Crypto.com Arena (formerly Staples Center) is home to the Los Angeles Lakers and LA Kings in downtown Los Angeles. The arena seats roughly 20,000 for basketball and 18,000 for hockey, and its location within the LA Live entertainment complex makes it one of the most convenient venues in professional sports for dining, nightlife, and hotels.
Whether you’re making the trip to see LeBron and the Lakers or catching a Kings game on the ice, Crypto.com Arena delivers a premium game-day experience. Here’s everything you need to know about the venue, how to get there, and how to build a great trip around your visit.
The Venue: History and Layout
Crypto.com Arena opened in 1999 and quickly became one of the most recognizable arenas in North America. According to Pollstar, it has consistently ranked among the top five highest-grossing venues in the world. The name changed from Staples Center to Crypto.com Arena in December 2021 as part of a 20-year naming rights deal — the largest in sports venue history at the time.
Seating and Sightlines
The sightlines are excellent from almost every section. Lower-bowl center court and center-ice seats command premium prices, but the upper sections offer surprisingly good views thanks to the arena’s steep-bowl design. The concourse features a mix of standard concessions and higher-end food options. The Star Plaza entrance on Chick Hearn Court is where you’ll find statues of Magic Johnson, Jerry West, Wayne Gretzky, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and other LA sports legends — arrive early to walk through before the crowds build.
Getting There and What’s Nearby
The arena sits in the LA Live entertainment complex in downtown LA, which means you’re surrounded by restaurants, bars, and hotels within walking distance. The JW Marriott and Ritz-Carlton are literally connected to the complex. For more affordable options, hotels in the Arts District or Little Tokyo are a short rideshare away.
Transportation Tips
The Pico station on the Metro E Line drops you a few blocks from the arena — it’s the easiest way to avoid parking headaches and post-game traffic. According to the LA Metro Authority, ridership on game nights increases significantly, so plan to arrive a stop or two early if crowds are heavy. Rideshare pickup areas can get chaotic after big games, so having a designated pickup spot planned in advance saves time. NBA travel packages from Major League Vacations often include game-day transportation, which eliminates the logistics entirely.
Making the Most of Your Visit
A Crypto.com Arena game is best experienced as part of a broader LA sports trip. Arrive early to walk the LA Live plaza, check out the team store, and grab food before the crowds hit. After the game, the surrounding bars and restaurants stay open late and the post-game energy in the plaza is part of the experience.
Important: The Clippers Have Moved
As of 2024, the LA Clippers play at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, not Crypto.com Arena. If you’re seeing a Clippers game, that’s a different venue and a different part of town. The Lakers and Kings remain at Crypto.com Arena. Make sure you’re booking your hotel in the right neighborhood for the right team — our LA sports trip guide breaks down neighborhoods by venue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Crypto.com Arena the same as Staples Center?
Yes, it’s the same building in the same location. The name changed in December 2021 as part of a naming rights deal. The venue, layout, and teams (aside from the Clippers’ departure) are unchanged.
Which teams currently play at Crypto.com Arena?
The Los Angeles Lakers (NBA), Los Angeles Kings (NHL), and Los Angeles Sparks (WNBA). The Clippers relocated to the Intuit Dome in Inglewood in 2024.
What is the best way to get to Crypto.com Arena?
The Metro E Line to Pico station is the most convenient option. Rideshare works well for arrival but pickup can be slow after the game. Driving means parking fees and navigating downtown traffic, which can add 30-45 minutes to your post-game exit.
Where should I eat near Crypto.com Arena?
LA Live has multiple restaurant options within walking distance. For something beyond the complex, the Arts District (10-minute rideshare) offers craft breweries and upscale dining, and Grand Central Market downtown has a wide range of food vendors.
Planning a trip to see the Lakers or Kings? Browse NBA and NHL travel packages from Major League Vacations, or build a custom LA sports itinerary that includes the best of what the city has to offer beyond the arena.