Crypto.com Arena

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Construction broke ground in 1997 after contentious negotiations between developers Edward P. Roski and Philip Anschutz with city officials, particularly Councilman Joel Wachs who opposed public subsidies. The arena was financed privately at a cost of US$375 million and opened two years later. On October 20, 1999, the Los Angeles Kings played their first game there, tying 2–2 in overtime against the Boston Bruins. Just days later, on November 2, 1999, the Clippers lost their inaugural match 92–104 to the Seattle SuperSonics, followed by a Lakers victory 103–88 over the Vancouver Grizzlies on November 3, 1999. From 1999 until 2024, it was the only arena in the NBA shared by two teams. The venue underwent a significant renovation during the 2010 offseason, installing a new US$10 million HD center-hung scoreboard unveiled on September 22, 2010.

In Their Own Story

The arena's history includes dramatic moments like the January 15, 2018 incident where Houston Rockets guard Chris Paul used a secret tunnel to confront former teammates Austin Rivers and Blake Griffin after a game. In August 2020, following Kobe Bryant's death, City Council president Herb Wesson proposed renaming the surrounding Figueroa Street stretch to "Kobe Bryant Boulevard." The naming rights were acquired by Crypto.com effective December 31, 2019, in a $700 million deal that replaced Staples Inc.'s original agreement. Former Lakers star Shaquille O'Neal expressed relief at the name change, stating on his podcast that "Staples Center belongs to Shaq and Kobe forever." The Clippers left for their new Intuit Dome arena in Inglewood in 2024, ending a unique era where the venue hosted two NBA teams.

Reader's Guide

Fans visiting Crypto.com Arena can explore Star Plaza outside, which features 14 statues of famous Los Angeles athletes and broadcasters. Notable monuments include the Los Angeles Kings Monument erected in 2016 and the Kobe and Gianna Bryant Memorial Statue added in 2024. A third statue honoring Kobe's number 24 is planned. Inside, the arena seats up to 19,067 for basketball and 18,145 for ice hockey, with two-thirds of seating located in the lower bowl alongside 160 luxury suites. The attendance record stands at 20,820, set during a boxing match between Antonio Margarito and Shane Mosley on January 25, 2009. Looking ahead, the venue is scheduled to host the artistic gymnastics competition and boxing finals during the 2028 Summer Olympics.

Did You Know?

• The arena opened with a Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band concert on October 17, 1999.
• From 1999 to 2024, it was the only NBA arena shared by two teams (Lakers and Clippers).
• Taylor Swift holds the record for the most sellouts at the venue with 16 performances.
• The attendance record of 20,820 was set during the Oscar De La Hoya vs. Manny Pacquiao boxing match on December 6, 2008.
• Crypto.com Arena will host gymnastics and boxing events for the 2028 Summer Olympics.