Welcome to one of the most famous entertainment venues in the world, the arena once called the Staples Center. It is now officially named Crypto.com Arena, but many fans still call it Staples Center. The arena sits in the middle of Downtown Los Angeles as part of the L.A. LIVE entertainment area. It opened in 1999 and has hosted many big moments in sports and music since then. It is the home court for the NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers, the home ice for the NHL’s Los Angeles Kings, and the home court for the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks. The Los Angeles Clippers also played here until 2024, when they moved to Intuit Dome. The arena has hosted the GRAMMY Awards many times, including for the 23rd time in 2026, and has seen shows by the world’s top music stars. If you carry personal items, know that entry rules are strict. There are off-site options nearby for short-term storage like a Staples Center storage point, which can help if you need a place to leave your things.
The plaza outside, called Star Plaza, has bronze statues of Los Angeles sports icons such as Magic Johnson, Wayne Gretzky, Shaquille O’Neal, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and announcer Bob Miller. Fans take photos there often. Inside, the arena is a modern venue built to give fans a great view and experience. Seating capacity varies by event: 19,079 for basketball, 18,118 for hockey, and close to 20,000 for concerts and other special events depending on the setup. Wide concourses hold many concession stands, bars, and shops. The atmosphere during a game or a concert is lively and loud. It feels electric and makes events memorable.
Staples Center Arena Bag Policy
Knowing the entry rules will save you time and stress. The arena has a strict bag policy to keep people safe and speed up entry. Guests with bags that do not meet the rules may be denied entry with those items and need to use the arena’s locker service or another storage option. This policy is similar to those at other large arenas and stadiums. Its goal is to reduce screening time and keep everyone safer inside.
Plan ahead. Check the rules before you leave. If you bring the wrong bag, you may miss part of the event.
Types of Bags Allowed
The list of allowed bags is very small. The safest option is to bring no bag at all. If you need something, small clutches and wallets smaller than 5 inches by 9 inches by 1 inch are permitted and are subject to security inspection.
There are also exceptions for medical and parenting needs. Medical and parental bags smaller than 14 inches by 14 inches by 6 inches are permitted but must go through X-ray security screening.
Types of Bags Not Allowed
Many common bags are banned. Bags, backpacks, purses, totes, clear bags, fanny packs, and camera bags are not allowed, except for the permitted small clutches and wallets and qualifying medical or parental bags.
If you arrive with a larger bag, the arena now provides an official Binbox Locker option outside the venue. Planning ahead is still important because storing a bag can add extra time before and after an event.
Staples Center Arena Lockers
Crypto.com Arena now provides an official Binbox Locker bag check for guests arriving with larger bags.
The lockers are located adjacent to the Kobe Bryant Entrance next to the LA Kings Monument, near the corner of Chick Hearn Plaza and Georgia Street. Pricing currently starts at $15 per checked bag and is non-refundable. Payment is cashless and can be made by debit or credit card or mobile payment.
Bag check opens one hour before general doors and closes one hour after the event. Bags remaining after that time are turned over to Lost and Found.
This means it is no longer correct to say that the arena has no on-site bag-storage option. However, guests can still use off-site storage if that is more convenient.
A small tip from experience: if you travel often, keep a tiny compliant clutch in your main bag so you can transfer essentials quickly when you arrive. Works well.
Staples Center Arena Transportation
Getting to the arena is fairly easy because it sits in Downtown Los Angeles and connects to many transport choices. Public transit is often the easiest way to avoid heavy traffic and expensive parking.
The Metro Rail is a practical choice. Pico Station is the closest rail station and is served by the A Line and E Line. From there, walk west one block on Pico Boulevard and then north on Figueroa Street toward L.A. LIVE. You can connect to these lines from other major Metro routes, including the B and D Lines at 7th St/Metro Center.
The Metro Bus network also serves the arena. Current official guidance lists nearby routes including 28, 30, 81, 460, and the J Line. DASH Route F also has stops on Figueroa Street next to L.A. LIVE. Bus schedules can change, so check the Metro trip planner before you go.
If you drive, the arena is near the I-10 (Santa Monica Freeway) and the I-110 (Harbor Freeway). Crypto.com Arena-owned parking lots provide about 3,300 spaces, with more than 10,000 additional privately operated spaces within roughly a seven- to ten-minute walk. Parking prices vary by event and lot location. It is highly recommended to pre-purchase parking online through the arena’s official event page.
Expect heavy traffic before and after large events. Arrive early to find parking and walk to the entrance. Leaving right after the event can be slow, so plan a buffer. Bring patience. It helps.
Staples Center Arena Camera Policy
The arena allows non-professional, non-flash still photography at most events. Disposable, digital, and 35mm cameras may be permitted as long as they do not have interchangeable or telephoto lenses. Some artists, performers, or teams may prohibit cameras entirely for a particular event.
Cameras with interchangeable or telephoto lenses are not allowed. The current policy does not publish a general 3.5-inch lens-length limit. Video recording devices, audio recording devices, GoPro cameras, tripods, monopods, and selfie sticks are also prohibited.
