakfast, and evening socials provide balance, supporting both work and leisure needs.
Hampton Inn by Hilton Irvine Spectrum / Lake Forest
From Hampton Inn by Hilton Irvine Spectrum / Lake Forest, Great Park Ice & Fivepoint Arena is a direct run, a convenience that simplifies the logistics of the entire visit.
Digital check-in tools in Hampton Inn receptions ensure loyalty members experience smoother arrivals with dependable recognition. Suites offer microwaves, refrigerators, and counter space, allowing guests to prepare meals or snacks conveniently during their visits. Outdoor pools with cabanas, shaded seating, and towel racks create leisure zones where guests can unwind or connect socially with ease.
Breakfast bags, Pavilion Pantry access, Wi-Fi, fitness centers, and business lounges simplify mornings with flexible convenience daily.
Comfort Inn & Suites Irvine Spectrum
Reaching Great Park Ice & Fivepoint Arena from Comfort Inn & Suites Irvine Spectrum is an easy drive, a quality that enhances the overall guest experience with simplicity.
Comfort Inn arrival lounges and cafés create immediate pause points, helping guests refresh, meet, or set plans before heading upstairs. Each guest room keeps a luggage bench and clear dresser surface to simplify unpacking, staging, and fast exits during short stays. Business centers provide reliable Wi-Fi, printing, and basics like paper and staplers, enabling efficient prep for presentations or documents.
From pet-friendly rooms and nearby relief areas to laundry service, Wi-Fi, and on-site dining, longer trips stay manageable and simple.
Best Value Inn-Irvine
Great Park Ice & Fivepoint Arena is an uncomplicated drive of Best Value Inn-Irvine, a feature that allows for confident and easy journeys.
Arrivals at Best Value Inn-Irvine may highlight cozy furnishings, artisanal refreshments, and curated décor details reflecting boutique character. Guest rooms often showcase refined décor, premium linens, and boutique bathrooms that support a polished and stylish impression. Shared spaces typically highlight art installations, artisanal cafés, and small dining rooms that reflect boutique-style creativity.
Guests may enjoy Wi-Fi, yoga mats, laundry facilities, and self-serve markets, maintaining practical balance during boutique stays.
Hilton Garden Inn Irvine Spectrum Lake Forest
For a trip where a direct drive is essential, Hilton Garden Inn Irvine Spectrum Lake Forest offers an easy drive to Great Park Ice & Fivepoint Arena, making it a logical hub for any itinerary.
Sofa clusters at Hilton Garden Inn receptions give families regrouping spaces, allowing comfortable pauses before moving to suites. Each suite provides microwaves, refrigerators, and coffee makers, letting guests prepare snacks and drinks with practical convenience. Fitness rooms with ellipticals, free weights, and yoga mats provide dependable wellness spaces that let guests maintain energy.
Complimentary Wi-Fi, hot breakfast, business centers, indoor pools, and parking options ensure dependable routines across all guest stays.
Sonesta Select Laguna Hills Irvine Spectrum
For a trip to Irvine, Sonesta Select Laguna Hills Irvine Spectrum's location a simple cross-town drive from Great Park Ice & Fivepoint Arena is an essential part of its convenience.
Sonesta Select places digital boards and menu signage near The Commons entrance, aiding quick reads and faster choices at arrival. Suites add storage with extra drawers and a larger closet in many types, letting extended stays stay neat and easy to manage over multiple nights. Meeting foyers provide coat racks, registration tables, and informal seating clusters, making pre-event flow and arrival simple and organized.
For business travel, free Wi-Fi, meeting rooms, a business center, on-site market, and fitness spaces combine for efficient, usable days.
TownePlace Suites by Marriott Irvine Lake Forest
From TownePlace Suites by Marriott Irvine Lake Forest, Great Park Ice & Fivepoint Arena is a simple drive, a detail that frames the stay with an initial sense of ease.
Warm lobby lighting and coffeehouse-style seating at TownePlace Suites shape inviting spaces that ease the shift from travel fatigue. Each guest room includes flat-screen TVs, refrigerator-freezer units, and soft beds—providing entertainment, storage, and sleep in one place. Laundry facility features ironing boards and steam presses, giving guests seamless care options to keep clothes presentable during stays.
Fitness center, on-site laundry, and meeting rooms offer wellness, care, and workspace—creating multi-purpose routines that adapt to stay length.
