Crypto.com Arena

Planning an event night at Crypto.com Arena

Crypto.com Arena opened in 1999 as Staples Center and took its current name in late 2021. It sits at the heart of the downtown entertainment district alongside L.A. Live, the Microsoft Theater (now Peacock Theater) and the Los Angeles Convention Center, so a big night here often overlaps with other events a few steps away. Besides the Lakers and Kings, the building has long been home to the Clippers' former tenancy and the WNBA's Sparks, and it regularly hosts award shows, boxing and wrestling cards, family ice shows and the largest touring pop, rock and Latin acts.

Getting there

The Pico station, served by the Metro A and E lines, is a short walk from the arena and is usually the least stressful way in. The 7th St/Metro Center hub connects several more lines and is within walking distance. If you drive, nearby garages and surface lots fill quickly and prices tend to rise on event nights, so reserving parking in advance through the venue's official channels is worth considering. Rideshare pickups get congested right after a show; walking a few blocks away before requesting a car can save time.

Practical tips

• Check the venue's official website for the current bag policy, entry rules and door times, as these can change by event.
• Tickets are typically mobile-only, so charge your phone and load tickets before arriving.
• Arrive early for concerts with opening acts; security lines peak in the half hour before the headliner.
• Back-to-back days are common, with crews converting the floor between games and concerts, so double-check which event your ticket is for.

For what's coming up downtown, see our schedule, and browse other LA venues if you're comparing spaces for an upcoming tour stop.