Crypto.com Arena Unveils New Additions and Upgrades
History of the Arena
In its 25-year history in Los Angeles, Crypto.com Arena has experienced many milestones, including a name change from the Staples Center to the latter in December 2021. It first opened on October 17, 1999, with a performance featuring Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band and became the home of three sports franchises – the NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers, the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks, and the NHL’s LA Kings.
New Additions and Upgrades
The arena has recently undergone a major renovation, with new additions and upgrades to enhance the fan experience. These include:
Doritos After Dark
This 4,650-square-foot restaurant is the first and only Doritos restaurant of its kind. It features a bar, kitchen, and indoor dining seats. The menu, curated by Wiley E. Bates III, executive research chef at Frito-Lay, offers a range of Dorito-flavored dishes, including appetizers, entrées, and desserts. The restaurant is only open to visitors during ticketed events, but will host a free one-night-only Doritos Night Market pop-up at Peacock Place on November 15.
Fuku by Chef David Chang
This hot chicken restaurant is located on the indoor-outdoor City View Terrace and features cocktails and views of Downtown Los Angeles and L.A. Live. The menu offers spicy fried chicken, waffles, and a range of sauces. The restaurant also offers VIP tours, which take visitors behind the scenes.
Ludobab and Trois Familia
French chef Ludo Lefebvre’s Ludobird concession stand has been serving his take on fried chicken on the venue’s Main Concourse since 2013. Now, he’s adding two new stands: Ludobab, featuring Mediterranean fare, and Trois Familia, blending French and Mexican flavors.
Upgraded Concessions
The concession stands have been upgraded, including Fresh Brothers, a pizza stand replacing Blaze Pizza, and Amazon Walk Out markets, which offer visitors to insert their credit card and charge them for the items they leave with for an efficient checkout.
Sustainability
The arena has launched a new waste reduction program, partnering with r.World to reduce single-use plastic consumption. The program features reusable r.Cups, which are made of a number five polyproline plastic similar to souvenir cups. Guests are asked to throw their cups in yellow specialty r.Cup bins throughout the venue.
VIP Tours
The arena offers guided tours, providing insight into the venue’s history, latest renovations, and exclusive spaces like the private Lexus Club and Yaamava’ Club by San Manuel suites.
Team LA Store
The Team LA Store has been remodeled and features a New Era Hat Wall, Pro Standard Shop in Shop, and Mitchell & Ness Shop in Shop. The store will soon launch self-checkout lines using RFID technology and two brand-new walk-in merchandise stands on the main concourse.
Center-Hung Scoreboard
The arena installed a new center-hung scoreboard from Daktronics, featuring six displays and 41.7 million pixels. The main video display measures 27 feet high by 170.5 feet in circumference, and the bottom display measures 18 feet high by 18 feet wide.
Conclusion
Crypto.com Arena is committed to enhancing the fan experience with new additions and upgrades, including new restaurants, concession stands, and a focus on sustainability. With its rich history and exciting future, the arena is sure to continue to thrill fans for years to come.
FAQs
Q: What are some of the new restaurants and concession stands?
A: Doritos After Dark, Fuku by Chef David Chang, Ludobab, Trois Familia, Fresh Brothers, and Amazon Walk Out markets.
Q: What is the new sustainability program at the arena?
A: The arena has partnered with r.World to reduce single-use plastic consumption, featuring reusable r.Cups. Guests are asked to throw their cups in yellow specialty r.Cup bins throughout the venue.
Q: How can I take a tour of the arena?
A: The arena offers guided tours, including the 90-minute Arena Tour and the 60-minute Game Day Tour. Tickets can be purchased at cryptoarena.com beginning November 1.
