Since opening Oct. 5, 1985, the Ocean Center has hosted more than 2,800 concerts, performances, trade shows, conventions and sporting events, drawing millions of visitors to Volusia County.

For three decades, elected leaders and officials in Volusia County have shared the vision for what the Ocean Center can be: a regional economic development catalyst.

The construction of the original Ocean Center was funded by $29 million in revenue bonds, $9 million from tourist tax revenues, and $4 million from interest earned on capital improvement funds during construction.

In 1978, Volusia County voters approved a 2 percent resort tax, making Volusia one of the first Florida counties to pass the local option tax. In July 2003, Volusia County leaders agreed to support a 1 percent increase in the resort tax on accommodations to fund the $76 million Ocean Center expansion project.

Opening day 1985

In 1985, the Ocean Center opened with 60,000 square feet of exhibit space and 18 breakout rooms.

Christian pop singer Amy Grant performed the first concert at the Ocean Center Oct. 3, 1985, singing to 2,938 people. John Denver was the grand opening act two days later, performing to a crowd of 7,368.

Entertainment through the years

The Ocean Center has presented many of the world's most famous entertainers, including Faith Hill, Trisha Yearwood, Cher, Britney Spears, Kenny Rogers, Travis Tritt, Willie Nelson, Alabama, the Beach Boys, Hootie and the Blowfish, Barbara Mandrell, Tanya Tucker, AC/DC, the Harlem Globetrotters, Lipizzaner Stallions and Larry the Cable Guy.

Other entertainment events have included the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus, Miss Teen USA Pageant and WWE Live.

The fun, furry characters of Sesame Street have been frequent performers at the Ocean Center. The family production had multiple shows in 1985-'86, and returned in the 1990s and 2000s.

In October 1997, the Ocean Center hosted the Nice n' Easy U.S. Figure Skating Classic. Skaters included the Tara Lipinski, Michelle Kwan, Dorothy Hamill, Nicole Bobek, Rosalynn Summers, Kyoko Ina, Jason Dungjen, Todd Eldredge, Rudy Galindo, Michael Weiss, Elizabeth Punsalan and Jerod Swallow. The event was broadcast later on ABC.

Click here for a complete list of events from 1985 - 2008.

Meetings and conventions

The Ocean Center is the venue of choice for meetings and conventions in Central Florida. The facility is booked more than 300 days a year with events ranging from health care conventions to sporting events.

In the mid-1990s, the Ocean Center booked events such as the Florida Baptist Convention, Showbiz National Talent, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, U.S. Amateur Ballroom Dancers Association, and National Reptile Breeders Expo.

In the 2000s, the National Student Nurses Association, Youth Quest International, Sports Network's National Youth Football Conference, the Charisma Women's Conference and many others have found a home at the Ocean Center.

Today's Ocean Center

The Ocean Center has developed into a highly functional and versatile multipurpose convention center and entertainment complex.

Following a $76 million expansion, the Ocean Center has approximately 200,000 square feet of indoor exhibit and meeting space, 36 breakout rooms and a Cultural Information Center.

The possibilities are endless with the new Ocean Center's state-of-the-art facility, expansive outdoor space and welcoming Daytona Beach weather.

To learn more about booking the Ocean Center for your next event, visit the meeting planners section.