Some more change is headed to the formers Staples Center—and no, it’s not another name change. The Crypto.com Arena will soon overhaul its clubs and concourses, and even expand its neighboring pedestrian plaza.
On Monday, AEG announced that it’ll invest hundreds of millions of dollars into renovations on the Downtown L.A. arena’s dining areas, premium clubs, suites, screens and entry areas, and even the locker rooms for the Kings, Sparks and Lakers (the Clippers seem to get a snub here since they’re bound for Inglewood in 2024). Work is already underway in phases—the arena will remain open throughout the process—and it’s expected to wrap up in the fall of 2024.
But before we dive into all the details, we think one of the most meaningful changes is actually just outside the arena: About a block of Chick Hearn Court, the short stretch of 11th Street on the north side of the arena that’s closed to car traffic during games and major events, will become a permanent pedestrian plaza. Concept images show L.A. Live’s existing Xbox Plaza spilling into a newly paved, tree-lined takeover of the road from Figueroa Street to the parking garage entrance at Georgia Street. AEG says it’ll also be adding two new outdoor LED marquees.
Back inside the arena, the bulk of the changes will benefit premium ticket holders, but there are certainly some improvements that should impact everyone: The entrance areas and concourses will get a visual and culinary refresh, including an overhaul of Impact Sports Bar & Grill on the main concourse. Over on the upper level, two new LED screens and ribbon boards should make it a little easier to keep up with the game, while the City View Terrace will transform from an informal patio for chicken fingers and fries into a proper indoor-outdoor dining and entertainment space.
If you can shell out for that suite life, you’ll find all sorts of expansions and improvements to the Chairman’s, Yaamava’ and Lexus Clubs, the addition of main concourse suites and the development of the Tunnel Club, a floor level space open to select season ticket holders and VIP guests that’ll let you catch a glimpse of the athletes and performers as they make their way in and out of the locker rooms.
Though the entire project won’t be finished until the fall of 2024, some unspecified improvements will be ready by next October, in time for the start of the 2022–23 NBA and NHL seasons. In the meantime, check out some more renderings below.
