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LOS ANGELES (November 6, 2025) – The iconic Star Plaza at Crypto.com Arena, which has long showcased approximately 250 granite star tiles and 5,000 porcelain star tiles engraved with names and personalized messages will soon undergo an exciting transformation.  The reimagined Star Plaza will be unveiled once final designs and renderings are complete and installation, including all of the original messages and dedications, is finalized in the coming months.   

Originally introduced in 1998 and dedicated on October 16, 1999, each Star Plaza recognition tile featured an engraved name or personalized message designated by  donors who purchased stars to honor someone meaningful in their lives. 

Since its inception, the Star Plaza recognition program has generated nearly $1 million in contributions to local organizations—including Inner City Arts, Heart of Los Angeles, California Science Center and Community Coalition among other community-based organizations—supporting  programs focused on the arts, education  and health and wellness programs particularly for youth across the  City of Los Angeles.

Now 26 years later, and following recent enhancements to the Crypto.com Arena’s entry, as well as the addition of Peacock Place and the expanded L.A. LIVE sports and entertainment district, the decision has been made to reimagine how these personal tributes are displayed at one of the arena’s most prominent entryways.

“Star Plaza has always been a meaningful location for the thousands of fans who created messages for the special people in their lives as well as the millions of guests who have visited Crypto.com Arena these past 25 years,” said Katie Pandolfo, General Manager Crypto.com Arena.  “As Los Angeles’ home of the most iconic sports and entertainment events, it is important to us that this special recognition program continues to evolve and inspire people for years to come.”

A special project committee—comprising members of Crypto.com Arena’s and AEG’s executive teams, architects, designers and specialists  who have led similar public installations—is developing the comprehensive design and installation plans for the  reimagined Star Plaza.  The new plaza will continue to serve as the home for more than a dozen larger-than-life statues honoring legendary athletes and contributors associated with teams and events hosted by the venue.

Renderings of the redesigned Star Plaza will be shared in the coming months, with the grand unveiling to coincide with the 2026-2027 NBA and NHL seasons. 

Later this month, the existing stars will be removed as part of the redevelopment process. While the original tiles will not be salvageable, all original inscriptions have been digitally preserved, ensuring that each message will be faithfully recreated in the new installation.

Ongoing project updates can be found on our website at www.cryptoarena.com/starplazaproject

About Crypto.com Arena

Crypto.com Arena has undoubtedly developed an unrivaled reputation for excellence, having established itself as one of the world’s busiest and most successful venues in the world. Since opening on October 17, 1999, millions of guests have come to the AEG-owned and operated Crypto.com Arena to attend a schedule of prestigious concerts, sporting events, award shows, family shows and other major attractions unmatched by any arena.

As the home of three professional sports franchises – the NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers, the NHL’s LA Kings and the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks – Crypto.com Arena has proven to be a home court advantage for the local teams. The AEG owned and operated arena continues to distinguish itself as the host of major, high-profile events of national and international distinction including the 2004, 2011 & 2018 NBA All-Star Games, 2002 & 2017 NHL All-Star Games, 2000 Democratic National Convention, 2009 World Figure Skating Championships 2013, 2015, 2018 & 2024 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship West Regionals and 22 GRAMMY Awards shows.

For over a quarter of a century, Crypto.com Arena has been marked with performances and special events that brought international stature to the downtown Los Angeles venue including concerts headlined by Taylor Swift, Bad Bunny, Drake, Beyoncé, Prince, U2, Paul McCartney, Garth Brooks, Usher, Jay-Z, Keith Urban, Roger Waters, Tool, Katy Perry, Tyler the Creator, Ed Sheeran, Kendrick Lamar, Michael Bublé, Carrie Underwood and Justin Timberlake, as well as world championship boxing, family shows and other live events.

Hosting 200+ events annually, the arena has earned a reputation for world-class amenities, features, and honored its commitment to quality of service and provides a guest experience that is second to none. That includes comfortable seating, state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems, concession stands offering a variety of food and beverage options, and merchandise stores where fans can purchase team-branded clothing, accessories and memorabilia. Crypto.com Arena is not only a great venue for sports and entertainment, but it also holds a special place in the hearts of the local community. The arena has witnessed many historic moments, unforgettable performances, and become an iconic landmark in the region for the most popular and important events.

 

Contact:

Michael Roth / AEG
mroth@aegworldwide.com

Cara Vanderhook / Crypto.com Arena
cvanderhook@cryptoarena.com

Kelli Fadroski
kfadroski@cryptoarena.com