Locals are flocking to the new Rivian space, which opened at Irvine Spectrum Center in late March. Anyone curious about the Irvine-based electric vehicle brand is welcome to stop by to get a closer look at accessories, colors, interiors, tires and merchandise.

Rivian is looking to extend its roots in Irvine and chose Spectrum Center as the perfect place because of its central location and convenience. Opportunities for test drives are plentiful: available every day from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. There’s a “living room” where kids can color or do puzzles, plus high-speed WiFi is available for people to work and just hang out. 

Irvine resident Derek Bassett visited the space on opening night with his children Olivia, 8, and Grayson, 6. “We just came down to check this out and see what’s going on,” Bassett says. “I love the Rivian brand.” 

For those looking for a taste of the brand without committing to a vehicle yet, merchandise includes mugs with the message “Keep Irvine adventurous forever,” festival blankets, water bottles, hats, T-shirts, patches, pins and even plushies of Gear Guard, the friendly unofficial mascot that represents the built-in security system on all Rivian vehicles.

“We are happy to be here,” says Bejan Hejazi, manager of the Irvine space. “These are spaces to just hang out, talk about Rivian or do some work. Whatever it is, the floor is open. We have a lounge area and a kid-friendly area. Anyone can come in and spend the day here. A big part of Rivian is coming together and being part of the community.”