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3. Project Description

3.1 PROJECT LOCATION

Honda Center is located at 2695 East Katella Avenue, in the south-central portion City of Anaheim (see Figure 3-1, Regional Location) within the Platinum Triangle. Center and its adjacent surface parking lots are bound on the north by Stanley Cup Way and the Union Pacific Railroad, to the east by the Santa Ana River, to the south by Katella Avenue and to the west by State Route 57 (SR-57) freeway (see Figure 3-2, Local Vicinity). is less than a half mile northeast of of Anaheim and the existing Anaheim / Station and the future Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center (ARTIC) and (ARC). In addition to these venues and transit facilities, the Platinum Triangle encompasses the City National Grove of Anaheim, residential and mixed use development, light industrial buildings, industrial parks, distribution facilities, offices, hotels, restaurants, and retail development. An aerial photograph of the project site and its surroundings is shown on Figure 3-3.

3.2 STATEMENT OF OBJECTIVES

The following objectives have been established for the Proposed Project and will aid decision makers in their review of the Proposed Project, its associated environmental impacts, and Alternatives:

1. Implement the City’s applicable General Plan Goals and Policies including, but not limited to, establishment of the Platinum Triangle as a thriving economic center that provides residents, visitors and employees with a variety of housing, employment, shopping and entertainment opportunities that are accessed by arterial highways, transit systems and pedestrian promenades.

2. Implement the Planning Principles of the Platinum Triangle Master Land Use Plan (PTMLUP).

3. Provide additional entertainment opportunities within a mixed-use environment in close proximity to arterial highways, transit systems and pedestrian promenades consistent with regional planning goals and policies.

4. Approve a zone reclassification for a portion of the project site from the Transition (T) Zone/Platinum Triangle Mixed Use (PTMU) Overlay Zone to the Public Recreational (PR) Zone/PTMU Overlay Zone, so that the zoning is consistent throughout the Project Site.

5. Increase the number of events at Honda Center including, but not limited to, a possible NBA team.

6. Implement various improvements to Honda Center to accommodate and enhance current and future additional event activity.

7. Expand the entertainment sporting options at the Honda Center to continue to position the City as a world class entertainment destination

Honda Center Enhancement Project Draft EIR City of Anaheim  Page 3-1

3. Project Description

3.3 PROJECT CHARACTERISTICS

“Project” is defined by the CEQA Guidelines1 Section 15378 as “the whole of an action, which has a potential for resulting in either a direct physical change in the environment, or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment, and that is any of the following: (1) An…enactment and amendment of zoning ordinances, and the adoption and amendment of local General Plans or elements thereof pursuant to Government Code Sections 65100-65700.”

3.3.1 Project Background

In June of 1990, the Anaheim City Council approved documents that led to the construction of a new world- class and in 1993, the Anaheim Arena opened its doors to a sold-out performance by . Later that same year, the NHL announced its fourth expansion team, of Anaheim, who would make Anaheim its home. At the same time Arrowhead Water became the sponsor, thus the arena became the Arrowhead Pond of Anaheim. In 2003, the City approved and entered into the current Facility Management Agreement with Anaheim Arena Management, LLC (AAM) and, in 2006, Honda Motor Company became the title sponsor and the arena name was changed to Honda Center.

The success of Honda Center is evident, as it is one of the premiere entertainment and sports venues in the country and has been the recipient of numerous industry awards over the years. It has been nominated for “Venue of the Year” in the United States by Pollstar Magazine on seven separate occasions and most recently was ranked fourth in the country by Billboard Magazine for 2010 concert and ticket sales. Honda Center is proud to be home to the NHL’s and to the prestigious John R. Wooden College Basketball Classic. Since 1993, the venue has hosted a significant number of world-class events and shows, including: NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament Western Regionals (1998, 2001, 2003, 2011), NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament First and Second Round (2008), 1999 NCAA Frozen Four, 2003 World Gymnastics Championships, 2004 U.S. Team Trials - Gymnastics, 2005 World Badminton Championships, four-time host to UFC Championship bouts, , Bette Midler, Paul McCartney, Eagles, Barbra , AC/DC, , Luis Miguel, Rod Stewart, David Bowie, , Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Phil Collins, Toby Keith, Alan Jackson, Madonna, Prince, Van Halen, Gloria Estefan, Jimmy Buffett, Bon Jovi, Billy Joel, Bruce Springsteen, and Elton John. Additionally, the current manager, Anaheim Arena Management, LLC, has continued to improve the facility, investing more than $22 million in capital improvements since 2003.

As the venue was designed and constructed to be home to two professional sports franchises, the City and its facility management partners have worked throughout the years to bring a second professional sports franchise to Honda Center.

1 References to "CEQA" are to Public Resources Code sections 21000 et seq. References to "CEQA Guidelines" are to Title 14, Code of Regulations sections 15000 et seq.

