40 Years In, Ocean Center to Receive $40M in Upgrades

The Ocean Center in Daytona Beach is slated to receive $40 million in upgrades from the Volusia County government in the coming months. The facility, officially known as the Ocean Center Convention Center, recently celebrated its 40th year in existence this month. The planned improvements to the Ocean Center are part of an effort that the county hopes will improve the venue’s pull for outside events and shows, ideally boosting the area’s economy with renewed tourism and local patronage. The money to pay for the initiative is being derived from taxes on hotels and motels, plus funds already in the reserve for the Ocean Center. Ocean Center General Manager Lynn Flanders is optimistic that the improvements will usher in a new era for a venue that began operations in 1985. According to Flanders, some of the areas being addressed include seating, lighting, sound, basketball facilities, carpeting, furniture and art, restrooms, painting, the parking garage, security, and more. Community Events Currently ongoing at the Ocean Center though Sunday is the NCA & NDA College National Championships, assembling cheer and dance teams from across the country. On April 24th the facility will kick off the Key Club District Education and Leadership Conference, which runs through the 26th. The Ocean Center also regularly hosts graduation ceremonies for local high schools. Popular annual events include the Daytona Beach Garden Show, Daytona Beach Home Show, National Reptile Breeders Expo, National High School Drill Team Championships, National Youth Football Championships, and Florida Federation of Colorguards Circuit. High-Profile Showcases Beyond local gatherings, the Ocean Center is known for bringing some of the most beloved music and comedy performers in entertainment. Just a few acts who’ve taken the stage over the years include Tom Petty, AC/DC, Maroon 5, Pitbull, Florida Georgia Line, Iron Maiden, and Chris Tomlin on the music side, plus Jeff Dunham and Larry the Cable Guy on the comedy side. Additionally, the Ocean Center has hosted the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus, the Harlem Globetrotters, and the World Championship Wrestling Bash at the Beach. Further rounding out their sports resume are events such as the 1988 Trans-America Athletic Conference basketball tournament, Daytona 100 Volleyball Competition, and at one time the Daytona Beach Sun Devils of the Sunshine Hockey League.