UCI staff directed me to the only parking available. $16 for 4+ hours. $12 to attend Big West Volleyball Tournament. So glad I brought a clear bag instead of my normal purse (they check at the door). Venue is very clean and staff are friendly. Audio Visual is amazing here! Concession prices were reasonable: $8 Hot Dog $4 Bottled Water $4 Lenny & Larry cookie Great experience here! read more

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Parking was surprisingly easy thanks to the students running the lot and directing traffic--they did a great job keeping everything organized and moving smoothly. That said, security felt a bit overzealous, which took away from the overall experience. The seating also needs some attention. I ended up trying two different seats, and both were broken--they leaned too far back to be comfortable. On the positive side, the sound system was solid and the facility itself is easy to navigate, which made getting around hassle-free. Just be aware that outside food and drinks aren't allowed, and unfortunately the concession stand has very limited options, which was a bit disappointing read more

We love coming to Bren Events Center as a family to watch UCI basketball. My boys have even enrolled in the summer basketball camp at UCI and they get to play at the Bren too. Zot Zot! read more

Bren Events Center - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - Irvine, California

Always enjoy coming out to the Bren to watch eater basketball. Was able to get some good seats to watch the game. It is an intimate stadium to watch UCI sports. Parking is a bit inefficient since you need purchase the permit online. So when we enter the parking lot it gets backed up because some people are buying the permit online the spot which blocks those who have already purchased the permit. Wish they can allow people who have already purchased the permits to bypass the line for people who are trying to purchase it onsite. read more

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The only downfall is the usual...parking! The venue is a good size making shows and concerts rather enjoyable. Big events this place can get rather congested so leave yourself time coming and going with some patience for those that don't plan. read more

Great venue for concerts (Morrissey!) and for sports events (Basketball & Volleyball). Sound system and acoustics are great for the venue and parking is adjacent to the structure for easy access. Staff were extremely helpful! read more

Beautiful campus, great basketball staff. Spring league went well. Very organized and well put together. I would definitely be returning for more events. read more

Bren Events Center - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - Irvine, California

Just highway robbery shame on these dang California schools charging $20 to park and $20 each person to see your child graduate! Only to have you standing in a long hot line and then rushed right back out for the next graduation! All about money! read more

(Sorry, a little late in my review, but here goes) Attended UCI graduation event in June. This is a great venue with great views from the floor up to the "rafters" (which are not that high). It houses a basketball court at the center, but for graduation it was not set up that day. Parking was a breeze being right next to the center, HOWEVER, if you attend an event here, make sure to come early (at least 1-1.5 hrs) to get a parking space. You may find yourself on the top (6th) floor and taking 30 minutes to get out of the garage. (Don't park at the University Town Center on Campus Rd., the parking spaces are timed and you WILL get cited/fined.) read more

Our high school has their graduation ceremonies here. The Bren Center itself is nice. My 2 stars are for parking. Whenever we come here we have to park at least a mile away. This year was the worst...2 miles! BUT, the youngest of our kids just graduated, so SAYONARA Bren Center! We are done with high school graduations!!! read more

Event center in Uci campus Doing most of sports event in this building I saw basketball and volleyball I liked it and wanna watch all of sports I love this place read more

The student workers at commencement were completely incompetent. One of my loved ones almost missed my ceremony completely due to a ticket scanning issue, and me, the graduate, had to leave in the middle of my CEREMONY, as I was about to walk, to come fix it. Please train your employees to be more helpful and fix the ticket scanning system. read more

They canceled a show here - (Casting Crowns) same day notification (of course I left right from work for a weekday show) Drove two hours in a rainstorm to get here. The parking garage had zero signs about the shows cancellation - so I promptly paid $14 to park, walked up to the venue to see the signs about the cancellation - nice! Won't be back - if I see this venue listed for any shows in the future I WILL AVOID THEM. The fact that the customer service is SO POOR they never reached out to refund the parking. Update - bummer "For King And Country" playing here this year. Nope - not going and never will return. Good customer service would have contacted me by now and made that parking fee right. Consider yourself warned. read more

Bren Events Center - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - Irvine, California

On the 20th of April, 2024, I went to this event venue, and I considered the level of security that it provided to be pretty poor. Due to the fact that I am a person with a handicap, I encountered a number of obstacles when I attempted to gain access to the exhibition. When the Securities and Exchange Commission was made aware of the problem, they swiftly and utterly ignored it. At this time, I do not have any plans to take part in any upcoming events. read more

