So, you’re thinking about heading down to Figueroa Street for an LA Kings hockey game. Honestly, it’s a bit of a trip these days. If you haven't been to "The Crypt" (still feels weird not calling it Staples, right?) lately, the whole vibe has shifted. It’s not just about the ice anymore; it’s this weird, beautiful collision of hardcore South Bay hockey culture and high-end LA glitz.
But here’s the thing: most people show up and do it all wrong. They get stuck in the 110 traffic, miss the warmups, and pay $20 for a beer they didn't even want. You’ve gotta have a plan if you’re actually going to enjoy the 2026 season, especially with the way this team is grinding through the Pacific Division right now.
The Anze Kopitar Farewell Tour is Real
Look, we have to talk about the elephant in the room. This is it. The 2025-26 season is the final ride for the captain, Anze Kopitar. He’s 38, he’s still putting up respectable numbers—he’s sitting at about 21 points right now—but you can feel the urgency every time he hits the ice. Seeing a legend retire is heavy. It changes the energy of every single LA Kings hockey game this year.
Usually, the crowd is loud, but now? It’s sentimental. When Kopitar wins a faceoff (and he’s still elite at it, winning over 50% of them), the "Kopi" chants hit different. He’s currently on the shelf with a lower-body injury, which is a massive bummer for the January stretch, but when he's back, every shift is a piece of history. You don't want to be the person who missed his last few home games because you thought "I'll catch them next year." There is no next year for #11.
Why the Fan Experience in 2026 is Different
They finally finished those nine-figure renovations at Crypto.com Arena. It took four years, but it’s actually kind of impressive. If you haven't been yet this season, the "Doritos After Dark" setup is basically the new pilgrimage site for fans. I’m not even kidding—people are lining up for Doritos-crusted chicken bites like they're giving away Stanley Cup rings.
The technology is slicker too. The "Premium App" handles everything now. You can order food from your seat, which, let's be real, is the only way to avoid missing a goal because you were stuck in a line for a hot dog.
What to Watch for on the Ice
The roster is a mix of the "Old Guard" and the "New Wave." It’s a bit of a rollercoaster.
- Adrian Kempe is the engine. He leads the team with 35 points and 15 goals. He plays with this aggressive, "I'm going to shoot from anywhere" mentality that keeps the crowd on their toes.
- Quinton Byfield is finally that 6-foot-5 monster we all hoped he'd be. Watching him protect the puck along the boards is like watching a grown man play against teenagers.
- Brandt Clarke is the future on defense. He’s got that swagger. Sometimes he takes risks that make you hold your breath, but he’s already got 22 points as a young defenseman. He's effectively the heir to Drew Doughty's throne.
The Kings are sitting at 19-16-10 right now. That's a lot of overtime losses. It means the games are almost always close, which is great for entertainment but terrible for your blood pressure.
The Theme Night Survival Guide
If you're picking a specific date to go, you need to check the calendar because the Kings have gone all-in on some pretty wild theme nights this year.
- Dodgers Night (Jan 14 vs. Vegas): This is a massive one. You get a Dodgers x Kings crewneck if you buy the ticket pack. The rivalry with the Golden Knights is already spicy, but adding the Dodger blue into the stands makes it feel like a true L.A. takeover.
- K-Town Night (Jan 20 vs. Rangers): This is a nod to the Koreatown Senior Center’s viral national anthem performance. It’s a cool way to see the team actually connecting with the local community.
- Hello Kitty Night (Feb 4 vs. Seattle): Yeah, you read that right. Hello Kitty. They’re giving out paper crowns to the first 10,000 fans. It sounds ridiculous, but it’ll probably be the most Instagrammed game of the season.
How to Actually Watch the Game
If you aren't going in person, the broadcast situation is... well, it’s a bit of a maze. Most games are on FanDuel Sports Network (formerly Bally Sports). Some of them are simulcast on KCAL-TV, which is a nice throwback for those of us who remember the old-school channel 9 days.
If you’re a cord-cutter, you’re basically looking at the FanDuel Sports Network app or Prime Video as an add-on. Just make sure you check the schedule—national games on ESPN or TNT will be blacked out on the local apps.
Pro Tips for the Arena
- Parking is a scam: Don't park in the $40-50 lots right next to the arena. Use the Waze app to find the $15-20 lots about three blocks away. Your wallet will thank you.
- Bag Policy is Strict: Seriously. Don’t bring a backpack. They won't let you in. Clutches and wallets smaller than 5” x 9” x 1” are the limit. If you have a medical bag, it has to go through the X-ray.
- The Warmup Ritual: Get there 30 minutes before puck drop. You can head down to the glass for warmups even if your tickets are in the 300 section. It’s the best way to see the speed of the game up close.
What’s the Move?
The Kings are currently 5th in the Pacific. They’re fighting for a playoff spot in a Western Conference that is absolutely stacked this year. Every LA Kings hockey game in the second half of this season is going to feel like a playoff game.
To make the most of your trip to Crypto.com Arena, start by checking the injury report. With Kopitar and Trevor Moore currently dealing with knocks, the depth guys like Alex Laferriere are having to step up. Keep an eye on the goaltending too—Darcy Kuemper has been the workhorse, but he needs some run support if this team is going to make a real push.
✨ Don't miss: Who Won Today in Soccer: The Scorelines You Might Have Missed
Next Steps for Fans:
- Check the secondary market: For mid-week games against Eastern Conference teams, you can often snag 200-level seats for under $60 if you wait until 2 hours before puck drop.
- Sync the schedule: Add the Kings schedule to your Google Calendar so you don't accidentally buy tickets for a "national" game that you can't find on your usual streaming app.
- Pre-game at L.A. LIVE: If you want a cheaper beer than the ones inside, hit up the Yard House or Tom's Watch Bar across the street. Just leave enough time to clear security, which can get backed up about 20 minutes before the game starts.