You’re standing on the corner of Figueroa and Chick Hearn Way, looking up at the glowing mesh of the arena, and realize you have no idea where the "Kobe Bryant Entrance" actually is. Honestly, it happens to everyone. Whether you’ve been coming here since it was the Staples Center or this is your first time navigating the 2026 renovations, the crypto arena layout map has changed more than you think.
It isn't just a name change. We're talking about a multi-year, nine-figure overhaul that basically gutted the fan experience and rebuilt it for a post-Clippers era. Now that the "other" team has moved to their own dome in Inglewood, the Lakers and Kings have stretched out, and the floor plan reflects that.
Navigating the Three Main Levels
The building is essentially a giant concrete onion. You’ve got three primary concourses, but they don't all connect the same way.
The Main Concourse (100 Level) is the heart of the beast. This is where you find the massive Team LA Store and the Star Plaza entry. If you’re sitting in sections 101 through 119, you’re here. But here's the kicker: the row numbering is weird. For basketball games, lettered rows (A-M) sit in front of Row 1. If you bought "Row 1" thinking you’re courtside, you’re actually about 14 rows back.
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The Premier and Suite "Sandwich"
Right above the 100s is the Premier Level. These are sections 1 through 18. People get confused because they see a single digit and think "front row." Nope. These are mid-level seats, but they come with a separate entrance and in-seat waiter service.
Then you have the triple-decker suite levels:
- Suite Level A: The lowest and most expensive.
- Suite Level B: Right above A.
- Suite Level C: The highest suite tier, which actually wraps entirely around the bowl.
The 300 Level (The "Perch")
Then there’s the Upper Concourse. Sections 301 to 334. If you have vertigo, maybe skip the front row of the 300s. The glass is thin and the drop looks steeper than it is. But for the 2025-2026 season, they finally upgraded the LED displays up here, so you aren't just squinting at ants anymore.
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Entrance Strategy: Don't Walk Further Than You Have To
Most people default to the Star Plaza entrance because of the statues. It's iconic. But it’s also the most crowded spot in Los Angeles at 6:45 PM on a Tuesday.
If you’re a Premier seat holder or have a suite, use the Southwest VIP Entry. It’s tucked away near the Convention Center side and usually has a line that moves three times faster. For everyone else, the Kobe Bryant Entrance at the corner of Chick Hearn Court and Georgia Street is often a smoother bet if you're coming from the West Garage (Lot W).
What the 2026 Crypto Arena Layout Map Gets Right
The biggest change in the recent layout isn't the seats; it's the food. The crypto arena layout map now features "Grab and Go" markets powered by Amazon’s "Just Walk Out" tech. You’ll find these near sections 108 and 301. You scan your card, grab a Beer and a bag of chips, and just leave. It feels like shoplifting, but it saves you from missing the entire second quarter.
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The New "City View Terrace"
They finally opened up the upper deck. The City View Terrace is a massive indoor-outdoor space where you can actually see the DTLA skyline while eating a spicy chicken sandwich from Fuku. It’s located on the North side of the arena. If you’re in the 300s, this is your home base.
Best Seats for the Kings vs. Lakers
The layout shifts significantly depending on the ice.
- For Hockey: The Kings shoot twice toward sections 114 to 117. If you want to see the goals up close, sit there.
- For Basketball: The Lakers bench is in front of Section 119. The visitors are in front of 102.
- For Concerts: Most shows use an "End Stage" setup. This kills sections 105 through 108. Avoid "Side View" tickets in sections 113 or 118 unless you really like looking at the back of a drummer's head.
Secrets of the Concourse
Check the map for the Doritos After Dark lounge. It’s a permanent restaurant inside the arena now. It has a dedicated entrance off Star Plaza but is accessible from the main concourse too. They serve things like "Ramen-Ritos" that shouldn't work but somehow do.
Also, tucked away near section 112 is the Lexus Club. It’s ultra-private, but even if you can’t get in, the hallway nearby is one of the best spots to catch a glimpse of players heading to the locker rooms if you time it right.
Actionable Tips for Your Next Visit
- Download the App Early: The digital map inside the Crypto.com Arena app is interactive and shows real-time wait times for restrooms. Use it.
- Parking Hack: Don't park in Lot 1 unless you want to spend an hour idling in the exit line. Park in Lot W (West Garage) and enter via Gate B. It’s a flat rate and much easier to escape.
- Bag Policy Check: Anything bigger than 5” x 9” x 1” is going to get rejected. They are strict. If you have a medical bag, you have to go through a specific X-ray lane usually located near the Star Plaza entry.
- Arrival Window: Aim to be at the doors 60 minutes before tip-off. With the new security scanners, you don't have to take everything out of your pockets anymore, which speeds things up, but the 2026 crowds are bigger than ever.
Find your section, grab a drink at the 100-level craft bar, and enjoy the show. The new layout is a maze, but it's a much better maze than it used to be.