From ‘95 to Now — 30 Years Under The Sun
We grew up together, from first jobs to first dates, birthday traditions, and late-night laughs under the Giant Wheel. Now, we’re thriving more than ever, thanks to you.
This summer, we’re celebrating with an unforgettable season of ‘90s nostalgia—throwback vibes, epic experiences, and a walk down memory lane.
We’re celebrating 30 years of unforgettable moments — and we want to hear yours! Whether it was a magical proposal, a spontaneous shopping spree, your first carousel ride, or a sunset stroll, tell us your favorite Spectrum story. Your memory may be featured in our anniversary installations — a tribute to the people who’ve made Irvine Spectrum Center what it is today.
Plus, every submission enters you for a chance to win a year-long pass for the exciting new Spectrum Sunwheel, launching in 2026!*
From '95 to Now — 30 Years Under The Sun
Start Here
“The Entertainment Center at Irvine Spectrum Center” officially opens with 250,000 square feet of entertainment and dining including the Oasis Food Court and Edwards Irvine Spectrum 21 IMAX, the first megaplex movie theater in the world with 6,400 seats and 21 screens including an eight-story high IMAX theater.
Phase II of the center opens. The center expands by 250,000 square feet, introducing new shops, restaurants, and entertainment. Inspired by the Alhambra in Granada, Spain, the architecture features vibrant courtyards with fountains, intricate tile mosaics, detailed carvings, and a symbolic arch with a hand and key motif. New openings include The Cheesecake Factory, Dave & Buster’s, The Improv Comedy Club, Rock Bottom, and more.
The Carousel opens with 32 hand-painted fiberglass animals—including armored horses and playful menagerie figures like a rabbit, deer, and cat with a fish—modeled after antique carvings by Gustav Dentzel. Inspired by century-old European rides, it reflects the center’s Spanish architecture, with a rounded board featuring Southern Spain scenes and rare alternating faces of a bullfighter and flamenco dancer. Lit by 1,200 white lights and wheelchair accessible, it spins to 80 melodies from original band organ recordings.
The center expands again with 332,000 square feet of family-focused retail, welcoming nearly 60 new shops and restaurants—including Macy’s (formerly Robinson’s-May), Barnes & Noble, Urban Outfitters, and Forever 21.
After a three-week journey from Italy, the hand-crafted Italian Giant Wheel arrived in Los Angeles on July 20, 2002, and soon after, at Irvine Spectrum Center. Eight weeks later, the 108-foot-tall, 140,000-pound marvel opened to the public—becoming the center’s signature icon and the third fixed wheel in Southern California, joining the ranks of Santa Monica Pier and Disney’s California Adventure.
The seasonal ICE RINK debuts! At the time, it was OC’s only outdoor ice skating rink.
Javier’s Cantina & Grill and California Pizza Kitchen debut, alongside the opening of the center’s first of two parking structures.
Irvine Spectrum Center celebrates its 10th anniversary with the opening of NORDSTROM, Anthropologie, bebe, LOFT, White House | Black Market, Aveda, Old Navy, and more. A second parking deck is also opened.
TARGET opens, marking the first time Target and Nordstrom have been paired together in a shopping center.
Exciting new restaurants are added in front of Edwards Irvine Spectrum 21 IMAX including Paul Martin’s American Grill, CUCINA enoteca, Tender Greens, and Kabuki.
The Improv Comedy Club—the most successful in the country—relocates to the former food court space, tripling in size and debuting with an in-house Umami Burger. Expanding the center’s diverse dining scene, BRIO Tuscan Grille and Del Frisco’s Grille also open, along with CLOCK COURT, featuring TLT Food, Pho Saigon Pearl, and LYFE Kitchen. That same year, Santa returns to Irvine Spectrum Center with an OC twist—welcoming guests in a Hawaiian shirt and board shorts from his Crystal Cove-inspired beach house in the debut of Selfies with Santa.
Irvine Spectrum Center celebrates its 20th Anniversary with the reopening of its iconic Giant Wheel, now featuring more than 52,000 energy-efficient LED lights capable of displaying 16 million color combinations.
Irvine Spectrum Center completes a $200-million transformation of the former Macy’s, introducing 30 new shops and restaurants, vibrant outdoor spaces, and unique experiences like the 18-foot-tall Spectrum Climber. The first wave of openings includes Hello Kitty Café, Afters Ice Cream, BRIO Tuscan Grille, Stance, and Gorjana. A new parking structure, lush courtyards, and expanded gathering areas elevate the guest experience, reinforcing the center’s role as a premier Southern California destination.
Regal Irvine Spectrum redefines the moviegoing experience with a full-scale transformation—featuring a brand-new entrance and lobby, digital signage, a sleek new bar, and upgraded audio-visual technology throughout. The revamped theater now offers premium formats like IMAX, 4DX, ScreenX, and RPX for next-level cinematic escapes.
Shake Shack opens its first-ever Orange County location at Irvine Spectrum Center. Known for its iconic burgers, hand-spun shakes, and elevated American eats, the cult-favorite lands near Regal Irvine Spectrum 21 RPX & IMAX—bringing bold flavor to the center’s dining scene.
Irvine Spectrum Center is poised to elevate its status as Orange County’s premier shopping, dining, and entertainment destination with the highly anticipated 2025 openings of Din Tai Fung, Holey Moley, Mastro’s Ocean Club, GAP, and more.