Best Western Plus Irvine Spectrum Hotel
For a stay that depends on reliable car travel, Best Western Plus Irvine Spectrum Hotel offers a direct run to Great Park Ice & Fivepoint Arena, making it a solid foundation for your trip.
With clear wayfinding arrows and ceiling placards, Best Western directs newcomers toward elevators and restrooms without backtracking through lines. Each guest room often includes a compact refrigerator for drinks and leftovers, keeping routines simple when schedules run late. Business centers keep high-speed internet and printers accessible, ensuring plans adjust quickly as routes or times change during travel.
Between in-room coffee, microwaves, mini-fridges, and Wi-Fi, first hours run cleanly as quick meals and messages align to early starts.
Staybridge Suites Lake Forest by IHG
This convenient drive to Great Park Ice & Fivepoint Arena from Staybridge Suites Lake Forest by IHG is a key feature, as it promotes a relaxed and manageable itinerary.
With sliding doors and weather mats, Staybridge Suites keeps the vestibule tidy and movement smooth as arrivals cycle in the rain. All guest rooms provide Wi-Fi, an HDTV with HDMI access, and a clear guide, keeping entertainment and brief work simple and easy to use. Pool areas use non-slip decking and posted rules, setting expectations for swim times and quiet hours with minimal surprises.
From free Wi-Fi and a 24/7 business center to meeting rooms and printers plus breakfast, deliverables and plans wrap without detours.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Lake Forest by IHG
Within Irvine, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Lake Forest by IHG keeps Great Park Ice & Fivepoint Arena a simple cross-town drive, a fact that lets the hotel to serve as a convenient hub.
Holiday Inn Express reception areas feature bright layouts and staffed desks, reinforcing reliable first impressions every time. Guest rooms offer flat-screen HDTVs, in-room coffee makers, and bedside outlets, combining entertainment and convenience daily. Lobby seating zones arranged with lounge chairs, tables, and bright lighting offer regrouping areas and orientation clarity for guests.
Business spaces, hot breakfast, and reliable Wi-Fi combine with pools and laundry, balancing work, leisure, and everyday needs.
Ayres Hotel Laguna Woods - Aliso Viejo
When the day's drive in Irvine needs to be simple, Ayres Hotel Laguna Woods - Aliso Viejo's location an easy drive from Great Park Ice & Fivepoint Arena is a key benefit.
Ayres Hotel Laguna Woods - Aliso Viejo may provide arrivals with boutique check-in, locally sourced décor, and complimentary lobby coffee or tea for guests. Guest rooms may feature eclectic décor, curated minibars, and plush bedding that emphasize a personalized and boutique-oriented retreat. Facilities may showcase eclectic lounges, curated interiors, and cocktail bars for a polished and boutique-forward impression.
A stay may highlight complimentary Wi-Fi, family meals, laundry service, and bike rentals, sustaining flexibility for boutique guests.
Laguna Hills Lodge
For a visit that balances a key destination with broader travel, Laguna Hills Lodge keeps Great Park Ice & Fivepoint Arena within easy reach.
Laguna Hills Lodge typically provides quick desk service, modest lobby space, and complimentary parking that sustain easy travel routines. Guest rooms often provide curated décor, compact seating, and Wi-Fi, creating a consistent and balanced environment for daily routines. Facilities may feature modest lobbies, breakfast rooms, and vending machines that create practical points of connection during stays.
A visit may feature Wi-Fi, laundry access, continental breakfast, and parking, reflecting the consistent focus of budget accommodations.
Extended Stay America Suites Orange County Lake Forest
For guests in Irvine, Extended Stay America Suites Orange County Lake Forest keeps Great Park Ice & Fivepoint Arena within easy reach, a position that makes for a convenient and fast-paced visit.
Extended Stay America offers a complimentary grab-and-go breakfast, providing a quick muffin, bar, and coffee to start the day. The full-size refrigerator is a standout amenity, providing the storage capacity that is essential for a comfortable long-term hotel stay. A clean, secure laundry room with multiple machines helps to reduce wait times and make a necessary chore more pleasant for everyone.
Key amenities like a full kitchen, pet-friendly rooms, free parking, and a swimming pool make the hotel a smart choice for any traveler.
Hilton Garden Inn Irvine East / Lake Forest
In Irvine, Hilton Garden Inn Irvine East / Lake Forest provides a location that keeps Great Park Ice & Fivepoint Arena within easy reach, letting the stay begin on a positive note.