Date night 2/3/18 with the husband was spent at the Bren Events Center to watch a men's volleyball game (UCLA vs UCI). My husband is disabled and has handicap plates. So I'm not sure if parking is normally free where we were, but no one approached us and we never got a ticket. Ha. Typical concession food. Beer sold during the game. We had our own seats (not bleachers) with a cupholder and plenty of leg space. The sound system was fine. But it was kind of funny when a volleyball smashed an open top drink at the score board table during the game. It took them forever to clean up and messed up part of their scoreboard. Hmmm... Nice, welcoming staff. Mostly clean restrooms. If you do end up going to a UCI college game here, buy your tickets online. It will save you a few bucks. '18 Yelp Challenge #14 read more

Huge Venue, great for any event. Multiple entrances and exits. Very clean and maintained property, second time attending this place. Comfortable seats and amazing lighting. read more

Bren Events Center - Happy Easter Everybody! - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - Irvine, California

Bought over $30 worth of food and drinks but apparently its against their policy to also get a cup of water. Shameful.

The staff runs events fairly well, but navigating traffic in this area during peak times can be a nightmare. It took over 30 minutes get in and then out of the parking lot after a graduation so be sure to allow extra time and adjust accordingly. read more

Bren Events Center - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - Irvine, California

I came here for a graduation ceremony my friend invited me to which was held by West Coast University. This center is located inside University of California, Irvine in the city of Irvine. Even though events are held on weekends there is still a parking fee per car - the only way you will get free parking is if you have a student parking sticker otherwise, we paid $25 per car at the time we went. There is no time limit in the parking lot especially if you are there for an event. After parking your car, there is a good 15 minutes walk to the venue depending on which side you park the walk can be longer. The sign for the building is right in front of the structure you will not miss it. The inside of the venue is nice: plenty of seating, huge stage, and spacious. The seats were comfortable similar to movie theatre seats with cushions for your back and bottom. There is plenty of space between the next row of seats so you are not cramped when passing by other people. The stage is set in the front and the seats are facing in the stage direction so you will have a great view in any place you sit. From the times I have been here the seats are not numbered and it is a first come first serve basis. The interior and exterior was clean and there are no food or drinks allowed inside. As for the sound stage and microphones they are clear we easily heard what was going on there was no static or echo bouncing back. One thing I did notice was how they kept the venue dim the while entire time during the ceremony. Having it so dark it was difficult to take pictures as you always needed to turn your flash on your camera. Even the lighting on the stage was dim it only shined on to whoever was speaking. There are no pretty background inside to take pictures you are better off taking them outside by the tress and the surrounding building structures. read more

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Save yourself the time, trouble, and expense of attending a concert at this venue. We purchased tickets far enough ahead of time for Bob Dylan and His Band (not inexpensive, mind you), left an hour early from home for the drive (locals), then spent an *HOUR* idling on University Drive while the clusterfrak that is the parking situation imploded. An hour. To drive FOUR BLOCKS. THEN, turned away at the main parking lot, redirected to a secondary lot *HALF A MILE AWAY* without a shuttle back and expected to pay online *before entering the venue* for parking. What *idiot* in administration thought this plan was a good idea?! (I'd truly like to know so I can address my scathing letter accordingly. MORONS.) Mr. Zimmerman and His Band were already rolling onstage by the time we made entry (8:50 P.M.) Never again. Never, ever again. read more

Was here for a conference and it was a great venue. Not that big but very functional. Its a multi purpose arena which was used convention style. The center is located on the campus of UCI with multiple athletic venues in the area with ample parking. I just dug the venue, very clean and accessible. We usually hold these events in Portland which I really miss and hope to go back there soon but I would enjoy another visit. read more

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The Bren Events Center is located on the campus of The University of California Irvine. We were there to see our daughter graduate from Concordia University. The event center is home to the Anteaters men' S and women's basketball teams. A parking garage is attached and access to the event center is easy. The event center is medium size, shaped like a horse shoe with a stage on one side. It may be a small event center for a D-1 team, but there is a lot of seating. read more

