Here’s what to Eat at the Crypto.com Arena
The Crypto.com Arena, formerly Staples Center, has just finished a nine-figure renovation in honor of its 25th Anniversary – down to updating every last inch of the floor! This stadium is home to The Los Angeles Lakers, The Los Angeles Sparks, and The L.A. Kings. It’s also an event venue for some of the biggest musical artists and shows worldwide. Fans can expect a new center-hung scoreboard, insane new canvas-wrapped screens that allow for greater visibility, a gorgeously refreshed Delta SKY360° Club for season ticket holders and VIPs, and a new Doritos AfterDark Lounge that’s open to everyone with a ticket (and is probably my favorite addition). Here’s what to eat at the Crypto.com Arena for the 2024-2025 season. Scroll to the bottom to get my favorites in one easy-to-digest list.
What’s New in Food for the Crypto.com Arena
It’s rare that the food might eclipse the entertainment, but that’s precisely what’s in store for the 2024-2025 season at the Crypto.com Arena.
First off, you can also treat yourself to some fast-casual food from one of the great Michelin-starred chefs of Los Angeles, Chef Ludo Lefebvre, at not one but THREE Different restaurant concepts. You’ll still find the original LudoBird, which specializes in Provencal Fried Chicken Sandwiches on the main concourse. The menu offers a variety of Ludo Sandwiches in dark and white meat, and there’s even a plant-based one on the menu that promises to taste as good as the original.
Across from that, you’ll find Ludobab, which is the chef’s take on Mediterranean cuisine, with Grilled Pita Burgers, Warm Pita and Hummus, and fresh Salads. This is where you’ll want to eat if you want to eat healthy. Items are priced at $20.
The newest addition to the Ludo fam is none other than Trois Familia, which was a beloved Silverlake restaurant specializing in French-Mexican cuisine. It’s located right next to Ludobab, so you can really take your pick of the chef’s creations. Most of my new favorite dishes came directly from here, including the Tres Leche Cake, the Corn and Cheese Quesadilla, and the Double Decker Style Potato Taco. Prices range from $11 to $17.
Also brand new this season is fuku®, (short of Momofuku) from Chef David Chang. It’s located on the gorgeously renovated City View Terrace and features Spicy Chicken Sandwiches like the OG Sando, Sweet + Spicy Tenders and Waffle Fries, and a dazzling array of sauces. If it’s your first time, go with the OG…
While you’re enjoying the City View Terrace, I recommend you visit the center bar for some Premium Cocktails. You might also notice that those cups are not like they used to be. Reusable cups are just one of the many ways the Crypto.com Arena has enhanced its sustainability. Once you use the cup you just dispose of it in a special bin to be rewashed for the next event.
There’s also a new pizza and fried mozzarella stick partner at the stadium for this season. Fresh Brothers Pizza is on the main concourse in section 109, serving up four different kinds of pie. The convenience of carrying a box to your seat makes it an easy choice. You’ll also find Fresh Brother’s Detroit-style Pizza in the Amazon market near section 301.
If you love Mozzarella Sticks, look for Big Mozz at select concession stands around the stadium.
Doritos After Dark
The first Doritos® restaurant in the WORLD just happens to be at the Crypto.com Arena, and it’s brand new for this season. The entrance is off the main Star Plaza and is also accessible from inside the stadium, but regardless of the door you use, you need a ticket for the event that day.
The menu features everything you thought only existed in your dreams, like a Doritos® Spicy Sweet Chili Ramen-Rito and a Doritos® Nacho Cheese Crunchtastic Vanilla Cone. There’s even Doritos-infused Cocktails and Sushi! Prices range from $8-$22.
Grab and Go Markets at the Crypto.com Arena
The days of waiting in line for your snacks and drinks are over! There are now four Amazon grab-and-go locations with walk-out technology. All you need to enter the Bud Light Seltzer, Michelob Ultra Markets, or the brand new L.A. Cooler Shop on the main concourse is a credit card; then about a hundred cameras watch your every move until you exit.
There is no checking out or receipt – unless you want one. Cameras can even recognize when you walk in with a group and can track if your kiddo grabs a bag of Cheetos from the bottom shelf. Does this mean that underage drinkers can go grab and go crazy? Thankfully, humans will still be on the other side as you exit to ID if you look under 35.
Fan Favorites
Los Angeles-born and bred Dirt Dog is still taking up some major real estate at the Crypto.com arena on the main concourse. Must-haves include the Elote Dog with corn, cotija cheese, and bacon bits and the House Dog with bell peppers, house sauce, bacon bits, and all the condiments you’re used to. Snacks like French Fries and Popcorn are also available, as well as Draft Beer.
What’s New in Retail?
It’s even easier to grab your favorite merch quickly and return to your seats, thanks to the new technology at the Team LA Store. Long lines at the checkout have been replaced by self-checkout lines which use RFID technology. Basically, that means you enter the checkout with your items already in a bag, throw it into a bin, and magically, it counts every item you have. Tap your card, and you’re out of there!
For the Privileged Few
The Chairman’s Club is now the Delta SKY360° Club, and it’s an all-inclusive experience for Premium Glass and Courtside Seat Holders. Guests can expect a VIP Entrance, an unlimited Premium Bar, Upscale Food and Drink Offerings, and gorgeous new Seating and Fireplaces. The menu changes with every event.
There’s also a Centurion® Suite By American Express, which is slightly more accessible because all Centurion or Platinum cardholders can enter. You’ll experience benefits similar to those of an airport lounge, like specialty cocktails and 10% off concessions, which will be refunded to your card as long as you’re enrolled in the program. It can be found on Premium Level B.
The Yaamava’ Club by San Manuel on Suite Level A is available for all premium members. Guests can enjoy Luxury Buffet Stations as well as Table Service from a dedicated wait staff. It’s been refreshed for this season.
Your All-Access Tour of the Crypto.com Arena
Want to save some money on courtside seats but still enjoy the best of the arena? Then, book yourself a 90-minute VIP tour. The cost is $60 and includes access to the most exclusive corners of the Crypto.com Arena. It’s all part of the 25th Anniversary Celebration. Details here.
The OG Sandwich from fuku is out of this world! Also not to be missed are the Doritos Flamin’ Hot Nacho Veggie Dumplings at Doritos After Dark and the Corn and Cheese Tortillas from Trois Familia. The hot dogs from Dirt Dog are classic L.A. with tastes like Elote Dog and the House Dog.
Excellent review with lots of useful info, mostly happy about how you included so many prices. I only wish your review included a publish date so we knew how up to date the info is.
Thank you for the kind words, James. You’re correct about that being an important piece of information. It was written October of 2022.