Crypto.com Arena, formerly known as Staples Center, is one of the most iconic and popular sports venues in the world. It is the home of four major professional teams: the LA Lakers and LA Clippers of the NBA, the LA Kings of the NHL, and the LA Sparks of the WNBA. It also hosts various concerts, events, and shows throughout the year. But how much do you know about the crypto arena capacity, its history, and its features? In this blog post, we will give you a comprehensive guide to the new home of LA sports.
History of Crypto.com Arena
Crypto.com Arena was opened in 1999 as Staples Center, named after the office supply company that acquired the naming rights. It was built as part of the LA Live development project, which aimed to revitalize the downtown area of Los Angeles. The arena cost $375 million to construct and was designed by NBBJ, an architectural firm that also worked on other famous stadiums such as Madison Square Garden and Safeco Field.
The arena quickly became a success, attracting millions of fans and visitors every year. It hosted many memorable events, such as the 2000 Democratic National Convention, the 2002 NHL All-Star Game, the 2004 NBA All-Star Game, the 2010 and 2011 NBA Finals, the 2012 Stanley Cup Finals, the 2016 NHL All-Star Game, and the 2018 NBA All-Star Game. It also witnessed many historic moments, such as Kobe Bryant’s 81-point game in 2006, his final game in 2016, and his jersey retirement ceremony in 2017.
In November 2021, it was announced that Crypto.com, a cryptocurrency platform based in Hong Kong, had acquired the naming rights to the arena for $700 million over 20 years. The deal was one of the largest in sports history and marked a significant milestone for the crypto industry. The arena officially changed its name to Crypto.com Arena on December 25, 2021.
Crypto Arena Capacity and Features
Crypto.com Arena has a total space of 950,000 square feet (88,257.9 m2), with a 94-foot (28.7 m) by 200-foot (61.0 m) arena floor. It stands 150 feet (45.7 m) tall. The crypto arena capacity varies depending on the type of event. For basketball games, it can seat up to 19,067 fans. For ice hockey games, it can seat up to 18,340 fans. For concerts or other events, it can seat up to 20,000 fans.
The arena has three levels of seating: lower bowl, upper bowl, and suites. The lower bowl contains two-thirds of the total seats, including 2,500 club seats that offer premium amenities and services. The upper bowl offers a more affordable option for fans who want to enjoy the game from a higher perspective. The suites are located between the lower and upper bowls and consist of 160 luxury boxes that can accommodate up to 12 guests each.
The arena also has many features that enhance the fan experience and entertainment value. Some of these features are:
- A state-of-the-art sound system that delivers clear and powerful audio throughout the arena.
- A high-definition video board that measures 110 feet (33.5 m) by 58 feet (17.7 m) and hangs above the center of the arena floor.
- A LED ribbon board that runs along the perimeter of the seating area and displays scores, stats, animations, and messages.
- A wireless network that allows fans to access free Wi-Fi and mobile apps that provide interactive content and services.
- A variety of food and beverage options that cater to different tastes and preferences.
- A merchandise store that sells official apparel and souvenirs of the teams and events.
- A Star Plaza that features statues of legendary LA athletes and broadcasters such as Magic Johnson, Wayne Gretzky, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Luc Robitaille, Chick Hearn, Oscar De La Hoya, Shaquille O’Neal, Jerry West, Elgin Baylor, Bob Miller, Luke Walton and Kobe Bryant.
Future of Crypto.com Arena
Crypto.com Arena is not only a sports venue but also a cultural landmark and a symbol of innovation. It is constantly evolving and improving to meet the needs and expectations of its fans and partners. Some of the future plans for the arena are:
- Hosting more major events such as the Grammy Awards ceremony (which it has hosted since 2000), the basketball competition during the 2028 Summer Olympics (which will be held in Los Angeles), and possibly other events such as UFC fights or esports tournaments.
- Enhancing its sustainability efforts by reducing its environmental impact and increasing its energy efficiency. The arena has already achieved the LEED Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council and has implemented various initiatives such as installing solar panels, recycling waste, and using renewable materials.
- Expanding its digital presence and engagement by leveraging the power of crypto and blockchain technology. The arena has already partnered with Crypto.com to offer exclusive benefits and rewards to its users, such as discounts, access, and experiences. The arena also plans to integrate crypto payments and NFTs (non-fungible tokens) into its operations and offerings.
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Conclusion
Crypto.com Arena is more than just a place to watch sports. It is a place to witness history, to celebrate culture, to enjoy entertainment, and to embrace innovation. It is a place that connects fans, teams, artists, and brands. It is a place that represents the spirit and identity of Los Angeles. It is a place that you should visit at least once in your lifetime.
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