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I've been to the Bren center probably about like 4 times in my lifetime..... It's all for the same reason... FOR THE AZN EVENT THAT IS VIBE. In case you're not familiar with VIBE let me explain to you what it is. It's an annual Hip-hop dance competition put together by the LTD's. (Lambda Theta Delta) Asian Fraternity on UCI's campus. The Venue in itself is pretty decent...... Good for business meetings, concerts, or Asian Dance competitions..... read more

I recently went here for my cousin's Pilipino Cultural Night (PCN) and I have been here many times before for PCNs, UCI grad ceremonies, and even an MTV Rock N Jock basketball game. I like how the parking structure is located right next to Bren Events and you don't have to worry about a far walk. The restrooms are clean and plentiful, located on the left from the northeast entrance. The concession stand located on the right side has the usual refreshments and snacks. The kettle corn and hot dog are OK, but just to let you know, you can bring your own snacks. read more

Really comfortable seating and big stage I would definitely attend a concert here LOL I want to go to UCI for college so bad omg read more

Bren Events Center - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - Irvine, California

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What a great venue. The location is freeway close, parking structure is adjacent to the gym. Everything was clean. I was worried that the event would be dry because it better no way better n campus, but I was wrong. Beer and wine were available. The lines were fast and the staff was friendly. I didn't really really check the food, but they had it. I went for a Moz concert and I was put off at first that it was general admission seating, but in the end we found great seats and had a really great time. The only problem was there was a lack of parking control making it very difficult to leave the structure. More Attendence on the upper levels would have assisted in everybody leaving in a happy mood. read more

Bren Events Center - Girls night out! - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - Irvine, California

It is a great center to hold a large event like we did! It's freezing in there- great on a hot day, but bring a sweater. The chairs are not that comfy especially if you are sitting in them all day like we did. Bathrooms are clean, but it's really odd how high the toilets are from the ground. Not sure about parking. We took a bus from San Diego ... Sorry no help there read more

Bren Events Center - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - Irvine, California

We went to watch wahine volleyball and the toilets and sinks in the bathroom were definitely made for taller people. That is the first time I've gone to the restroom and the toilets were made that way. Not very personable there especially for us locals. read more

I try to detail my reviews as much as possible. However, there simply isn't that much to say about the Bren Events Center. It's a small facility compared to most university stadiums or centers. It has a seating capacity of approximately 5,000 and has additional standing room. I came here for a few events such as Shocktoberfest during my undergrad years at UCI. I recently returned to attend a Democratic rally keynoted by Bill Clinton. The facility is clean, has accessible walkways, decent bathrooms, and a snack bar. It is located at the intersection of West Peltason and Mesa, so parking may be an issue if you don't have a student permit for the nearby garages. Check the Bren Events website at www.bren.uci.edu for a complete list of events and other information. Zot Zot! read more

Bren Events Center - Waiting for Bill Clinton to speak - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - Irvine, California

UCI Basketball! Go Eaters! Restrooms always clean. Snack bar lines are short. People and staff are friendly. Lots of free give aways and entertainment when play stops. There are plenty of excited students there to cheer. Peter the Anteater is well groomed. The seats are blue. I always buy my seats on Cyber-Monday because of the good deal on packs of 3 game seats. I like the new basketball court floor. It's quite beautiful. read more

Bren Events Center - UCI vs. UCR - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - Irvine, California

We went here for a California Allstars Showcase The last weekend in October. The parking was easy. I was not charged a parking fee as I had a handicap placard. Big plus in my book!!! We had prepaid tickets, so all they had to do was check out bags upon entering. There was plenty of seating to see the stage set-up. The only thing I did not care for was the food, but that was ok, since the campus is beautiful and everything is within walking distance. We found a Blazin Pizza right down the street, so we chowed are pizza and came back to see our last teams take the stage. If you ever get a chance go check out the center and the UC Irvine campus. It is beautiful!!! read more

