Crypto.com Arena: The Epicenter of Sports, Music, and Entertainment in Los Angeles

• What Makes Crypto.com Arena So Iconic?
• A Brief History of Crypto.com Arena
• Key Features and Capacity
• How to Get There and Box Office Info
• Premium Experiences and Group Tickets
• Guest Policies and American Express Perks
• Why the Name Change to Crypto.com Arena?
• Frequently Asked Questions

Crypto.com Arena isn’t just a venue—it’s a cultural landmark. Home to the Lakers, Clippers, Kings, and Sparks, this multi-purpose arena in downtown Los Angeles has hosted everything from NBA championships to Grammy Awards. With a seating capacity of up to 20,000, it’s one of the busiest arenas in the world, welcoming over 4 million guests annually. Dive into its history, amenities, and why it’s a must-visit for sports fans and concert-goers alike.

What Makes Crypto.com Arena So Iconic?

Crypto.com Arena (formerly Staples Center) is more than just a sports venue—it’s a cornerstone of Los Angeles’ entertainment scene. Since opening in 1999, it has become the home of the Lakers, Clippers, Kings, and Sparks, making it the only NBA arena shared by two teams. Its prime location in the L.A. Live complex, adjacent to the Los Angeles Convention Center, ensures it’s always buzzing with activity. Whether you’re catching a Lakers game or a sold-out concert, the energy here is unmatched.

The arena’s versatility is another key factor in its iconic status. With a seating capacity of up to 20,000 for concerts and major events, it has hosted legendary performances from artists like Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band, U2, and Paul McCartney. It’s also a hub for major televised events, including the GRAMMY Awards and the Democratic National Convention.

Beyond entertainment, Crypto.com Arena is a landmark of downtown Los Angeles’ revitalization. Its development spurred growth in the South Park neighborhood, transforming it into a vibrant district. The arena’s naming rights deal with Crypto.com in 2021—reportedly worth over $700 million—further cemented its place in modern pop culture and finance.

What truly sets Crypto.com Arena apart is its ability to bring people together. From die-hard sports fans to music lovers and event-goers, the arena has created countless memories for millions of visitors over its two-decade history. Its central location NEAR Union Station makes it easily accessible, while its state-of-the-art facilities ensure world-class experiences for all attendees.

A Brief History of Crypto.com Arena

The Crypto.com Arena, originally known as Staples Center, made its grand debut on October 17, 1999, with a legendary performance by Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band. This multi-purpose arena in Downtown Los Angeles quickly became a cornerstone of the city's sports and entertainment scene, hosting major events ranging from NBA games to Grammy Awards ceremonies.

In December 2021, the venue underwent a historic rebranding after Singapore-based cryptocurrency exchange Crypto.com secured naming rights in a groundbreaking $700 million deal - one of the largest naming rights agreements in sports history. This partnership marked a significant moment in the intersection of cryptocurrency and mainstream entertainment.

Over its more than two decades of operation, the arena has hosted numerous landmark events including:

• NBA All-Star Weekends (2004, 2011, 2018)
• Grammy Awards ceremonies (2000-2018)
• Democratic National Convention (2000)
• ESPN X Games
• U.S. Figure Skating Championships

The venue's 950,000 square feet of space can accommodate up to 20,000 guests depending on the event type, with configurations for:

• 19,067 seats for basketball
• 18,340 seats for hockey
• Approximately 20,000 for concerts

According to TradingView market data, the arena's naming rights deal with Crypto.com reflected the growing mainstream adoption of cryptocurrency in 2021. The venue continues to host over 250 events annually, welcoming nearly 4 million visitors each year, making it one of the busiest arenas in the world.

As the only NBA arena shared by two teams (the Lakers and Clippers) and one of only three North American professional sports venues to host two teams from the same league, Crypto.com Arena maintains its position as a premier destination for sports, entertainment, and now, cryptocurrency integration in live events.

Key Features and Capacity

Spanning an impressive 950,000 square feet, Crypto.com Arena stands as one of the most versatile and technologically advanced venues in Downtown Los Angeles. The arena's adaptable design allows it to accommodate various event configurations:

• 19,067 seats for basketball games, making it the shared home of both the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers - a rare configuration where two NBA teams share the same venue
• 18,340 seats for hockey games as the home of the NHL's Los Angeles Kings
• 20,000 capacity for major concerts and special events, having hosted legendary performers from Bruce Springsteen (the arena's inaugural act) to contemporary megastars

This multi-purpose facility holds the distinction of being one of only three professional sports venues in North America to host two teams from the same league (NBA's Lakers and Clippers), alongside sharing its space with the WNBA's Los Angeles Sparks. The arena's innovative seating system allows for quick conversions between different event types, contributing to its remarkable schedule of over 250 annual events that attract nearly 4 million visitors.

Beyond spectator capacity, the venue boasts:

• State-of-the-art locker room facilities for multiple professional teams
• Cutting-edge audio-visual systems for both sporting events and concerts
• Premium hospitality spaces including luxury suites that can accommodate groups from 12 to 132 guests
• Advanced ice-making technology for hockey games and skating events

Financial data from TradingView shows that the arena's naming rights deal with Crypto.com, valued at over $700 million, represents one of the most valuable venue sponsorship agreements in sports history, reflecting the facility's premier status in the entertainment industry.

