Crypto.com Arena: History, parking, seating and fun facts

Crypto.com Arena — forever known to many Angelenos as the Staples Center — is one of the best-known sports and entertainment venues on the planet. Situated in downtown Los Angeles, right across from L.A. Live, the arena is home to the Los Angeles Lakers, Kings, and Sparks. It seats approximately 19,000, depending on the event.

The building opened on October 17, 1999, with a sold-out performance by Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band. Since then, it has become one of the busiest arenas in the world, hosting major concerts, championship games, award shows, and nationally significant public events.

History at a Glance

• Crypto.com Arena was built by the Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG) and financed privately at a cost of $375 million. Construction began in 1997.
• The venue was originally named Staples Center.
• On December 25, 2021, the arena was renamed Crypto.com Arena after the cryptocurrency exchange bought a 20-year naming rights deal valued at $700 million, the most valuable naming contract in sports history.
• The arena has been home to the Lakers, Kings, and Sparks since 1999. The Clippers also played here before moving to their new Inglewood arena in 2024.

Iconic Moments

Crypto.com Arena isn’t just an arena. It’s a stage for moments that defined Los Angeles.

• The arena hosted the 2000 Democratic National Convention, bringing national politics to downtown L.A.
• It became the home of multiple NBA All-Star Games (2004, 2011, 2018) and NHL All-Star Games (2002, 2017), plus the 2010 NHL Draft.
• The venue has hosted dozens of GRAMMY Awards ceremonies, making it the permanent home of music’s biggest night.
• Michael Jackson’s public memorial service on July 7, 2009 drew tens of thousands of fans.
• The arena hosted the Celebration of Life for Nipsey Hussle (2019) and the Celebration of Life for Kobe and Gianna Bryant (2020), cementing its role as a place for the city to come together.
• During the COVID-19 pandemic, the arena served as an official LA County Vote Center from October 24–November 3, 2020.

What Makes It Special

Crypto.com Arena was designed with Los Angeles fans in mind. The facility includes:

• Free public Wi-Fi throughout the arena
• Over 840 Toshiba flat-panel televisions
• A $1.5 million facility-wide sound system with 675 speakers outside the seating area
• A $2 million specialty lighting package and state-of-the-art amenities
• Dozens of food and beverage stands along five concourses
• The TEAM LA store on the main concourse, featuring official merchandise from the teams and events

Outside the arena at Star Plaza are 14 statues of famous Los Angeles athletes and broadcasters, plus the Los Angeles Kings Monument (2016) and the Kobe and Gianna Bryant Memorial Statue (2024). A third Kobe Bryant statue honoring his number 24 is planned.

Seating Chart

Click image to enlarge

Parking & Transportation

Crypto.com Arena is located in downtown Los Angeles, with multiple parking options nearby. Parking is available in several L.A. Live and arena-associated lots, with pricing that varies by event. Advance parking purchase is recommended for high-demand shows and games, as lots can fill quickly.

For transit riders, the arena is directly accessible via the Metro B Line and D Line at the Patsaouras Transit Plaza, just east of the arena. Multiple bus lines also serve the area, making it one of the most transit-friendly arenas in Los Angeles.

Know Before You Go

• Crypto.com Arena is a cashless venue and accepts debit and credit cards only.
• Only service animals are permitted inside the arena.
• Arena policies on re-entry vary by event — check your event details before leaving.
• Guests should arrive early for high-demand events, as security lines can be long.
• Outside food and beverages are generally not permitted.
• Most events allow one factory-sealed bottle of water or an empty reusable bottle — check your specific event for details.

Why Fans Love It

The arena’s location next to L.A. Live means you can grab dinner, drinks, or entertainment before or after the show. And the history — from Bruce Springsteen and Taylor Swift to award shows and championship moments — makes it feel like you’re part of something bigger than just a game or a concert.

SEE ALSO:  Kia Forum, SoFi-Stadium, Intuit Dome,  Greek Theatre, Hollywood Bowl, More Venues