Community tables in Hilton Garden Inn lobbies act as shared hubs, helping groups organize their plans and coordinate with ease. Every guest room includes ergonomic desks, strong Wi-Fi, and task chairs, supporting productivity for both business and leisure travelers. Breakfast spaces with omelet stations, cereal bars, and self-serve counters ensure reliable morning routines with consistent hospitality.
Pet-friendly services, breakfast buffets, Wi-Fi connectivity, meeting rooms, and fitness facilities give families flexibility during travel.
Hampton Inn by Hilton Irvine East - Lake Forest
In Irvine, Hampton Inn by Hilton Irvine East - Lake Forest has a accessible location keeping Great Park Ice & Fivepoint Arena an easy drive, letting guests move at their own pace.
Hampton Inn lobbies combine sofa clusters and community seating, creating versatile regrouping spaces for both families and teams. All guest rooms feature ergonomic chairs, work desks, and charging outlets, giving travelers practical setups that support productivity. Lobby seating clusters with sofas, small tables, and armchairs provide pause points where families can regroup comfortably on arrival.
Complimentary internet, hot breakfast, pet-friendly services, fitness areas, and meeting rooms ensure balanced support for all travelers.
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Great Park Ice & Fivepoint Arena Local Area Guide
Great Park Ice & FivePoint Arena stands as one of the most advanced ice sports facilities in the nation, serving as the official training center for the NHL’s Anaheim Ducks. Located within the expansive Orange County Great Park in Irvine, this 280,000-square-foot complex features four sheets of ice, including the 2,500-seat FivePoint Arena which hosts major tournaments and exhibitions. The facility is a marvel of modern athletic architecture, offering amenities rarely seen in community rinks, such as a full-service restaurant overlooking the ice and professional-grade locker rooms. For visiting hockey teams and figure skaters, the venue offers a polished, high-end experience, but the sheer size of the Great Park surroundings can be disorienting for first-time visitors. This guide is designed for the hockey moms, team managers, and skaters navigating a tournament weekend in Southern California. You will learn how to utilize the upstairs dining to watch two games at once, where to find the best outdoor entertainment just steps from the lobby, and how to pack for the facility's famously cold Olympic rink.
Area contextNeighborhood Overview – Great Park Ice & FivePoint Arena (Irvine, CA)
The facility is the crown jewel of the Orange County Great Park, a massive redevelopment project on the site of the former El Toro Marine Corps Air Station. The "neighborhood" is a mix of vast sports fields, new residential villages, and open parkland, meaning there is no traditional commercial street grid immediately adjacent to the rink. Access is primarily via the I-5 or I-405 freeways, exiting at Sand Canyon Avenue or Jeffrey Road to reach Ridge Valley. The nearest major travel hub is John Wayne Airport (SNA), located just 15 to 20 minutes away, making this one of the most accessible venues for fly-in tournaments. While the internal park roads are wide and paved, the distances between the rink and other park amenities like the soccer stadium or baseball fields are significant, often requiring a car or a long walk. Parking is abundant in the large surface lot directly in front of the arena, and it is generally free, though it can fill up quickly during Ducks practices or major events. The area is exceptionally safe and clean, characterized by its master-planned aesthetic, but walkability to off-site dining (outside the park) is non-existent.
Lodging contextWhere to Stay Near Great Park Ice & FivePoint Arena
Accommodation strategy largely centers on the Irvine Spectrum area or the hotels along Sand Canyon Avenue. The Courtyard by Marriott Irvine Spectrum and the Marriott Irvine Spectrum are top choices, offering modern amenities and close proximity to both the rink and the region's best dining hub. These properties are accustomed to hosting sports teams and sit just a 10-minute drive from the facility. For budget-conscious groups or those preferring a quieter stay, the hotels in Lake Forest along I-5 offer reliable options like the Holiday Inn Express, which is often easier to access during rush hour. A few newer hotels have popped up within the Great Park neighborhoods, but inventory is lower there compared to the Spectrum district. Booking in the Spectrum area is highly recommended to ensure you have walkable access to restaurants and entertainment in the evenings.
View nearby hotels Quick Plan EssentialsQuick-Plan Overview
- John Wayne Airport (SNA) · 15 min drive.
- Parking is free paved lot; fills during practices.
- Great Park Balloon · 5 min walk.