How to Get There and Box Office Info

1111 S Figueroa St., Los Angeles, CA 90015
L.A. Union Station
(213) 742-7100
https://www.cryptoarena.com/

The box office operates every Tuesday from 12 PM to 4 PM for in-person ticket purchases. On days with scheduled events, the box office opens three hours prior to start time (or two hours for morning events). All tickets are issued digitally through mobile delivery only. Event-specific information and online purchases can be found on the venue's official website.

Public transportation options include Metro Rail and bus services accessible via L.A. Union Station, with convenient rideshare or taxi connections available. Multiple parking facilities are located in the immediate downtown vicinity.

Visitors should be aware of the venue's clear bag requirements and review all guest policies in advance. American Express card members have access to a dedicated entrance on 11th Street. Premium experiences include customizable suite options for groups ranging from 12 to 132 attendees, with catering and VIP services available.

Premium Experiences and Group Tickets

Looking to elevate your event experience at Crypto.com Arena? The venue offers exclusive premium experiences and group ticket options designed to make any occasion unforgettable. Whether you're hosting corporate clients, celebrating with friends, or organizing a large-scale outing, Crypto.com Arena provides tailored solutions to meet your needs.

Single-Event Suite Rentals

For those seeking VIP treatment, Crypto.com Arena offers private suite rentals for groups ranging from 12 to 132 guests. These premium spaces come with:

• Customizable catering options
• Dedicated suite attendants
• Premium seating with excellent views
• Exclusive arena amenities

The suites provide an ideal setting for business entertainment, family celebrations, or special occasions. Clients can choose from various suite sizes and configurations to accommodate their group perfectly.

Group Ticket Packages

For larger gatherings, Crypto.com Arena offers group ticket packages for select events, including:

• NBA games (Lakers and Clippers)
• NHL Kings matches
• WNBA Sparks games
• Major concerts and special events

Group organizers enjoy benefits such as:

• Discounted ticket prices for bulk purchases
• Flexible payment options
• Dedicated group sales representatives
• Customizable food and beverage packages

To book premium experiences or group tickets, contact the Crypto.com Arena Group Sales team at 877.234.8425 or visit cryptoarena.com for current offerings and availability.

Guest Policies and American Express Perks

Before visiting Crypto.com Arena, review these essential policies for a seamless experience. The venue enforces clear guidelines: outside food/drink containers and smoking are prohibited throughout the facility. Photography rules vary by event type - non-flash cameras are permitted for games, while recording devices remain banned at concerts. These measures ensure consistent safety standards for diverse events.

American Express cardmembers enjoy prioritized entry via the dedicated 11th Street checkpoint (corner of 11th Street and Chick Hearn Court), bypassing general admission lines during peak times. Present your active card for expedited security screening and access.

The arena's comprehensive digital guide outlines detailed protocols including:

• Accessibility accommodations
• Medical service locations
• Designated re-entry procedures
• Child admission policies

For event-specific inquiries, consult the venue's mobile app or contact guest services 48 hours prior to your visit. Note that policies may adjust for special events, with updates posted across official communication channels.

Why the Name Change to Crypto.com Arena?

In 2021, AEG (the arena’s owner) secured a landmark 20-year naming rights partnership with Crypto.com, valued at over $700 million—one of the most substantial sponsorship agreements in sports history. This collaboration underscored the accelerating mainstream integration of cryptocurrency, as emphasized by Crypto.com CEO Kris Marszalek: "This positions L.A. and this venue at the heart of the crypto evolution." The transition from Staples Center was executed in stages, with the new branding unveiled during the Lakers-Nets matchup on December 25, 2021, and all exterior signage fully updated by mid-2022.

The rebranding involved notable physical enhancements, including a dedicated 3,300-square-foot Crypto.com interactive zone near the Magic Johnson statue at the L.A. Live entrance. This space was designed to familiarize visitors with blockchain technology while functioning as a promotional center for the exchange. Additionally, Crypto.com became the official cryptocurrency partner for the Lakers and Kings, deepening its involvement in the arena's ecosystem.

The timing of this agreement was strategic. AEG had regained naming rights from Staples in 2019, with the pandemic postponing the search for a new sponsor. The Crypto.com deal emerged as sports venues across the U.S. began adopting crypto sponsorships, following FTX's $135-million agreement for Miami's NBA arena earlier in 2021. Market analysis from TradingView indicates these partnerships coincided with heightened public interest in cryptocurrency markets during 2021-2022.

Industry analysts observe that this naming rights arrangement transcended conventional sponsorship—it symbolized cryptocurrency's assertive entry into mainstream finance and entertainment. With the venue attracting over 4 million visitors annually and hosting globally televised events like the Grammys, Crypto.com achieved unparalleled brand visibility, while AEG secured a forward-thinking partner aligned with its digital innovation goals in live entertainment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was Crypto.com Arena originally called?

It was originally named Staples Center after the office supply company, which held naming rights from 1999 to 2021.

How much did Crypto.com pay for the naming rights?

The deal was worth over $700 million—one of the largest naming-rights agreements in sports history.

Can I buy tickets at the box office?

Yes, but only on Tuesdays (12 PM–4 PM) or on event days (starting 3 hours before the event). All tickets are mobile-only.

What’s the best way to get to Crypto.com Arena?

The nearest transit hub is L.A. Union Station. Driving? Parking is available in the L.A. Live complex.

Are there any exclusive perks for American Express users?

Yes! Cardholders can use the dedicated 11th Street Entrance for faster access.