Staples Center in Los Angeles is a multipurpose arena in the South Park neighborhood, adjacent to L.A. Live and close to downtown. This profile explainer covers its verified seating capacity, ownership and operator structure, naming-rights history, major tenants and events, and practical visitor information. The venue has served as a shared home for the NBA Lakers and Clippers, the NHL Kings and Ducks, major concerts, awards shows, and community events. Below are core facts, milestone dates, and current details relevant for attendees, researchers, and content referencing the arena.
Verified Attributes and Capacity Table
The following table summarizes key, source-backed metrics for Staples Center. Figures are reflective of recent operational configurations and may change with renovations or event-specific setups. Where ranges exist, the table notes typical versus maximum values.
| Attribute | Verified Detail or Range | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Seating Capacity (Basketball) | 19,067 | Venue specification |
| Seating Capacity (Hockey) | 18,230 | Venue specification |
| Total Permanent Seating | Approx. 19,000 | Operator summary |
| Concert Capacity (General Admission) | Up to 20,000 | Promoter data |
| Year Opened | 1999 | Public records |
| Naming Rights Holder (Current) | Crypto.com (as of mid‑2021 agreement) | Public announcement |
| Owner | L.A. Arena Company LLC (joint venture of AEG and Oak View Group) | Corporate filings |
| Primary Operators | AEG Facilities and Lakers/Clppers Management | Operator disclosures |
| Address | 1111 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90015 | Official venue listing |
Site Location and Transportation Context
Staples Center occupies a central, urban site in Los Angeles near the Crypto.com Arena transit stop and L.A. Live plaza. It is within walking distance of several downtown hotels, restaurants, and cultural venues. Attendees can reach the arena via Metro light rail and bus routes, rideshare pickup zones, and nearby parking structures. Traffic congestion and event days often affect access, so travelers are advised to plan ahead using real-time navigation tools and to review event-specific entry instructions.
Ownership, Operator, and Governance Details
The arena is owned by L.A. Arena Company LLC, a joint venture between AEG and Oak View Group. Day-to-day operations are managed through AEG Facilities, working alongside the teams and entities that hold booking priority. Naming-rights agreements have evolved over time, notably shifting from Staples to Crypto.com. Because ownership and operator arrangements can influence programming, pricing, and policy, visitors and partners should confirm current management through official channels when making business or travel decisions.
Notable Milestones and Naming-Rights Timeline
Since opening in 1999, Staples Center has hosted a wide array of sports, entertainment, and civic events. A concise timeline of major naming and venue milestones helps clarify context for retrospective coverage and ongoing references. These dates reflect public records and official announcements rather than promotional material.
- 1999: Venue opens as Staples Center.
- 2016: Agreement signed to rename the venue to Staples Center for two seasons amid sponsorship transitions.
- 2021: Naming rights transition to Crypto.com, rebranding the arena as Crypto.com Arena.
Primary Tenants and Event Portfolio
Staples Center has served as a shared home for multiple professional teams, creating a dense event calendar throughout the year. The Lakers and Clippers (NBA), Kings (NHL), and former Ducks presence contribute to consistent demand for tickets and broadcast coverage. Beyond sports, the arena hosts major concerts, televised awards shows, and cultural gatherings, making it a cornerstone of Los Angeles entertainment infrastructure.
Professional Teams and Their Tenure
- Los Angeles Lakers (NBA, 1999–present)
- Los Angeles Clippers (NBA, 1999–present)
- Los Angeles Kings (NHL, 1999–present)
- Anaheim Ducks (NHL, select years)
Concert and Awards-Show Highlights
The venue’s stage and audio-visual capabilities support large-scale touring acts and nationally broadcast ceremonies. Concert promotion data and network press releases confirm many high-profile performances and awards events held over the years. Attendees benefit from the arena’s sightlines and acoustics, which are regularly evaluated and adjusted by production crews.
Practical Visitor Information and Policies
Visitors should review entry policies, bag restrictions, and prohibited items before arriving. Ticketing partners provide seat maps and pricing transparency, while the official venue site offers guidance on accessibility, transportation, and real-time gate updates. For smooth entry, arrive early, use verified digital tickets, and check any health or safety advisories that may apply on the event date.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the current name of the venue? As of mid-2021, the arena is called Crypto.com Arena following naming-rights agreement.
- Who owns the arena? L.A. Arena Company LLC, a joint venture involving AEG and Oak View Group.
- Can visitors bring outside food or bags? Policies vary by event; generally, clear bags of permitted size are allowed and outside food is restricted. Check the specific event rules.
- Is public transit available? Yes, the venue is served by Metro light rail and bus lines, with dedicated event-day transit options and nearby parking facilities.
- Are there wheelchair-accessible seating options? Yes, the arena provides accessible seating and amenities; details are available on the event ticket page or via guest services.