- Wild Rivers Waterpark or Irvine Spectrum.
- Between The Rinks (Level 2).
Game Day Flow
Check-In & Warm-Up
Arrive at least 60 minutes before your ice slot. The parking lot is large, but if you are hauling goalie gear, use the drop-off lane in front of the main glass atrium before parking. Inside, digital screens in the lobby display locker room assignments for all four rinks (Rinks 1, 2, 3, and FivePoint Arena). Teams typically warm up in the designated dryland areas or the spacious corridors, but be mindful that the facility is busy with public skaters and NHL staff.
Mid-Day Regroup
Between games, the Between The Rinks restaurant on the second level is the strategic place to be. It offers a full menu and a bar, with windows overlooking two of the ice sheets, allowing you to scout opponents or watch siblings skate in comfort. If you have a longer break of two hours or more, the Irvine Spectrum Center is a short drive away for shopping and movies, or you can walk to the Great Park amenities like the carousel. The facility is kept very cold to maintain ice quality, so parents often retreat to the lobby or the restaurant to warm up.
Wrap-Up & Departure
Exiting the locker rooms can be a bottleneck during tournament transitions, so establish a meeting point in the lobby near the pro shop. Traffic leaving the Great Park onto Sand Canyon Avenue is usually efficient, but the I-5 interchange can be heavy during commuter hours. If you are heading to a team dinner, the large-format restaurants at the Irvine Spectrum are your best bet for accommodating groups. Ensure you check the lost and found at the front desk, as the facility clears locker rooms quickly for the next incoming teams.
Things to Do Near Great Park Ice
Walkable
Great Park Balloon
The Great Park Balloon is the iconic orange symbol of the district, visible from the freeway and located just a short walk from the rink. This tethered helium balloon lifts passengers 400 feet into the air, offering a 360-degree panoramic view of Orange County that stretches from the mountains to the sea. It serves as a fantastic, low-stress diversion for families needing a break from the cold arena environment between games. Rides are weather-dependent, so checking the wind status online before walking over is a smart move. It provides a unique photo opportunity and a quiet moment above the bustle of the tournament.
C Street · 0.3 miWild Rivers
Located practically next door within the Great Park complex, Wild Rivers is a massive water park that returned to Irvine with modern attractions. It features a variety of slides, a lazy river, and a wave pool, making it the ultimate summer destination for teams with a free afternoon. The park offers plenty of cabanas and shaded areas, allowing parents to relax while the kids burn off energy in the water. It is walkable from the ice rink parking lot, though driving is easier if you are carrying swim gear. Note that it operates seasonally, typically from May through September.
Great Park Blvd · 0.5 mi5–15 Minutes Away
Irvine Spectrum Center
Just a 10-minute drive south, the Irvine Spectrum is one of Southern California's premier outdoor entertainment and retail destinations. It features a giant Ferris wheel, a 21-screen movie theater (IMAX), and a Dave & Buster's, making it the default hangout for hockey teams in the evenings. The center is designed with wide paseos and fountains, creating a safe and engaging environment for teenagers to roam while parents shop or dine. It offers a density of activities that can occupy an entire team for hours. Parking structures are huge, but they can fill up on Saturday nights.
Spectrum Center Dr · 3.5 miK1 Speed Irvine
Located near the airport, K1 Speed offers indoor electric go-kart racing that is a favorite for team bonding events. The facility features professionally designed tracks and high-performance karts that deliver an adrenaline rush without the exhaust fumes. It is a great option for a rainy day or a scheduled break in the bracket when players need to compete off the ice. The venue also has an arcade and meeting rooms, making it easy to organize a private event. It is close enough to squeeze in a few races between morning and evening games.
Von Karman Ave · 5.0 miBeyond the Event: If you have a free day, Disneyland Resort is approximately 25 minutes north in Anaheim, offering world-class theme park experiences. The beaches of Laguna Beach or Newport Beach are about 20 minutes south, providing a perfect coastal escape. Pretend City Children's Museum is just a few miles away and is excellent for younger siblings.
Dining & nightlifeFood & Drink Near Great Park Ice
Inside & Adjacent
Between The Rinks
Located on the second level of the facility, Between The Rinks offers a full-service dining experience with panoramic views of two different ice sheets. The menu features elevated pub fare like burgers, flatbreads, and salads, along with a bar serving beer and wine for parents. It is designed specifically for the hockey community, allowing spectators to watch practice or games in a climate-controlled, comfortable setting. The restaurant eliminates the need to drive for a meal during short tournament breaks, serving as the facility's primary social hub.
