One of the most prominent landmarks in the original makeup was the A-frame scoreboard that stood at a height of 230 feet. The original sole tenant was Major League Baseball's then-California Angels, who would go on to host three All-Star games. It would also see postseason baseball on multiple occasions, including 2002, when the Angels won their only World Series.
Stadium Expansion
In 1980, the NFL's then-Los Angeles Rams also began playing at the stadium, resulting in a stadium remodel that increased capacity to 64,593 for baseball and 69,008 for football. Prior to the arrival of the Rams, only a small number of football games had been played there. Due to the stadium enclosure from the renovation, the A-frame structure was moved to the stadium parking lot.
The Rams would play there for 15 seasons before the franchise was then moved to St. Louis after the 1994 NFL season.
Renovation
The Disney Corporation purchased the Angels franchise in 1996 and helped fund the majority of a $100 million renovation. Capacity was reduced to just under 46,000, with more than 12,000 parking spaces available. That renovation was sparked partly by the Rams' move as well as $4 million in damage from the January 1994 Northridge earthquake. When renovation was complete, concourses had been widened, the number of restrooms and concession stands had been increased and two restaurants had been added: The Diamond Club, which was a full-service establishment located behind home plate; and The Knothole Club, a sports bar located down the right field line. As an interactive option for children, the Pepsi Perfect Game Pavillion offers baseball-style games and is located in right field. Name Changes
In 1997, the facility was renamed Edison International Field after the naming rights had been purchased. It remained that way for seven years until the stadium name officially became Angel Stadium. The 3,000 Hit Club
Baseball Hall of Famers Rod Carew and George Brett each collected the 3000th hit of the careers at Angel Stadium in 1985 and 1992, respectively.
Not every sports arena boasts a welcoming committee composed of the likes of L.A. Lakers Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Jerry West. But the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, is the home of statues of these three basketball greats alongside statues of boxer Oscar de la Hoya, Lakers broadcaster Chick Hearn, and L.A. Kings stars Wayne Gretzky and Luc “Lucky” Robitaille. The $375 million arena opened in 1999 and it has seen approximately 4 million guests per year since then. At 1111 South Figueroa Street downtown, it is located near the Santa Monica Freeway. With valet service, available Wi-Fi, and more than 160 luxury suites, it also houses 20+ restaurants and lounges as well as private and members-only clubs.
Owned and operated by AEG, Anschutz Entertainment Group, the Staples Center can accommodate up to 20,000 fans and is the home court for the Women's National Basketball Association's L.A. Sparks, the NHL's L.A. Kings, and the NBA's L.A. Lakers and L.A. Clippers. Throughout its history it has hosted some very prestigious events including:
• National Basketball Association All-Star games in 2004 and 2011
• National Hockey League All-Star games in 2002
• Stanley Cup NHL finals in 2012
• World Boxing Association (Super) Welterweight Championship in 2009
• World Figure Skating Championships in 2009
• World Wrestling Entertainment's Wrestlemania 21 in 2005
• X-Games 12 in 2006
The TEAM LA store offers a wide selection of player and team items officially licensed by the NBA, the NHL, Major League Baseball, and Major League Soccer including merchandise recognizing the Lakers, the Kings, the Clippers, and the Sparks along with the Galaxy soccer team and the Angels baseball team.
Strategically placed among local streets and freeways, the Staples Center benefits from and encourages the use of the Los Angeles public transportation system including Metro Rail and Metro buses. Fans can find helpful information at the Center's website www.staplescenter.com to help plan their journeys to and from events. Available for guests are secure bicycle racks and electric vehicle charging stations. Besides the 3,300 parking spaces on-site, another 16,000 spaces are available nearby in privately owned lots. Parking fees vary and some spaces may be reserved and pre-paid. Designated areas have been marked for drop-off and pick-up by taxi or limousine. Handicap parking may be obtained with state-issued identification cards and tags, and guests may request wheelchair assistance escorts.
FAQs about hotels near Staples Center
How much does a cheap hotel near Staples Center cost per night?
In the last year, a 2 star hotel near Staples Center can be as cheap as $108.59 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a 3 star hotel near Staples Center cost per night?
In the last year, the average 3 star hotel near Staples Center has been $167.35 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a higher-end hotel near Staples Center cost?
In the last year, the average 4 star hotel near Staples Center has been $195.56 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)