Crypto.com Arena (formerly Staples Center)
Major multi-purpose indoor arena in downtown Los Angeles, home to several professional sports teams and frequent host of concerts, awards and large-scale events; renamed in 2021.
Overview
Crypto.com Arena is a large indoor, multi-purpose arena located in downtown Los Angeles, California. Opened in 1999 as the Staples Center, it quickly became a focal point for professional sports, live entertainment and major televised ceremonies. The arena is part of a broader entertainment and commercial district and serves both local fans and national audiences.
Image gallery
10 ImagesResident teams and regular uses
The venue is notable for housing multiple professional teams under one roof. It is the home court for the Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers, both of the NBA, and for the WNBA's Los Angeles Sparks. It also hosts NHL hockey as the home arena of the Los Angeles Kings, a member of the NHL. The facility is configured to switch quickly between basketball, ice hockey and concert layouts.
Design and facilities
The arena was built with flexibility in mind: movable seating, multiple locker rooms, corporate suites and a large central scoreboard allow it to adapt to different types of events. Backstage and production spaces are arranged to handle touring concerts and television broadcasts. The bowl and concourse design concentrate sightlines and circulation for large crowds, while premium seating and hospitality areas cater to varied audiences.
Notable events and cultural role
Beyond sports, the arena hosts high-profile cultural events. It has been the regular venue for the Grammy Awards for many years, and it has welcomed major wrestling and combat sports shows, including productions by WWE such as WrestleMania 21. Concert residencies, touring music acts, award shows and large conventions also appear frequently on its calendar.
History of the name and public response
Originally named Staples Center after a corporate sponsor, the building was renamed Crypto.com Arena on December 25, 2021, following a naming-rights agreement with a Singapore-based cryptocurrency exchange. The change attracted wide attention and discussion, and many locals and media outlets continue to use the arena's former name in everyday conversation.
Importance and distinctions
The arena has played a significant role in the revitalization of its surrounding district, acting as an anchor for restaurants, hotels and entertainment venues. Its capacity to host back-to-back professional franchises and to convert rapidly for different event types makes it a prominent example of a modern urban multipurpose arena. For more information on schedules, seating and events, see the arena's official page and local event listings.
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Author
AlegsaOnline.com Crypto.com Arena (formerly Staples Center) Leandro Alegsa
URL: https://en.alegsaonline.com/art/93418
Sources
- wwe.com : Official WrestleMania 21 Website