Staples Center in Los Angeles serves as a multipurpose arena hosting professional teams, concerts, and major events. This overview outlines its primary sports tenants, event history, and operational characteristics to provide a clear, factual foundation. It explains how the venue functions within local and national sports ecosystems, focusing on verifiable details that remain useful over time.
Primary Teams and Sports Tenants
Staples Center hosts several prominent professional franchises across multiple sports. Its longest-tenured teams include the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association and the Los Angeles Sparks of the Women’s National Basketball Association. From hockey, the Los Angeles Kings of the National Hockey League have played home games here. In arena football, the Los Angeles Avengers competed in the Arena Football League at this venue before suspending operations.
Concert and Entertainment Programming
Beyond sports, Staples Center is a major concert and entertainment venue, booking top musical artists, comedians, and televised award shows. Its design supports varied production configurations, enabling large-scale touring events and televised ceremonies. This mix of programming helps maintain year-round utilization and reinforces its status as a civic entertainment hub.
Seating Capacity and Configuration
Capacity varies by sport and event layout, typically ranging from approximately 16,000 to 19,000 for basketball and up to about 18,000 for hockey. These figures reflect standard configurations; temporary setups for concerts or special events can adjust numbers further. Precise counts depend on stage placement, safety regulations, and venue management decisions.
Seating and Capacity Reference
| Sport / Use | Typical Capacity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Basketball (Lakers) | ~19,000 | Standard NBA configuration |
| Hockey (Kings) | ~18,000 | Standard NHL configuration |
| Concerts | ~16,000–19,000 | Varies by stage and production |
| General Events | ~16,000–20,000 | Flexible based on setup |
Location and Transportation Access
The arena is situated in the South Park neighborhood of downtown Los Angeles, near major intersections and public transit. Direct access to light rail and bus lines supports attendee arrival, while proximity to freeways facilitates regional travel. These factors influence traffic patterns on event days and nearby parking availability.
Operating Hours and Event Scheduling
Staples Center does not follow a single fixed daily schedule, as events vary widely. Doors typically open one to two hours before showtime, with earlier access for premium ticket holders. Post-event dispersal can affect nearby traffic for hours, depending on crowd size and transportation usage. Event calendars are published by promoters and teams well in advance, enabling advance planning.
Economic and Community Impact
By hosting high-profile games, concerts, and awards shows, Staples Center generates considerable local economic activity. Concessions, merchandise, and hospitality services support jobs and ancillary business for nearby vendors. Its role in televised events also amplifies the city’s profile, contributing to tourism and long-term civic branding.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which sports teams currently use Staples Center as a primary home? The Los Angeles Lakers (NBA) and Los Angeles Kings (NHL) are the most consistent sports tenants. The Los Angeles Sparks (WNBA) also play the majority of their home games here.
- Can the venue host non-sports events? Yes, it regularly hosts concerts, comedy shows, award ceremonies, and large conventions.
- Is on-site parking available? Yes, there are multiple parking structures around the venue, though availability varies by event and is often limited.
- How far in advance are events scheduled? Event calendars are typically published many months ahead, with some dates set years in advance by teams and promoters.
- Are there accessible seating options? Yes, the arena includes designated accessible seating and services to accommodate diverse attendee needs.
Comparisons With Nearby Arenas
In the Los Angeles market, Staples Center remains one of the primary large indoor venues, competing with nearby options such as Crypto.com Arena (formerly Crypto.com Arena) for major events. Each venue selects configurations based on expected audience size, production requirements, and availability windows. This dynamic encourages a range of options for promoters and supports a diverse local events ecosystem.
Summary
Staples Center functions as a long-standing hub for professional sports, concerts, and major public events in Los Angeles. Its mix of tenants, capacity flexibility, and central location make it a consistent anchor for the regional entertainment landscape. Understanding its core attributes and operational patterns helps clarify its role in local sports and culture over time.