Gregorian calendar date was Thursday 04/01/2010. We came to the Bren Events Center at UCI (University of Chinese Immigrants or University of Civics and Integras) last night to see a couple of my favorite hip hop acts: Common with The Cool Kids. Also in the lineup was B.O.B. The venue itself is very adequate to hold an event like this one. The only thing is that if you want to get lubed up, do so beforehand. This place is dry. No beer, no wine, no love. Also, it's UCI so there isn't any threat of someone flexing on you if you give them the stink eye. Mad dog away, tough guy. Had anyone scuffed up my shoes, I wouldn't have had any problem ripping through them like a wet toilet paper. Fortunately, even though it was general admission we were still able to snag bleacher seats and not have to rub elbows with college kids that won't have a job waiting for them when they get their Bachelors in Social Engineering. Good luck, turds=) Back to the show. The Cool Kids were just that, cool. B.O.B. proved to be a valid entertainer. Way more than I expected. I don't know how many of you are familiar with Common and his rapping style. It's pretty laid back with a hint of heartfelt passion. I've seen him perform several times before, but last night he brought some extra energy. I don't know if it had something to do with being away from his monstrosity of a wife (it's either Venus or Serena, I dunno). He was nonstop the whole set. He looked to be having a good time. Very cool indeed. He even stopped to diffuse an altercation between 2 punkass kids that started to scuffle with each other. I would've sat and watched until one got KTFO! That's just me though. I enjoy seeing dumbasses get served up. Leave that nonsense at home, youngins'. read more

I don't know what to make of this. I should be thankful that I wasn't deaf for 2 days after the concert, that I didn't get bruised ribs from a mash pit, but that usually means three things...You weren't close enough to the band, the acoustics weren't that good, and the crowd was full of posers. Well regardless, of coming just 30 minutes before doors open...I was still close enough to the mother**king KILLERS! Oh man, they were amazing live. The acoustics were just okay, I still think HOB/Troubadour/Grove rocks the socks off of this place. The opening bands sucked, pretentious Indie band from SD, and a White-Mariachi band with a high and drunk lead singer (okay, he was pretty funny...since he was in a good place). He just had that look: head back, eyes looking down, smiling...man I could've used what he was having. Regardless, The KILLERS...they were freaking amazing. 3 stars for General Admission, the only way to see concerts when you can. -1 star for the posers next to me, who only knew Human and Spaceman from their new album...and leaving early before their last two songs, lol. read more

I haven't set foot into the BEC in years. It's nice to see the upgrades. Maybe they can upgrade their mall cops (Staff Pro) while they're at it? More on that in a moment. Prepare to be boned at the parking permit machines - it's $2/hr or $10 for the daily permit. Park in the Pereira structure. Yes, it's a much farther walk. Trust me on this. You will drive yourself mad if you park in the Mesa structure, especially after a game lets out. Eat something BEFORE you step into the BEC. You can try the food court at the Student Center which includes a Wendy's, Wahoo's, Panda Express, and Subway. Or you can go across the street to the University Center for other choices. The concessions are a rip-off. You've been warned. (PS. UCI is a Pepsi campus. Vending and fountain drinks are all-things Pepsi.) The facility is very clean and well-kept. You know those mall cops I mentioned earlier? Pray that you don't get the one in a bad mood... I came here for UCI's homecoming event and Men's Basketball game with my wife and daughter. My daughter, being a 2 YO toddler, really wanted her balloons and would not stop asking for one. So to make her happy and keep her quiet, we got her two helium balloons and attached them to her stroller. And because we wanted a quick exit just in case, we sat near the concourse level. The stroller had to be left up top, but no big deal until... A Staff Pro member - not UCIPD, not BEC staff - came up and told us to either pop the balloons or take them into some office. No explanation why; just a demand to pop the balloons. We told her to go ahead and pop them. (PPS. NO ONE at the entrance said anything about the balloons, even after the security searches.) While I was away, the same Staff Pro member approached my wife and rudely demanded for my presence and to pop the balloons because I had to be the one to do it (liability, perhaps?). When I returned, I was escorted out into the concessions area where under the watchful eyes of those mall cops I had to pop the balloons while also being asked to dispose of them in a SHUT-UP-SLAVE! kind of tone. Not wanting to escalate anything, I just shut my mouth like a good little citizen. If that weren't enough, they also asked me to remove the bags of non-valuable hand-me-down jackets and sweaters from the stroller. Whatever. After the game? I saw child after child with their balloons on the concourse. Where were the mall cops to hound THOSE parents? Care to take a guess how my daughter felt after seeing all of those kids with their balloons while hers were gone? Thanks for making my toddler cry, Staff Pro. And to any UCI people reading this, control your mall cops. read more