Page 3-2  The Planning Center|DC&E January 2012 3. Project Description Regional Location

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Honda Center Enhancement Project Draft EIR The Planning Center|DC&E • Figure 3-1

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Page 3-4  The Planning Center|DC&E January 2012 3. Project Description Local Vicinity

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Honda Center Enhancement Project Draft EIR The Planning Center|DC&E • Figure 3-2

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Page 3-6  The Planning Center|DC&E January 2012 3. Project Description Aerial Photograph d d R R

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City Boundary Site Boundary 0 1,000 Platinum Triangle Boundary Scale (Feet) Source: Google Earth Pro 2011 Honda Center Enhancement Project Draft EIR The Planning Center|DC&E • Figure 3-3

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3. Project Description

3.3.2 Operational Characteristics

The 650,000-square-foot Honda Center opened on June 19, 1993, after two years of construction. It can accommodate a maximum of 18,900 spectators depending on seating configuration, and the parking lots surrounding Honda Center have 3,775 parking spaces to accommodate visitors. More than 1,500 additional parking spaces are provided off-site by agreement and/or by private operators. Honda Center facilities are in operation on event days, although some functions (e.g., ticket sales) are open on nonevent days. Maximum capacities for hockey, basketball, and other events (e.g., concerts, circus, etc.) are shown in Table 3-1.

Table 3-1 Honda Center Events and Event Population Event Type Seating Capacity Staff/ Employees Team Members/ Production1 Basketball Games2 18,336 950 200+3 Hockey Games4 17,174 950 200 Concerts and Other 18,325 – End Stage 1,000 (max) 200 Events 18,900 – Center Stage Maximum Number of 162 Events (last 5 years) Nonevent Days 203 Source: Starkey 2011. 1 Team members and production staff include players, coaches, trainers, media, road crew, and others not included as spectators. 2 Basketball games include Lakers Preseason, the John Wooden Classic, the Big West Tournament, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Tournament, and University of California, (UCLA), games. 3 For the purpose of this air quality and GHG technical report, up to 250 team members are assumed for a basketball game for a conservative modeling scenario. 4 The (NHL) has 41 home games during the regular season. During the Stanley Cup Playoffs and Stanley Cup, up to 20 additional games could occur.

In 2010, Honda Center welcomed more than 1.3 million guests, of which over 600,000 attended the Ducks’ hockey games (Starkey 2011). Table 3-2 identifies a five-year snapshot of attendance, number of events, and the average number of visitors during an event based on the annual attendance. Average attendance per event was calculated based on the highest 3-year average of attendance in order to provide a conservative estimate of future annual attendance. Based on Honda Center attendance history over the last five years, there are, on average, 11,264 visitors per event and currently up to 153 events per year (e.g., approximately three events per week).

Table 3-2 Honda Center Event Attendance Year Visitors Events Average Visitors per Event 2006 1,600,000 154 10,390 2007 1,760,000 144 12,222 2008 1,590,000 162 9,815 2009 1,460,000 136 10,735 2010 1,300,000 120 10,833 Highest 3-year 153 11,264 Average Source: Starkey 2011.

Honda Center Enhancement Project Draft EIR City of Anaheim  Page 3-9

3. Project Description

Environmental Efforts

Honda Center is an environmentally-conscious facility that pursues a variety of strategies aimed at using resources in a sustainable manner. Such efforts are anticipated to expand even further due to the arena’s new membership in the Green Sports Alliance. Honda Center currently recycles all cardboard, glass, plastic, aluminum, paper (including programs) and lighting. The arena’s restaurants use locally grown produce and use seafood and beef purchased from sustainable sources. Recent efforts have expanded the number of disposable items that are made from recycled materials, which include napkins and cups, while napkin and condiment dispensers have been upgraded to reduce waste.

Since 2010, Honda Center has also donated over 10,000 meals to charity in a partnership with the Anaheim Ducks, , and the national Rock and Wrap It Up non-profit organization. The Rock and Wrap It Up program, which has participants across North America, is aimed at reducing poverty by collecting unused food from major events and facilities and donating it to local charities.

Eco-friendly programs at Honda Center also include efforts to reduce automobile trips to the facility. On October 14th, 2011, the Anaheim Ducks began partnering with Metrolink to offer the “Ducks Express”, a special discounted train service that links hockey fans in South Orange County and northern County to Honda Center for Ducks games. Ducks Express trains arrive at Anaheim Station where free shuttles take fans straight to the arena. The service was designed to promote the use of public transit and to create an easy, convenient, and environmentally conscious way to get to Honda Center.

3.3.3 Description of the Proposed Project

The proposed project includes an increase in the number of annual events at Honda Center through the addition of another permanent tenant, as well as other permanent improvements described below. The 1990 Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for Honda Center (formerly Arrowhead Pond) analyzed up to 162 events per year. Honda Center currently averages up to 153 events per year with average attendance at an event of up to 11,264 people. The maximum number of events, in any one year, over the last five years was 162 events in 2008.

The proposed project seeks to increase the maximum number of events by 60 from the previous high of 162 events for a total of 222 events per year. Currently, there are on average three events per week at Honda Center, and the proposed project would result in four events per week on average. The purpose of the additional events would be to accommodate a second professional sports franchise at Honda Center without reducing the number of events currently held at the Honda Center. The Honda Center has a maximum seating capacity of 18,900, and the proposed project would not result in a change in the maximum seating capacity of current events (see Table 3-1).

