A Premier Entertainment and Sports Landmark in Downtown Los Angeles
Crypto.com Arena stands as one of the most iconic multi-purpose venues in the United States. Located in the heart of downtown Los Angeles, this indoor arena has been a cornerstone of sports, entertainment, and cultural events since its opening on October 17, 1999. Originally known as Staples Center, it was rebranded in December 2021 following a landmark naming rights deal with the global cryptocurrency platform Crypto.com.
Owned and operated by Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG), the arena is a central component of the L.A. Live complex, adjacent to the Los Angeles Convention Center along Figueroa Street. With a total space of 950,000 square feet, it serves as a dynamic hub for world-class events ranging from NBA and NHL games to major concerts, award shows, and international competitions.
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Home to Championship Legacy Teams
Crypto.com Arena is the proud home of three major professional sports franchises:
- Los Angeles Lakers (NBA)
- Los Angeles Kings (NHL)
- Los Angeles Sparks (WNBA)
For over two decades, the Lakers have delivered unforgettable moments within these walls, including their 2000 and 2010 NBA Finals championship-clinching victories. The Kings captured their first-ever Stanley Cup in 2012, defeating the New Jersey Devils in Game 6 at home—a moment etched into Los Angeles sports history.
While the Los Angeles Clippers called the arena home from 1999 to 2024, they moved to their new state-of-the-art facility, the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, marking the end of an era shared with the Lakers. This transition ended a unique chapter where Crypto.com Arena was the only NBA venue housing two teams, a distinction it held longer than any other arena in North American professional sports.
World-Class Capacity and Design
The arena’s flexible design allows it to accommodate various event types with impressive capacity figures:
- Basketball: 19,079 seats
- Ice Hockey: 18,145 seats
- Concerts: Up to 20,000 attendees
- Boxing/Wrestling: Between 16,000 and 21,000 depending on setup
Designed by architectural firm NBBJ and constructed by PCL Construction Services, the venue features a 150-foot-tall structure with advanced acoustics, lighting, and video systems. The lower bowl holds two-thirds of all seating, including 2,500 club seats and 160 luxury suites spread across three levels—offering premium experiences for corporate clients and VIP guests.
A major renovation launched in 2022 introduced modern upgrades like new video boards, ribbon displays, enhanced concessions, and plans for an indoor-outdoor deck conversion of the City View Terrace. These improvements ensure that Crypto.com Arena remains at the forefront of fan experience innovation.
Iconic Events and Cultural Milestones
Beyond sports, Crypto.com Arena has hosted some of the most significant events in entertainment and pop culture.
Grammy Awards: The Most Frequent Host
Since 2000, the arena has served as the primary home for the Grammy Awards, hosting the ceremony 22 times as of 2025—more than any other venue globally. Only exceptions occurred in 2003, 2018, 2021, and 2022 due to scheduling or pandemic-related changes.
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Legendary Concerts and Performances
From its inaugural concert by Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band in 1999 to record-breaking runs by today’s top artists, music has always thrived here.
- Taylor Swift holds the record for most sold-out shows at the venue with 16 performances, earning her a commemorative banner (later removed amid playful "curse" speculation among Lakers and Kings fans).
- Other legendary acts include Dave Matthews Band, who played just one day after saxophonist LeRoi Moore’s passing in 2008, delivering an emotional tribute.
- Mexican icons Gloria Trevi and Alejandra Guzmán drew massive crowds during their VERSUS World Tour in 2017.
- The arena also hosted segments of Super Bowl LVI’s Music Fest in 2022, featuring Halsey, Machine Gun Kelly, Miley Cyrus, and Green Day.
Major Sporting Events Beyond Leagues
Crypto.com Arena has welcomed numerous high-profile tournaments and championships:
- Hosted seven NBA Finals series
- Two Stanley Cup Finals (2012, 2014)
- Three WNBA Finals
- The 2012 and 2016 League of Legends World Championships
- Multiple UFC events including UFC 60, UFC 184, and UFC 227
- Professional bull riding (PBR Unleash the Beast Series) and monster truck rallies (Monster Jam)
It also served as a key venue during WrestleMania 39 weekend in 2023, hosting WWE Raw, SmackDown, NXT Stand & Deliver, and the Hall of Fame induction ceremony. In March 2025, it made history again by hosting AEW Revolution, becoming the first non-WWE professional wrestling pay-per-view event there in over 25 years.
