What’s up everyone, Venumaster here to tell you all about concerts at Staples Center. There are LOADS of big name artists who play here. Staples Center is obviously a large indoor venue, so some people automatically think “Concert + large indoor venue = bad sound quality and bad view”. If that’s you, stay with me here and maybe by the end of this blog I’ll convince you otherwise.
SEATING
Yes, indoor venues don’t sound quite like an outdoor, or semi-outdoor venue, but they still can be good, and Staples Center is a good example of that.When it comes to sound quality some of it has to do with the artists and their sound crew, equipment etc. Some of it has to do with where you are seated. Nosebleeds will offer the worst view and sound quality, while seats closer to the stage will be considerably better in both departments.
Best Seats
This one is debatable. Some say it’s standing room floor seats because they want to be as close to the stage as possible. Others say they don’t want to be rubbing bodies with sweaty screaming people for multiple hours, no matter how close to the stage they are. A safe bet would be Floor seats (non standing room), or level 100 seats. They will give you a great view of the artist you are going to see, while staying somewhat comfortable. The sound quality from either of these is also great.
Worst Seats
Worst seats are the nosebleeds. They have the worst view and the worst sound. For NBA or NHL games they aren’t that bad if you’re just wanting to spend a cheap night out watching the game, because for sporting events you go to WATCH the game. At Staples Center, although people look small on the court/ice, you can still see the action well. When it comes to a concert you go not only for the experience and the visuals, but obviously for the SOUND. That’s what’s lacking in the nosebleeds and why they’d be my last choice for seats at a concert.
PARKING
Staples Center actually has a lot of parking info on their website, check it out here http://staplescenter.com/parking/parking-overview
You might be better off parking in a non-Staples Center lot. There are a bunch of lots that are close (just about anywhere along Flower and Hope) that are much cheaper. Some non-Staples Center lots can be shady though, I’m not sure I’d park there if I was driving a Benz or an Audi.
You can also take the Metro to the game which may be the best option. Here’s a site that has Metro info
http://staplescenter.com/parking/public-transportation
TAILGATING
Tailgating isn’t allowed at the Staples Center.
FOOD
If you’re looking for 5 star cuisine you definitely won’t find it here. They serve your typical overpriced, underwhelmingly average game food at their food stands. They also have a McDonalds and a California Pizza Kitchen (not a bad choice) if you want to get food there. If you’re really hungry there are a bunch of restaurants pretty close to Staples Center that are good. Here’s a few
- Bottega Louie – 700 S Grand Ave Los Angeles, CA 90017 – Italian food
- Wurskuche – 800 E 3rd St Los Angeles, CA 90013 – Great hotdogs and beer
- Pete’s Cafe – 400 S Main St Los Angeles, CA 90013 – Meats, fish and pasta dishes.
- Sugarfish – 600 W 7th St Ste 150 Los Angeles, CA 90017 – Sushi
- Cole’s– 118 E 6th St Los Angeles, CA 90014 – Best French Dip around
OTHER INFO
Besides seating and sound, there isn’t much difference from a sports game when it comes to the venue. You still have the same snacks, food, stores and such. There are a few things to keep in mind though.
- Sometimes the concert doesn’t start on time. Shows have been known to run up to 2 hours late. Don’t be surprised if your 7:00 PM show ends up finishing at 12:00
- It’s a really big indoor venue for concerts but usually gets pretty packed out so expect some shoulder to shoulder standing/seating.
- Artists generally put on a great show there. Some artists do crazy junk, like have a prop fall from the ceiling that they’ll hop on and sing a song from.
That’s it for the Staples Center! Next week we’ll look at one of Staples Center’s neighbors, Nokia Theatre. If you have any info from your concert going experiences at Staples Center, hit me up with some comments.
Later
Venumaster
Wembli 