Watch how it happened!
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UPDATE FOR APRIL 3, 2013:

Pacific Amphitheatre

Pacific Amphitheatre Berm Reconfiguration
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UPDATE FOR MARCH 11, 2013:

Pacific Amphitheatre
Last month, crews started the first phase of the major construction planned for the Pacific Amphitheatre. Phase 1 involves a reconfiguration of the berm that will allow for more event space within the property and a more intimate experience inside the Pacific Amphitheatre. This is the first of two phases in the Pacific Amphitheatre as part of the larger, property-wide Master Plan approved by the Board of Directors in 2003.

This first phase of the Pacific Amphitheatre project will narrow the berm and increase the steepness of the slope. The trees and foliage have been removed from the berm and crews are now removing the excess dirt. Approximately 30 double-bottom dump trucks are being used to haul out approximately 280- 300 loads of dirt each work day. Project planners have strategically planned the truck routes and schedules to have the least impact on local traffic. Trucks are expected to be finished hauling dirt before May 10, 2013 on a flexible Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-4:00 p.m. schedule with a direct route to the 55 North Freeway down Fair Drive from the property. Gate 2 off Fair Drive will be closed to the public and access to Lots C-F is restricted to Gate 4 off Arlington Drive and access to the Centennial Farm and Lots A-B and G-I is restricted to Gate 1 off Fair Drive. Click here to view the property map.

After the berm has been reconfigured, crews will plant new foliage completing Phase 1, which is expected to be completed by the end of June 2013. Phase 2 is expected to begin after the 2013 OC Fair (July 12-August 11) in September. Visit the Master Plan page to read more about Phase 1 and 2. Check back for photos of the progress of the Phase 1 of the Pacific Amphitheatre improvements. If you have a concern about the project or comment on the truck route and schedule, please call Guest Relations at (714) 708-1588.

UPDATE FOR APRIL 18, 2012:

Main Mall
Crews have completed the new decorative, concrete walkway and the steel gates on the east end of the Parade of Products have been upgraded. Now, crews are working on re-facing the metal fascia (band) detail and roofline of Buildings 10 and 12 and the Parade of Products.

Miscellaneous Projects
Yellow Gate: The three-way valve that replaces the shutoff valves at the 8" water line has been installed. This new valve will allow continuous water supply to the general area.

Campground: The old siding on the sheltered picnic area has been replaced with a more permanent, stucco finish. Additionally, crews also re-roofed the shelter and painted it. Next, crews will refinish the interior woodworking for the final steps of the gazebo refurbishing project.

UPDATE FOR MARCH 7, 2012:

Main Mall

Main Mall (Click on photo to enlarge.)

Crews are now working on the decorative concrete walkway in front of the west side of The Hangar. The new canopies outside Building 10 and Parade of Products are also still in progress.

UPDATE FOR FEBRUARY 23, 2012:

Main Mall

Parade of Products and Building 10 (Click on photo to enlarge.) The Hangar (Click on photo to enlarge.)

Crews are pouring the decorative concrete for the new walkway in front of the east side of The Hangar and then will move to complete the west side. Additionally, crews are working on completing the new canopy outside Building 10 and the new canopy of the Parade of Products to match the Span. Plans to reconfigure the water main in the south end of Main Mall are in the works.

Lot D (Click on photo to enlarge.)

Lot D
The tree line improvement project in parking lot D has been completed.

Gate 4 (Click on photo to enlarge.)

Gate 4
The final landscaping as a part of the $25,000 capitol project renovations of the Gate 4 area off Arlington Drive has been completed.

UPDATE FOR NOVEMBER 10, 2011:

Main Mall

Main Mall (Click on photo to enlarge.)

After approval by the Board of Directors at their September meeting, the preliminary renovations of the Main Mall located at the heart of the property began last month. Approved renovations included the addition of structural steel elements, lighting and landscape at an estimated cost of $2 million. As the central thoroughfare of the property including The Hangar and the four main exhibit buildings, Main Mall is a central element of the 2003 Master Plan, which included transforming this pedestrian mall into a scenic promenade that celebrates the property’s history as part of the Santa Ana Air Base. This phase of the renovations is expected to run from November 1, 2011 to April 1, 2012.

Since beginning last month, crews have removed the grassy center of Main Mall and begun the first stages of creating the scenic promenade with decorative concrete band as the central walkway. Next, paver stones will be added to the area. Additionally crews have removed the light poles and the ficus and palm trees in the area. The trees will be relocated to another part of the property.

Gate 4
Crews are completing the final landscaping as a part of the $25,000 capitol project renovations of the Gate 4 area off Arlington Drive.

Lot D
As part of the tree line improvements in this area, the trees will be removed next week. Then the underground utilities will be installed. The following week crews will pour concrete to form the new curb and gutter.

Pacific Amphitheatre
In April and May, several improvements were made to meet ADA requirements, including extending existing seating platforms in the Orchestra and Terrace seating levels, as well as adding ADA- appropriate railings on both sides of the seating areas. Additionally from April to June, crews completed the sound wall painting project for maintenance purposes.

Blue Gate
In mid-October, the extension of the steel perimeter fencing at the Blue Gate was completed as part of an upgrade of the main pedestrian entrance area.

Other Recently Completed Projects
The OC Fair & Event Center staff has been busy since April 2010 making improvements and upgrading the property. Here is a list of some of the other the many projects completed:

• Campground: In June 2011, some of the grass areas north of Lot P were replaced with asphalt to provide more exhibit space for the newly expanded Ice Museum featured during the 2011 OC Fair. In September, asphalt was also added to the area north of the gazebo to straighten the existing roadway.
• Lot I (Carnival Lot): In May 2011, the structure with restrooms and showers were removed.
• Other miscellaneous projects: re-striping of parking stalls in Lot F and large display frames added to the front of The Hangar building for Sponsor signage during Fair and other promotional uses year-round.