Star Plaza: Honoring Legends
Outside the main entrance lies Star Plaza, a tribute zone featuring bronze statues of Los Angeles’ most revered athletes and broadcasters.
| Honoree | Sport | Unveiling Date |
|---|---|---|
| Wayne Gretzky | Ice Hockey | October 9, 2002 |
| Magic Johnson | Basketball | February 11, 2004 |
| Oscar De La Hoya | Boxing | December 1, 2008 |
| Chick Hearn | Broadcasting | April 20, 2010 |
| Jerry West | Basketball | February 17, 2011 |
| Kareem Abdul-Jabbar | Basketball | November 16, 2012 |
| Luc Robitaille | Ice Hockey | March 7, 2015 |
| Shaquille O'Neal | Basketball | March 24, 2017 |
| Bob Miller | Broadcasting | January 13, 2018 |
| Elgin Baylor | Basketball | April 6, 2018 |
| Dustin Brown | Ice Hockey | February 11, 2023 |
| Kobe Bryant | Basketball | February 8, 2024 |
| Kobe & Gianna Bryant | Tribute | August 2, 2024 |
Plans are underway for a third statue honoring Kobe Bryant’s No. 24 jersey. Additionally, former Lakers coach Pat Riley will receive a statue in Star Plaza as announced in late 2024.
The plaza also includes the Los Angeles Kings Monument, unveiled in 2016 to celebrate the franchise’s 50th anniversary.
The Name Change: From Staples Center to Crypto.com Arena
In November 2021, AEG announced a historic $700 million, 20-year naming rights agreement with Singapore-based **Crypto.com**, making it the most valuable arena naming deal in sports history—surpassing Staples Inc.’s previous $116 million contract.
The official rebranding took effect on December 25, 2021, coinciding with the Lakers’ nationally televised Christmas Day game. While met with mixed reactions from fans nostalgic for the "Staples Center" name, many recognized it as a sign of evolving times and digital transformation.
Even former Lakers legend Shaquille O'Neal commented positively on the change, stating that “Staples Center belongs to Shaq and Kobe forever,” emphasizing that legacy transcends branding.
Hosting the Future: The 2028 Summer Olympics
As part of Los Angeles' hosting duties for the 2028 Summer Olympics, Crypto.com Arena will be the official venue for gymnastics competitions and boxing finals. Per International Olympic Committee (IOC) rules, corporate names will be temporarily replaced during the Games with generic identifiers like “Los Angeles Arena.”
This prestigious assignment underscores the venue’s global reputation for excellence in infrastructure, accessibility, and event management.
Celebrity Memorials: A Place of Healing and Tribute
The arena has also served as a sacred space for public mourning:
- In July 2009, it hosted a televised memorial for pop icon Michael Jackson, attended by stars like Stevie Wonder, Usher, Mariah Carey, and Kobe Bryant.
- In April 2019, rapper Nipsey Hussle was honored with a large-scale memorial attended by Snoop Dogg, Stevie Wonder, and Lauren London.
- In February 2020, over 20,000 people gathered to mourn basketball legend Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna following their tragic passing in a helicopter crash. Speakers included Michael Jordan, Shaquille O’Neal, Vanessa Bryant, and Diana Taurasi.
These events highlighted not just the arena’s logistical capabilities but its deep emotional resonance within the community.
FAQ Section
Q: When did Staples Center become Crypto.com Arena?
A: The official name change occurred on December 25, 2021, after a $700 million naming rights deal with Crypto.com.
Q: Which teams play at Crypto.com Arena?
A: The Los Angeles Lakers (NBA), Los Angeles Kings (NHL), and Los Angeles Sparks (WNBA) currently call it home.
Q: What was the original cost to build the arena?
A: It was privately financed at $375 million (equivalent to about $708 million in 2024 dollars).
Q: How many times has the Grammy Awards been held here?
A: As of 2025, it has hosted the Grammys 22 times, more than any other venue worldwide.
Q: Will Crypto.com Arena host events during the Olympics?
A: Yes—it will host gymnastics and boxing finals during the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
Q: Is Taylor Swift's banner still displayed at the arena?
A: No. Despite commemorating her record-setting run of sold-out shows, the banner was removed in December 2020 amid superstitions about affecting team performance.
Core Keywords:
- Crypto.com Arena
- Staples Center
- Los Angeles Lakers
- Los Angeles Kings
- Grammy Awards
- NBA Finals
- Los Angeles Sparks
- Star Plaza statues
With its rich legacy spanning sports triumphs, musical milestones, and cultural remembrance, Crypto.com Arena continues to stand as a beacon of excellence in entertainment and athletic achievement—one that will shape Los Angeles’ future for generations to come.