On site · Level 2Areus Coffee
Situated in the main atrium, this coffee bar and snack shop is the first stop for early morning practices and games. It serves specialized coffee drinks, smoothies, and grab-and-go breakfast items that are a step above typical concession stand quality. It is vital for caffeine-deprived parents and players needing a quick energy boost before hitting the ice. Seating is available in the lobby, making it a convenient meeting spot.
On site · Main LobbyNearby Gathering Spots
Wood Ranch BBQ & Grill
Located at the Irvine Spectrum, Wood Ranch is a reliable, high-volume restaurant known for its tri-tip, ribs, and family-friendly atmosphere. It is a go-to spot for team dinners because the menu is approachable and the service is efficient for large groups. They offer a "peanut-free" environment (mostly) and plenty of large booths, making it easy to manage a squad of hungry athletes. The garlic rolls are legendary and a hit with the players. Reservations are highly recommended on weekends.
Spectrum Center Dr · 3.5 miYard House
Also at the Spectrum, Yard House offers a massive menu and an even larger selection of draft beers, making it a crowd-pleaser for diverse groups. The energetic, somewhat loud atmosphere means a rowdy hockey team won't feel out of place. The menu ranges from street tacos to steaks, ensuring everyone finds something they like. It is a fantastic option for a parents' night out or a casual team lunch where flexibility is key.
Spectrum Center Dr · 3.5 miLocal & Elevated Picks
Habana
For a more unique dining experience, Habana at the Irvine Spectrum offers Cuban cuisine in a stunning, romantic setting. The outdoor patio is lush and beautiful, perfect for a celebratory dinner or a relaxing meal away from the rink. The menu features empanadas, paella, and slow-roasted pork, providing a flavorful break from standard sports bar food. It is extremely popular, so booking a table in advance is necessary.
Spectrum Center Dr · 3.6 miNorth Italia
Located a short drive away in the business district, North Italia serves handmade pastas and pizzas in a polished, modern environment. It is an excellent choice for a high-quality carb-load meal or a nice dinner for coaches and parents. The "Chef's Board" and bolognese are standouts that offer a comforting, upscale dining experience. The noise level is lively but conducive to conversation.
Michelson Dr · 4.5 miLocal Tips & Year-Round Info
- Rinks are very cold; bring blankets and heavy jackets.
- FivePoint Arena (Rink 4) has stadium seating; others have bleachers.
- Parking is free but can fill up during Ducks practices.
- Pro shop on-site offers skate sharpening and gear repair.
- Great Park is massive; use GPS to find the specific lot.
Weather & Seasons at Great Park
- Winter: December through February is the coolest season, with outdoor highs in the 60s. Inside, the rinks are consistently cold, so dress in layers. Rain is most likely during these months, so having an umbrella for the walk from the parking lot is wise.
- Spring & early summer: March through May offers near-perfect weather with highs in the 70s. It is a great time to utilize the outdoor park amenities between games. The marine layer may keep mornings grey, but the sun usually breaks through by noon.
- Mid-summer: June through September is warm and sunny, with highs in the 80s. The contrast between the hot parking lot and the freezing rink interior can be jarring. Spectators should pack hoodies and long pants despite the beach weather outside.
- Fall season: October and November brings clear skies and warm days, sometimes spiked by hot Santa Ana winds. It is arguably the best time to visit Southern California. The evenings cool down nicely, perfect for dining at the Spectrum.
- Rain & snow: Snow is impossible in Irvine. Rain occurs primarily in winter and early spring. The facility is brand new and handles weather well, but the open nature of the Great Park means you are exposed to the elements when walking to your car.
Venue Facts & Trip Essentials
Venue facts
- Primary team: Youth Hockey / Ducks Practice.
- Neighborhood: Orange County Great Park.
- Nearest airport: John Wayne (SNA).
- Parking: Free Surface Lot.
- Walkable district: No (Car required).
Trip essentials
- Groceries & supplies: Whole Foods (Irvine Spectrum).
- Pharmacy: CVS (Sand Canyon Ave).
- Urgent care: Hoag Urgent Care.
- Downtime: Great Park Balloon.
- Pro tip: Eat upstairs.