In addition to an increase in the number of annual events at Honda Center, the proposed project would involve other minor improvements on the south side2 of the existing facility including an approximate 5,846 square foot restaurant to serve event attendees, a 5,846 square foot team store and a 9,114 square feet open area on the Main Level (Level 200); and above the main level improvements, a 9,518 square feet restaurant to serve event attendees and a 12,436 square foot outdoor terrace on the Club Level (Level 300). Other interior improvements include locker room, office space, bunker suite and balcony suite renovations; electrical upgrades and an increase in the capacity of the loading dock.

2 Please note a previous proposal located the proposed improvements on the east side of the existing Honda Center. They have since been relocated to the south side facing Katella Avenue.

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3. Project Description

The Level 200 elevations will have a height of 17 feet 9 inches. The Level 300 at roofline would have a height of 18 feet for a total overall height of 35 feet nine inches. None of the proposed improvements would increase the permanent seating capacity of the existing arena; however, the improvements would result in the loss of approximately 15-20 parking spaces. A site plan showing the location of the proposed improvements is shown on Figure 3-4. The Level 200 floor plan is shown on Figure 3-5 and the Level 300 floor plan is shown on Figure 3-6. Renderings of the proposed improvements are shown on Figures 3-7 through 3-9.

The proposed project includes a zone reclassification for a portion of the project site from the Transition (T) Zone/Platinum Triangle Mixed Use (PTMU) Overlay Zone to the Public Recreational (PR) Zone/PTMU Overlay Zone, consistent with the zoning for the remainder of the project site (see Figure 3-10). Additional implementation measures include, but are not limited to, building permits to allow the improvements listed above and agreements between the City of Anaheim and OCFCD and between the City of Anaheim and AAM.

3.4 INTENDED USES OF THE EIR

This DEIR examines the potential environmental impacts of the Proposed Project, including the various actions by the City and other agencies that are necessary to implement the Proposed Project. It is the intent of this DEIR to enable the City of Anaheim, responsible agencies, and interested parties to evaluate the environmental impacts of the Proposed Project, thereby enabling them to make informed decisions with respect to the requested entitlements. The anticipated approvals required for the Proposed Project are as follows:

Lead Agency Action  Certification of the Environmental Impact Report No. 344 (SCH#2011091007) and adopt Mitigation Monitoring Program No. 303. City of Anaheim  Approve Zoning Reclassification No. 2011-00247 (to reclassify a portion of the project site from the Transition (T) Zone/Platinum Triangle Mixed Use (PTMU) Overlay Zone to the Public Recreational (PR) Zone/PTMU Overlay Zone). Responsible Agencies Action  Issue a National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) California Regional Water Quality Control Permit for construction activities and/or Stormwater Pollution Board, Region 8, Santa Ana Prevention Plan. South Coast Air Quality Management District  Issue any needed Air Quality Permits for demolition or construction. Orange County Flood Control Flood Control  Encroachment permits may be required if any improvements are District (“OCFCD”) proposed within OCFCD right-of-way.

Honda Center Enhancement Project Draft EIR City of Anaheim  Page 3-11

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Page 3-12  The Planning Center|DC&E January 2012 3. Project Description Proposed Site Plan D R

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KATELLA AVE 0 600 Scale (Feet) Source: Rengel & Company Architects 2011 Honda Center Enhancement Project Draft EIR The Planning Center|DC&E • Figure 3-4

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Page 3-14  The Planning Center|DC&E January 2012 3. Project Description Level 200 Floor Plan

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Honda Center Enhancement Project Draft EIR The Planning Center|DC&E • Figure 3-5

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Page 3-16  The Planning Center|DC&E January 2012 3. Project Description Level 300 Floor Plan

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Honda Center Enhancement Project Draft EIR The Planning Center|DC&E • Figure 3-6

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Page 3-18  The Planning Center|DC&E January 2012 3. Project Description View from Katella and Douglass

Source: Corcoran Group Collaborative 2011 Honda Center Enhancement Project Draft EIR The Planning Center|DC&E • Figure 3-7

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Page 3-20  The Planning Center|DC&E January 2012 3. Project Description View of the South Entrance

Source: Corcoran Group Collaborative 2011 Honda Center Enhancement Project Draft EIR The Planning Center|DC&E • Figure 3-8

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Page 3-22  The Planning Center|DC&E January 2012 3. Project Description View from Katella and Santa Ana River Trail

Source: Corcoran Group Collaborative 2011 Honda Center Enhancement Project Draft EIR The Planning Center|DC&E • Figure 3-9

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Page 3-24  The Planning Center|DC&E January 2012 3. Project Description Existing Zoning and Property Ownership

0 500 Scale (Feet) Source: City of Anaheim 2008 Honda Center Enhancement Project Draft EIR The Planning Center|DC&E • Figure 3-10

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