Video recording on any device and flash photography are prohibited at all times. Smartphone cameras may be used for permitted still photography, subject to event-specific restrictions.
Staples Center Arena Food Policy
Bringing outside food into the arena is generally not allowed. Guests may not bring their own meals, snacks, or most outside beverages into the venue.
There is an important exception for water. Guests may bring one unopened plastic water bottle of 1 liter or smaller per person, or an empty plastic refillable water bottle. Glass or metal bottles and metal cans are prohibited.
Guests with specific dietary needs due to medical conditions or religious requirements should contact Guest Services in advance for guidance. Plastic bottles, formula, and breast pumps associated with parental needs are permitted, while glass bottles are prohibited.
Inside, the arena has many concession stands. You can find classic stadium food like hot dogs, popcorn, and nachos as well as a wider variety of dining choices. Bars sell beer, wine, and cocktails. Prices tend to be higher than outside, but the variety means you can usually find something you like.
One quick tip: if you need specific food or beverages for medical reasons but are unsure, contact Guest Services before you arrive. They can confirm the current procedure.
Other CStaples Center Arena Rules & Information
The arena enforces a Code of Conduct to keep events safe and enjoyable. Guests should be respectful and avoid disruptive or illegal behavior. This includes using foul or abusive language, appearing very intoxicated, or interfering with the event. Violators can be ejected without a refund, and in some cases, arrested.
The venue is smoke-free. This rule covers cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, vaping, and smokeless tobacco. Smoking is not permitted anywhere inside the arena, including outdoor patios and terraces.
Crypto.com Arena does allow re-entry in certain circumstances, but guests must follow the official procedure. Before leaving, guests who need to return must contact a Guest Services Team Member and have their ticket scanned for re-entry. When they return, they must go through security screening and ticket scanning again.
Other prohibited items include, but are not limited to: weapons of any kind, pepper spray, fireworks, laser pointers, alcohol, illegal drugs, laptops, tablets, computers, noise-making devices, professional photography equipment, audio/video recording devices, flags, and banners. Small event-related signs may generally be permitted if they are no larger than 11 x 17 inches, are not attached to a stick or pole, do not obstruct views or advertising, and meet the arena’s content and safety rules. All guests and permitted items may be searched on entry.
For guests with disabilities, the arena offers several accessibility services. These include accessible seating, assistive listening devices, accessible restrooms, wheelchair escorts, and other accommodations. It is a good idea to contact Guest Services or the box office in advance to arrange seating or ask about specific needs.
Tips for Visitors
The single most important tip is to check the official Crypto.com Arena website before you go. Policies can change for special events. Sometimes artists, teams, or tour managers set different rules for cameras, signs, or other items. The event page on the official site is the most reliable place for last-minute updates. Checking a day or two before can save you a lot of trouble.
If you want to pack light, a small compliant clutch or wallet that is smaller than 5 x 9 x 1 inches is ideal. Move your essentials into it: ID, a credit card, your phone, and keys. This minimal setup usually gets you through security quickly and lets you enjoy the event hands-free.
If you cannot avoid bringing a larger bag, plan ahead. You can use the arena’s Binbox Lockers or choose off-site luggage storage. Don’t let a heavy backpack or a non-compliant purse ruin your experience. Use Qeepl luggage storage near the Staples Center and leave your items at a nearby storage location before the event. Qeepl storage costs US$7.39 per item per day, and luggage is protected by insurance coverage of US$1,000.
Arrive early to avoid lines and traffic. If you plan to drive, buy parking in advance. If you use public transit, check schedules ahead of time. After big events, trains and buses can be crowded, and roads can be slow. A short wait is normal. Bring patience and a backup plan, like a ride-share app or extra time to walk to a nearby parking spot.
Be mindful of fellow guests. Flags and banners are prohibited, while small event-related signs must follow the arena’s size and safety requirements. Treat staff with respect; they are there to keep things safe.
Finally, if you need special accommodations, contact Guest Services before your visit. They can help with seating, accessibility needs, and other requests. A quick call or email in advance can make a big difference in how comfortable your visit is.
FAQ
How strict is the Staples Center Arena bag policy?
The Crypto.com Arena bag policy is very strict. Bags, backpacks, purses, totes, clear bags, fanny packs, and camera bags are generally prohibited. Small clutches and wallets smaller than 5" x 9" x 1" are permitted. Medical and parental bags smaller than 14" x 14" x 6" are also permitted after X-ray screening. Guests with larger bags can use the arena’s Binbox Lockers.
What size purse is stadium approved?
A permitted purse at Crypto.com Arena must qualify as a small clutch or wallet smaller than 5 inches by 9 inches by 1 inch. Larger purses are not permitted under the standard policy.
Can I bring my purse to a Lakers game?
Yes, but only if it meets the arena’s small clutch or wallet rule. For a Lakers game at Crypto.com Arena, it must be smaller than 5" x 9" x 1". Larger purses are not permitted.
Can I bring a purse as a personal item?
The arena’s policy does not use the term “personal item.” Rules are based on bag type and size. A small clutch or wallet smaller than 5" x 9" x 1" is permitted, while ordinary larger purses and other bags are prohibited.