I have no other choice but to patronise the Bren Events Center (BEC) because unfortunately the IBJJF (main Jiu-Jitsu org) holds the PanAms annually here now. Previously, they were held somewhere else (Carson?) and although the facility was much smaller, there was an absence of some of the major cons that exist with holding the events at BEC. For athletes: at the BEC there is no where for you to shower. They surely have some showers somewhere in lockerrooms which are not opened to the thousands of competitors that register for PAN, but I have never seen them. In a sport with many skin diseases which can be mitigated with a shower shortly after contact, it is a pretty routine amenity to have and no one should be forced to wait half a day until they get to their hotel to shower after having multiple matches. For spectators: the lines-of-sight can be pretty terrible. A lot of action takes place on the ground (go figure) and a lot of times someone's head in the crowd -- many rows in front of you -- will be in the way if you are on the second level. Additionally, there are seemingly not enough toilets for the number of asses in seats. Finally, what they charge for parking on campus is offensive. The PANs are four days long. It might be cheaper to lease a pass from a passer-by Chinese-American that is a current student at UCI than pay for parking each day. Nearly the entire area is master-planned, so it is a helluva task to find free parking, but it is doable. So what's good about it? Well, it impresses all of the Brasilians flying in for the tournament compared to wherever they held it in Carson. Moreover, I do not believe they turn away spectators like they did on Black Belt day in 2009 (reference Mendes Bros federation debut at Black). And there are definitely more vendors now that there is more space: food and gear. It does not get so hot. The staff are relentless with being a nuisance to your chi though. Consider yourself put on notice. The year they mistakenly thought that no one could record matches -- including family or teammates on BEHALF of their own family or teammates -- will forever be known as the year that BJJ showed how much restraint their practitioners could have before exhausting all patience and choking civilians unconscious (No Staff Pro were hurt in 2012, miraculously). - E read more

Nice place great location. Plenty of parking. I was there to see the Dalai Lama. I couldn't understand him but I doubt it had to with the sound system, he's 80. They had set up shopping stands outside the event. It was well organized and easy to depart. Would definitely come to another event here. The surrounding area is nice with a food court near by. read more

This is no Staples Center or Pauley Pavillion but it's a small, intimate arena with great sight lines for a smaller college basketball game. The parking structure is tough to exit after the game but sufficient to hold a good sized crowd. Moderate concessions but they do serve beer and wine. Cheap prices and good seats with no advanced purchase available. read more

Great mid-sized venue for sports events and concerts. The acoustics are great and the event staff are very friendly and helpful. The admin staff go out of their way to assist (whether you're a patron or producing the event). read more

Came here for the Morrissey concert on 11/9. Parking is in a structure next to the Bren Center and it's still $10. Because the show was sold out and parking was going to be a dumpster fire there were attendants with passes ready rather a wait at the front kiosk. Cool. This was easy. As you can imagine, the line to get into the Bren for the show was horrendously long but surprisingly it moved very quickly. Security was very efficient and friendly. More points. I had upper GA seats so once you're in the arena it's a free for all for seating. But just that there was seating at all, I was OK with this. Definitely recommend arriving early to the show, though. I didn't see anywhere where there would be a bad view and the sound was great. Clear without being super loud. The Mozz was in a good mood plus his voice and band were on point. Now, the big problem was leaving the parking garage. THIS was a dumpster fire. From what I could see there were only two exits, both of which dumped into Mesa, which is a small two lane street. So there was a point where I sat there inside the parking garage at a standstill for over six minutes. Part of it may have been because the attendants & cones were not set up but it sucked. Because of the distance from me and the parking, it'd have to be something pretty cool to bring me back here (another Morrissey show would do it) but at least I know this is a quality venue. read more

Bren Events Center - Pre Morrissey show. Props to you if you can name the actress on the screen! And yes, I know the answer. - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - Irvine, California

I've been to Bren Events Center for many UCI sporting events. When there is a big crowd inside, the energy in the arena can be pretty exciting. The UCI students really enjoy their Anteater basketball. It's a fun place to see a basketball game. The chairs give kind of a cheap plastic feel, so don't expect a ton of comfort. All the seats do offer great sightlines to the action. One wall of the arena is all championship banners, giving a sense of UCI's athletic accomplishments. Other than those banners, the arena itself doesn't have much character. There's a parking garage within walking distance, and the arena is wheelchair accessible. read more

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