Sports Venues - Staples Center

Staples Center

Los Angeles is filled with big stars, so it needs an arena just as glamorous. We take a look at Staples Center!

Staples Center - History

After decades of hosting sporting events and concerts in the Great Western Forum in Inglewood, CA, it was finally time for a change. In the fall of 1999, the $375 million Staples Center opened in downtown L.A. Staples Center is the home of the Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers of the NBA, the Los Angeles Kings of the NHL, Los Angeles Sparks of the WNBA and the Los Angeles Avengers of the AFL.

Staples Center - Features

Staples Center is one of the nicest arenas in the nation. In the first two years of existence, Staples Center was named the Pollstar CIC Arena of the Year. There are 160 luxury suites, 23 restaurants and over 1,200 television monitors throughout the arena. On the outside, the Staples Center has a futuristic design with neon blue and red lights. There are also statues of two of the biggest hockey and basketball icons in Los Angeles sports history - Wayne Gretzky and Magic Johnson.

Staple Center - Notable Events

In just eight years of existance, the Staples Center has hosted some of the world's most premier events. It hosted three NBA Finals, the 2004 All Star Game[/KWLINK] and the 2002 NHL All Star Game. The 2000 Democratic National Convention was held there as well. The Grammys are annually held at Staples Center as is the X Games and numerous boxing matches. The Staples Center has also played host to every possible music act from Britney Spears to Bruce Springsteen to Hannah Montana.

Staples Center - The Stars Come Out

Next time you go to Staples Center to watch a basketball or hockey game, make sure to keep your eyes open because you are sure to see a star. Almost ever Lakers game you are likely to see season ticket holders Jack Nicholson and Dyan Cannon. Other regulars include Paris Hilton, Leonardo Dicaprio, Nick Lachey and Jessica Alba. At Kings games you are likely to see stars such as Elisha Cuthburt and Hayden Panettiere.

Staples Center - Fun Facts

Staples Center is named after the office supply store Staples who paid for the naming rights.
Staples Center seats 18,997 for basketball games, 18,118 for hockey and 20,000 for concerts.
Staples Center has a total of 12 locker rooms.
The attendance record is held by WWE Wrestlemania 21, which drew 20,193 fans on April 3, 2005.
Staples Center stands more than 150 feet tall.