Crypto.com Arena — formerly the Staples Center (renamed in December 2021, though plenty of fans still search the old name) — sits in downtown Los Angeles, attached to the L.A. Live entertainment complex. It's home to the Lakers (NBA), Kings (NHL), and Sparks (WNBA) (three teams, after the Clippers left for the Intuit Dome in 2024) with bars and restaurants right outside and Metro access at the door.
Getting There
Fly into Los Angeles (LAX), about 25–30 minutes from downtown. Metro rail is the smart move to skip event traffic: the Pico Station (A Line and E/Expo Line) is about a 2-minute walk — one block from the arena, and the 7th St/Metro Center hub (B and D Lines) is ~½ mile north, connecting to the A Line. LA Metro actively pushes taking the train to skip the parking and traffic mess.
If you rideshare, the white drop-off zones are on Chick Hearn Ct (eastbound) between L.A. Live Way & Georgia St, and on Figueroa St (southbound) between 12th & Pico, both get congested post-event, so walk a block or two toward the Convention Center for a faster, cheaper pickup. Driving in, you'll use freeways 10, 101, 110, and 405; Figueroa St backs up heavily in the hour before tip-off, so check Waze.
Where to Stay
Downtown LA puts you within walking distance of the arena and L.A. Live — the ideal base.
Elsewhere in LA (Hollywood, Santa Monica) works if you want the wider city, but expect a drive to downtown.
Parking & When to Arrive
The official arena lots hold 3,300 spaces across 6 lots on a graduated rate — roughly ~$10 for the first couple of hours up to ~$40 for the day, varying by event (VIP is in Lot SW; accessible parking in Lots E & W; Lot W for the box office/team store). Beyond those, there are 10,000+ spaces in privately-run lots within a 7–10 minute walk — often cheaper than the official lots. Prepay online to save 10–20% versus drive-up. Note there's no tailgating (prohibited in all L.A. Live/arena lots), and watch the No Parking/Tow zone on Chick Hearn Ct between L.A. Live Way and Figueroa.
Roof & Climate
Yes, indoor arena, fully enclosed and climate controlled year-round.
Crypto.com Arena is a fully enclosed, climate-controlled indoor arena. Arenas run cool, especially NHL buildings where the ice holds the bowl temperature down. Bring a layer even in summer.
Where Visiting Fans Sit
It's a large modern downtown arena (~19,000 for basketball, ~18,000 for hockey) with good sightlines and no major obstructed views, comfortable throughout, with plenty of history on the walls. The lower-bowl sections near the court/ice (100s) are premium (and star-studded), while the upper level (300s) is the value tier. Lakers crowds are relaxed and fine for visiting fans.
Food & What to Bring
Very strict bag policy: ALL bags, backpacks, purses, totes, fanny packs, and camera bags (including CLEAR bags) are prohibited.
From this guide's bag notes below. Confirm the current policy with the venue before you go.
There are dozens of eateries inside (pizza, sushi, hot dogs, grab-and-go, with vegetarian/vegan/gluten-free/kosher options) and L.A. Live right outside is packed with restaurants and bars, the real pregame hub.
Comparing parks? We checked bag policies at all 30 MLB ballparks.
The Pregame Scene
L.A. Live, right outside the arena, is the pregame — a walkable district of restaurants and bars.
Downtown LA around it adds more, all within an easy walk before tip-off.
Insider Tips
It's the former Staples Center. Take Metro to Pico Station (a 2-min walk) to skip the traffic; if you drive, parking is $10–40 official (prepay to save) with cheaper private lots a short walk out. Be ready for the strict bag policy (no bags at all, even clear, only a tiny clutch) and note there's no re-entry.
Make L.A. Live your pre/postgame, take in the Lakers' history and a relaxed crowd, and pair the trip with LA. A comfortable, easy away arena.
Build your Crypto.com Arena trip
Choose each piece: flights into LAX, a hotel in downtown LA near L.A. Live, Lakers tickets, and a rental car if you want to explore LA (Metro covers the game). Save it to My trips to keep your dates. Nothing books until you're ready.