Tucked into the electric heart of downtown Los Angeles, Crypto Arena isn’t just a building—it’s a living, breathing monument to the city’s love for sports, music, and spectacle. Since swinging open its doors in 1999, this South Park District gem has hosted everything from Kobe Bryant’s fadeaways to Beyoncé’s show-stopping performances. Whether you’re chasing courtside thrills, belting out lyrics at a concert, or just curious about what makes this place tick, this guide dives deep into every detail you need to plan your visit. From parking hacks to the lowdown on bags, seating, and events, here’s the full scoop on Crypto Arena, grounded in verified facts and served with a side of LA swagger.
The Story Behind the Arena
When Crypto.com Arena—then called Staples Center—first lit up on October 17, 1999, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band christened it with a sold-out show. Built by Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG), the arena sprawls across 950,000 square feet and stretches 150 feet into the LA skyline. Fast-forward to 2021, and the venue made headlines when Crypto.com snagged the naming rights, turning it into the first major sports arena to carry a crypto brand. The $700 million deal was a bold nod to the future, though some diehard fans still call it “Staples” out of habit.
This isn’t just a sports venue—it’s a cultural juggernaut. Home to the Los Angeles Lakers (NBA), Los Angeles Kings (NHL), and Los Angeles Sparks (WNBA), it was also the Clippers’ turf until they moved to Intuit Dome in 2024. Beyond the hardwood and ice, it’s staged Grammy Awards, WWE showdowns, and even the 2000 Democratic National Convention. With over 4 million fans streaming through its gates yearly for 250+ events, Crypto Arena is where LA comes to celebrate its biggest moments.
Crypto.com Arena at a Glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Address | 1111 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles, CA 90015 |
| Opened | October 17, 1999 |
| Owner/Operator | Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG) |
| Size | 950,000 sq. ft., 150 ft. tall |
| Naming Rights | Crypto.com (2021–present), Staples Center (1999–2021) |
| Resident Teams | Lakers (NBA), Kings (NHL), Sparks (WNBA) |
| Annual Visitors | 4 million+ |
| Events Per Year | 250+ |
Navigating the Seating Maze
Crypto.com Arena’s seating is a chameleon, shifting to fit basketball games, hockey matches, concerts, or boxing bouts. Capacities vary: 19,067 for Lakers games, 18,145 for Kings hockey, up to 12,862 for Sparks matchups, and as many as 20,820 for a legendary 2009 boxing match. Concerts typically max out around 19,395, depending on stage setups.
The arena’s six seating levels put two-thirds of fans in the lower bowl, close to the action. Want to rub elbows with celebs? Courtside seats are your ticket, though they’ll cost you a small fortune. For a sweet spot of view and value, Premier 5 and 14 sections offer killer sightlines, private entrances, and in-seat service. On a budget? Section 325 delivers solid angles for Lakers games without breaking the bank. Concertgoers should aim for floor seats to feel the stage’s pulse or snag spots in Sections 101, 102, 110, or 111 for prime side-stage views.
Luxury seekers can choose from 162 private suites, 16 event suites, or 2,515 club seats, complete with exclusive lounges like the Yaamava’ Club or Lexus Club. Accessibility is a priority, with wheelchair and companion seating on every level. Check out the interactive 3D seating chart on the Crypto.com Arena website to preview your view. Need accessible tickets? Hit up the Box Office or select “Accessible Tickets” on the event page.
Seating Breakdown
| Section | Vibe | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Courtside | Right on the floor, star-studded | Diehard fans, VIPs |
| Premier 5 & 14 | Great views, private perks | Balanced experience |
| Section 325 | Affordable, decent court view | Budget fans |
| Floor Seating | Stage-side for concerts | Music lovers |
| Suites | Private, catered luxury | Groups, special occasions |
| Club Seats | Exclusive lounges, upscale amenities | Comfort seekers |
Tickets: How to Score Them and What They Cost
Getting into Crypto Arena means going digital—tickets are mobile-only, accessed via the AXS app or other approved platforms. Forget paper tickets or screenshots; they won’t fly. Buy direct through AXS, the Crypto.com Arena Box Office, or legit resellers like Ticketmaster, StubHub, or Vivid Seats. Counterfeit tickets are a no-go, so stick to trusted sources.
Prices swing wildly based on the event, seat, and timing. Lakers games average $170–$270, with courtside seats hitting four or five figures for big matchups. Kings tickets start around $50 for upper-level seats, while Sparks games are a steal, often $20–$100. Concerts are a mixed bag: you might snag upper-level seats for $25 or drop $17,976 for floor spots at a megastar’s show. Kids 3 and up need tickets for sports events, but family shows may have looser rules—check the event page.
Pro tip: Prices drop for less-hyped games (think Lakers vs. a non-playoff team) or if you buy early. Browse the Crypto.com Arena Events Page for the latest schedule and ticket links.
Sample Ticket Prices (2025)
| Event | Price Range | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|
| Lakers Game | $170–$270 (avg.) | Ticketmaster |
| Kings Game | $50–$200+ | StubHub |
| Concert (e.g., Tyler, The Creator) | $25–$17,976 | Vivid Seats |
| Sparks Game | $20–$100 | Crypto.com Arena |
Parking: Where to Stash Your Ride
Parking at Crypto.com Arena can feel like an LA freeway at rush hour if you don’t plan ahead. The venue manages 3,300 onsite spaces across lots like West Garage (LOT W), East Garage (LOT E), LOT 1, and LOT C, plus 10,000 more within a mile. West and East Garages open daily from 6 AM to 2 AM, while LOT 1 and LOT C unlock 2.5 hours before events. Got a limo? Lot #7 across Figueroa Street charges $50 and up, depending on your ride’s size.
