If you still call it the Staples Center, honestly, nobody in Los Angeles is going to judge you. It’s been a few years since that massive naming rights deal shook the sports world, but for many, the building at 1111 S Figueroa St remains the "House That Kobe Built."
Crypto.com Arena isn't just a building with a new logo. It’s currently in the middle of a massive, nine-figure face-lift that is fundamentally changing how you experience a game or a concert in downtown LA.
You’ve probably seen the headlines about the $700 million naming rights deal. But have you seen the new "Tunnel Club"? Or the redesigned City View Terrace? The arena is evolving because, frankly, it has to. With the Clippers moving to the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, the "Old Lady" of Figueroa is proving she’s still the centerpiece of Southern California entertainment.
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The 2026 Refresh: It’s More Than Just Paint
For a long time, the upper concourse felt a little... 1999. If you've been lately, you’ve noticed the change. The arena is staying open throughout these renovations, which is a logistical nightmare for the crews but great for us.
The most dramatic change for the average fan is the City View Terrace. They’ve basically blown out the walls to create a massive indoor-outdoor space where you can grab a drink and look at the DTLA skyline. It’s arguably the best view in the city that doesn't require a rooftop bar cover charge.
Then there’s the Tunnel Club. It’s some high-level VIP stuff. Basically, if you’re in those seats, you get to watch the Lakers or Kings walk from the locker room to the floor through a glass wall. It’s a bit like a high-end zoo for athletes, but the access is unparalleled.
Who Actually Plays Here Now?
The departure of the Clippers to Inglewood for the 2024-2025 season changed the vibe. For decades, this was the only arena in the world that hosted two NBA teams, an NHL team, and a WNBA team. Now, the schedule is a little less "shared dorm room" and a bit more curated.
- Los Angeles Lakers: The undisputed kings of the tenant list.
- Los Angeles Kings: The 2026 season sees the Kings continuing their hunt for another Cup in a building they’ve called home since it opened.
- Los Angeles Sparks: The WNBA’s growth has made Sparks games some of the most electric—and affordable—ways to see the arena.
Don't forget the Grammys. Crypto.com Arena is basically the permanent home of the Grammy Awards, hosting it more times than any other venue. If you're visiting in early 2026, the energy in the L.A. Live district is peak Hollywood.
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The Bag Policy is No Joke
Seriously. Don't be that person.
I've seen so many people standing in a 20-minute line only to be told their "small" purse is too big. The Crypto.com Arena bag policy is one of the strictest in the country.
Basically, no bags. No backpacks. No totes. No clear bags.
You are allowed a small clutch or wallet, but it has to be smaller than 5” x 9” x 1”. If you bring something bigger, you’ll have to pay for a Binbox locker near the Kobe Bryant Entrance. It’s a hassle. Just leave the bag at home or in the trunk.
Survival Guide: Food, Parking, and The Metro
DTLA traffic is a special kind of hell. Everyone knows this. Yet, people still try to drive to the arena 30 minutes before tip-off.
Pro Tip: Take the Metro. The Pico Station (A and E Lines) is literally two blocks away. It’ll save you $40-$60 in parking fees and about an hour of sitting on the 110 freeway wishing you were elsewhere. If you must drive, look for lots a few blocks east of Figueroa; they’re usually half the price of the L.A. Live structures.
What to Eat
The food has actually improved lately. They’ve moved away from just "hot dogs and expensive beer" (though those are still there).
- Impact Sports Bar & Grill: Great for a pre-game sit-down on the main concourse.
- Yaamava’ Club: If you have premium tickets, the buffet here is actually legit.
- Dirty Dogs: Okay, these aren't inside the arena. They are the legendary bacon-wrapped hot dogs sold by street vendors on the sidewalk outside. Honestly? It’s a rite of passage.
The 2028 Olympics Outlook
Looking ahead, the arena is already prepping for its role in the 2028 Summer Olympics. It’s slated to host gymnastics. Because of this, the infrastructure upgrades you're seeing now—the new LED displays, the revamped concourses, the upgraded Wi-Fi—are all part of a "future-proofing" plan.
Why it Still Matters
In an era of shiny new stadiums like SoFi and Intuit Dome, Crypto.com Arena feels like the "classic" choice. It’s where the statues of Magic, Kareem, and Kobe stand. It’s where the banners hang. There is a weight to the air inside that you just can't manufacture with a new LED screen or a fancy sushi bar.
Whether you're there for a sold-out Ariana Grande show in June 2026 or a random Tuesday night Kings game, the place still feels like the heart of the city.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Visit:
- Check your bag size: Measure your clutch. If it's over 5x9 inches, leave it.
- Download the LA Metro app: Load a TAP card on your phone to avoid the kiosk lines at the Pico station after the game.
- Arrive 90 minutes early: This gives you time to walk through Star Plaza, see the statues, and get through security before the national anthem.
- Visit L.A. Live: If you want a "real" meal, eat at one of the restaurants in the complex (like Yard House or Fleming's) before entering the arena to save on "stadium pricing."