You're standing outside the glass walls in Downtown LA, clutching a ticket that cost way too much, and wondering if you’re about to spend the next three hours squinting at a Jumbotron or staring at the back of a tall guy's head. We've all been there. Choosing the right spot on the crypto.com arena seating chart is honestly more of a science than a "vibe" check.
Since the massive nine-figure renovation finished up for the 2025-2026 season, the old rules don't exactly apply anymore. The Clippers are gone to their own dome in Inglewood, but the Lakers and Kings have basically turned this place into a tech-heavy palace. If you haven't been here since 2023, the layout might look familiar, but the experience has shifted.
The Secret Geometry of the 100 Level
Most people think the closer you are, the better the view. That's a trap. If you’re sitting in the first five rows of the 100 level for a Kings game, you’re basically paying to see the puck through thick, scratched-up plexiglass. It’s cool for the "thud" of a body check, sure. But for actually following the play? You'll have a neck ache by the second period.
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The sweet spot is actually rows 15 through 20.
At this height, your line of sight clears the glass and the player benches. You get that "video game" angle where you can see the plays developing. Plus, you aren't constantly looking up at the new Daktronics center-hung scoreboard, which is massive and can actually be distracting if you’re too low.
For Lakers games, the crypto.com arena seating chart adds "lettered" rows (A-M) in front of the numbered ones in certain sections. This means Row 1 is actually the 14th row. If you see Row A on your ticket, you're practically on the hardwood. If you see Row 1, you're a bit further back than you might expect.
Why the 200 Level is the Real MVP
I’m going to be real with you: the 200 level (and the Premier sections) is where the smart money goes.
- Wait Service: In the Premier seats (Sections 1-18), you don't even have to stand up for a beer. There’s in-seat service for Lakers and Kings games.
- Private Entrances: You skip the cattle-call lines at the main Star Plaza entrance.
- The View: You’re high enough to see the whole floor but close enough to recognize the players without looking at the screen.
The "Center 6" sections are the holy grail here. These are the sideline seats that give you a perfect TV-style broadcast view. Since the 2024-2025 renovation phase, these areas have been refreshed with new padding and better access to the Lexus Club. If you can find a deal on Premier 4, 5, 14, or 15, take it. No questions asked.
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Concerts vs. Sports: Don't Get Burned
The crypto.com arena seating chart transforms completely for concerts. This is where most fans lose out.
Floor seats sound amazing, right? Wrong. Unless you are in the first ten rows of the center floor (usually labeled F2 or Floor 2), you are probably going to be staring at the phone screens of the five hundred people in front of you. Because the floor has zero elevation, a "Floor 5" ticket in Row 20 is actually worse than a 100-level seat in Section 112.
Avoid the "Side-Stage" Blindness
Sections 105, 106, 115, and 116 are often sold as "side-view" for concerts. Sometimes these are cheap, and for good reason. Depending on the artist's stage production (like the massive rigs used by Sabrina Carpenter during her recent six-night residency), you might spend half the night looking at a black curtain or a stack of speakers. Always check if the ticket says "Obstructed View." If it does, believe them.
The 300 Level: Budget Without the Regret
Look, not everyone wants to drop a mortgage payment on a Tuesday night game. The 300 level is colloquially known as the "nosebleeds," but it’s not as bad as the 400s at some other stadiums.
The rake (the steepness of the stairs) is actually pretty aggressive here. This is good for sightlines because the person in front of you sits much lower than you. However, if you have vertigo, Row 1 of the 300 level can feel a bit like you’re leaning over a cliff.
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Pro tip: Aim for Section 301 or 318. These are center-court/center-ice. You’ll feel the atmosphere of the crowd better than anywhere else in the building, and you can still see the jersey numbers. Just avoid the very last rows (Row 15 and up) unless you’re strictly there for the vibes and the $15 hot dogs.
The New Perks: Lexus Club and City View Terrace
One of the biggest changes in the 2025-2026 era is the indoor-outdoor City View Terrace. It’s located on the upper level and lets you look out at the DTLA skyline. If the game is a blowout or you just need a breather, it’s the best place to hang out.
They also revamped the Lexus Club (formerly the Chairman's Club). It’s basically a high-end restaurant hidden inside the arena. If you have a ticket that grants access—usually Premier or Suite level—it’s worth getting there 90 minutes early just to avoid the "street dog" rush outside.
Breaking Down the Sections
To make sense of the crypto.com arena seating chart, just think of it in three rings:
- The Inner Ring (100s): Proximity and prestige. Best for feeling the energy.
- The Middle Ring (Premier & 200s): Luxury and logic. Best for actually watching the game and skipping lines.
- The Outer Ring (300s): Value and views. Best for the budget-conscious who don't mind the height.
A Note on the "Kings Shoot Twice" Side
If you’re a hockey fan, you want to be on the end where the home team attacks twice. On the official map, that’s the side with Sections 114 through 117. If you sit on the opposite side (105-108), you’ll see the Kings' goalie for two out of the three periods. Some people like that, but most want to see the goals.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check the Event Type: Before you buy, ensure you are looking at the specific map for your event. The Lakers, Kings, and concert layouts differ significantly in the "Floor" and "Lower Bowl" areas.
- Compare Rows, Not Just Sections: A high row in the 100s is often a better view—and cheaper—than a low row in the 200s.
- Use the 3D Viewer: The official arena website now offers a 360-degree virtual view from almost every section. Use it to check for railing obstructions in the 200 and 300 levels.
- Arrive Early for the Renovated Spaces: If you have a Premier or Suite ticket, use the VIP entrances on Chick Hearn Way to bypass the main Star Plaza crowds.