Digital parking passes are a must—buy them via the Crypto.com Arena Events Page. No receipts or confirmations; show your pass on your phone. Accessible parking is available with a 10-day pre-purchase—call 213-765-6815. EV charging stations and bike racks are on-site, but don’t expect overnight parking or in-and-out privileges. Tailgating? Not here.
Costs typically run $15–$30, spiking for playoff games or concerts. Check the Getting Here Page for a parking map. Rather skip the hassle? Take Metro’s A or E Line to Pico Station, the D Line to 7th St/Metro Center, or hop on Metro Bus, DASH, or Metrolink. Union Station connects to Metro for a smooth ride.
Parking Options
| Lot | Details | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| West Garage (LOT W) | Open 6 AM–2 AM | $15–$30 |
| East Garage (LOT E) | Open 6 AM–2 AM | $15–$30 |
| LOT 1 & LOT C | Open 2.5 hours pre-event | $15–$30 |
| Lot #7 | Limos, across Figueroa | $50+ |
| Accessible Parking | Pre-purchase, call 213-765-6815 | Varies |
Bag Policy: Travel Light or Get Sent Back
Crypto.com Arena doesn’t mess around with security. The bag policy is strict: no bags, backpacks, purses, totes, clear bags, fanny packs, or camera bags, no matter how small. You’re allowed a tiny clutch or wallet (5” x 9” x 1” max), which security will inspect. Need a medical or parental bag? Keep it 14” x 14” x 6” or smaller and head to an X-ray screening entry—ask Guest Services for the closest one.
Banned items include outside food, drinks, bottles, cans, coolers, weapons, laser pointers, and pro cameras (non-flash cameras are okay for sports). Vaping and smoking, including e-cigarettes, are off-limits, even on patios. Forgot something? There’s no bag check, so plan ahead. Read the full A-Z Guide for all the rules.
What’s Happening: Events to Catch
Crypto.com Arena’s calendar is a smorgasbord of sports, music, and family fun. In 2025, expect Lakers and Kings chasing playoff glory, Sparks taking on WNBA rivals, and concerts that’ll blow the roof off. Highlights include:
- February 14–21, 2025: Tyler, The Creator’s multi-night concert run.
- Spring 2025: Sparks vs. Seattle Storm, Chicago Sky, Minnesota Lynx.
- TBD 2025: Lakers and Kings playoff games, if they make the cut.
- Family Fun: Disney On Ice Presents Frozen & Encanto.
The arena’s hosted epic moments—Lakers’ 2020 bubble championship, Kings’ 2012 and 2014 Stanley Cups, and Grammy nights that made history. Re-entry’s allowed for some events; get your ticket scanned by Guest Services and clear security again. Stay updated via the events page.
2025 Event Highlights
| Date | Event | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 14–21, 2025 | Tyler, The Creator | Concert |
| TBD 2025 | Lakers vs. Timberwolves (Playoffs) | Basketball |
| TBD 2025 | Kings vs. Oilers (Playoffs) | Hockey |
| Spring 2025 | Sparks vs. Storm | Basketball |
| TBD 2025 | Disney On Ice | Family |
Eats, Drinks, and VIP Perks
Hungry? Crypto Arena’s got you covered. Grab a gourmet chicken sandwich at Ludo Bird, BBQ chicken pizza at Blaze Pizza, or classic nachos at concession stands. Premium fans can dine at the Yaamava’ Club by San Manuel or Lexus Club, exclusive to suite and premier seat holders. American Express Centurion and Platinum cardholders get access to the Centurion Suite, a swanky lounge with craft cocktails and upscale bites.
Accessibility is top-notch, with wheelchair-friendly seating and restrooms, plus five Mamava Lactation Pods for nursing parents. Service animals are welcome but must stay leashed in your seating area. Sensory-sensitive guests can use the KultureCity All-Inclusive App for a social story to prep for the experience.
Getting There: Don’t Get Stuck in LA Traffic
At 1111 S. Figueroa St., the arena’s a quick trip from anywhere in LA. For drop-offs, aim for 11th Street between Chick Hearn Court and 12th Street. Suite and premier ticket holders can use VIP entrances at Star Plaza or Southwest VIP Entry. Driving? Follow signs to arena lots. Public transit’s a breeze:
- Metro Rail: A/E Lines to Pico Station, D Line to 7th St/Metro Center.
- Metro Bus: Lines 28, 30, 81, 460, J.
- DASH: F Line on Figueroa.
- Metrolink: Union Station, then Metro.
Plan your trip with the Public Transportation Page.
Star Plaza: A Nod to Greatness
Before you head in, swing by Star Plaza. Thirteen statues honor LA icons like Magic Johnson, Wayne Gretzky, Shaquille O’Neal, and the Kobe and Gianna Bryant Memorial, unveiled in 2024. The Los Angeles Kings Monument is a must-see for hockey fans. It’s the perfect spot for a pre-game selfie or a quiet moment to soak in the legacy.
Make Your Visit Epic
Crypto.com Arena isn’t just a venue—it’s where LA’s heart beats loudest. Whether you’re screaming for the Lakers, dancing at a concert, or bringing the kids to Disney On Ice, this place delivers. Book tickets early on AXS, pack light (clutch only!), and prep your digital parking pass. With its storied past and electric vibe, Crypto Arena is where you’ll make memories that stick.
