Staples Center Bag Policy: Rules for Bags and Entry
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 and Los Angeles Clippers. It is also the home ice for the NHL’s Los Angeles Kings, and the home court for the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks. The arena has hosted the GRAMMY Awards more than any other place 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. It can hold up to around 20,000 people, and most seats have good sightlines. 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 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 will be denied entry. They will be asked to return the items to their car, hotel, or use an off-site 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, the only allowed items are small clutches or wallets that do not exceed 5 inches by 9 inches by 1 inch. These are small and easy for security to inspect.
There are also exceptions for medical and parenting needs. Medical bags and parent bags that accompany an infant or toddler are allowed, but they must be no larger than 14 inches by 14 inches by 6 inches. All medical and parenting bags will be searched thoroughly by security before you go in.
If you have medical items, bring any documentation that can help explain what you need. It can save time.
Types of Bags Not Allowed
Many common bags are banned. Backpacks of any size are not allowed. Purses larger than a clutch are not allowed. Briefcases, coolers, fanny packs, cinch bags, luggage, computer bags, and camera bags are all prohibited. The rule is strict and applies to all guests. If you show up with one of these items, you will not be allowed to enter.
Security staff cannot hold or store banned items for guests. You must have a plan for where to leave them. This is why knowing the rules before you arrive is so important. It will help you avoid delays and stress.
Staples Center Lockers
Many visitors ask if the arena has lockers or a bag check. The important fact is this: Staples Center does not provide on-site lockers or a public bag check. If you bring a prohibited item, you will not be able to store it inside the arena. You will have to return it to your vehicle, hotel, or find an off-site storage place.
This lack of on-site storage is a common surprise for out-of-town guests. Do not assume you can drop off a bag at the venue. Planning ahead helps you avoid disappointment and missing the start of your event.
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 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. The Pico/Chick Hearn station is just a short two-minute walk from the main entrance. This station is served by the A Line (formerly Blue Line) and the E Line (formerly Expo Line). You can reach these lines from other major Metro routes, like the B Line (Red) and D Line (Purple) at the 7th St/Metro Center station. Using rail can save time and money compared to driving.
The Metro Bus network also serves the arena. Several bus routes stop within a few blocks. Important routes include Metro Bus Line 30, Line 81, Line 442, and Line 460. The Metro Silver Line (J Line) is a bus rapid transit service that stops at Figueroa/Pico, right next to L.A. LIVE. Bus schedules 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). Multiple official parking lots and garages sit around the arena, for example LOT W (West Garage), LOT E (East Garage), and LOT C. Parking prices vary by event and lot location. It is highly recommended to pre-purchase parking online through the arena’s official site or an approved partner. Pre-purchasing often saves money and guarantees a space.
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 Camera Policy
The arena allows non-professional, point-and-shoot cameras for most events. These are small cameras with a fixed or non-detachable lens. The main rule focuses on the professionalism of the equipment. Security will block any camera they judge to be professional.
Cameras with detachable lenses or lenses longer than 3.5 inches are not allowed. Also banned are video cameras, GoPros, audio recorders, tripods, monopods, and selfie sticks. Flash photography is usually forbidden because it can distract players and performers.
Smartphone cameras are usually fine, but be considerate. Do not block other people’s view. Some concerts or events may impose a full photo and video ban, even on phones. Check the event page to be sure.
Staples Center Food Policy
Bringing outside food or drinks into the arena is not allowed. This rule covers snacks, meals, and leftover restaurant food. It also covers beverages in bottles, cans, or reusable containers. Water, soda, coffee, and alcohol from outside are all banned. Security will ask you to dispose of prohibited items.
Exceptions exist for medical dietary needs and baby food or formula. If you need to bring food for medical reasons, contact Guest Services ahead of time to learn the process. For infants, baby food and formula are allowed.
Inside, the arena has many concession stands. You can find classic stadium food like hot dogs, popcorn, and nachos. There are also more varied choices: artisan pizza, gourmet burgers, sushi, and salads. 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 water for medical reasons but are unsure, call Guest Services before you arrive. They can confirm what documentation or steps you need to take.
Other Staples Center 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, cigars, and e-cigarettes or vaping devices. There are no indoor smoking areas. Also, the arena does not allow re-entry. If you leave, you cannot come back in with the same ticket.
Other prohibited items include, but are not limited to: weapons of any kind (knives and firearms), illegal drugs, alcohol, laptops, tablets, fireworks, laser pointers, noisemakers (like air horns), signs or banners larger than 11 x 17 inches, strollers, and anything else the arena staff sees as dangerous. All guests and permitted items may be searched on entry.
For guests with disabilities, the arena meets ADA standards and offers several services. These include accessible seating, assistive listening devices, and accessible restrooms. It is a good idea to contact Guest Services or the box office in advance to arrange seating or ask about specific needs. Staff are trained to help and aim to make visits comfortable.
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 bags. 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 wristlet that fits within 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. Instead of being turned away at the gate, use 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 — drop your items off in minutes at a secure, vetted location and enjoy the event worry-free. You can book a spot online in just a few clicks, and with fees starting from US$7.39 per day for each bag, it is a practical and affordable way to bypass the arena’s strict bag rules and ensure your night goes off without a hitch.
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. Keep large signs and banners at home unless the event allows them. Use quiet voices during quiet moments and cheer when it is appropriate. 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 Crypto arena bag policy?
The Crypto. com Arena bag policy is extremely strict. Any guest arriving with a non-compliant bag (anything larger than a 5" x 9" x 1" clutch) will be denied entry. The arena does not offer on-site storage, so you must return the item to your car or use an off-site storage service.
What size purse is stadium approved?
A stadium-approved purse for the Crypto. com Arena must be a small clutch or wallet measuring a maximum of 5 inches by 9 inches by 1 inch. Any purse, clutch, or wallet that is larger than these dimensions is strictly prohibited and will not be allowed inside the venue.
Can I bring my purse to a Lakers game?
Yes, but only a very small one. For a Lakers game at the Crypto. com Arena, your purse must be a clutch or wallet no larger than 5" x 9" x 1". This strict bag policy is enforced for all events, and larger purses are not allowed inside. Be sure to check your bag’s size before arriving.
Can I bring a purse as a personal item?
The arena’s policy does not use the term “personal item.” Rules are based strictly on bag type and size. The only bag you can bring is a small clutch or wallet that does not exceed 5" x 9" x 1". Any other bag, including larger purses or small backpacks, is not permitted.
