The second phase of Crypto.com Arena’s multiyear, nine-figure renovation project is underway, with Arena President Lee Zeidman pointing out that there are only 122 days remaining in which to finish the work before the NBA and NHL seasons begin in late October, reports SBJ’s Bret McCormick.
The venue will not close, with Sparks games and concerts meaning 54 events will take place while PCL Construction handles the renovation work. Architect firm Gensler and Dan Meis designed the renovations, which began last year. In this phase, the main changes are eight new premium spaces, a new press room and sound system and a completely renovated upper concourse.
“We’re not shutting down -- two shifts [are working] right now. Hopefully we don’t have to get into a third shift,” Zeidman said. "It’s a pretty big undertaking this phase, and next phase is even bigger.”
Fans that purchase one of the four new tunnel suites on the event level can pull right up to the suite entrance under the arena, next to where the players park -- valet parking is included with the suites. which are essentially bunker suites (with no sightlines to the seating bowl) that replaced employee dressing rooms and carpentry and repair shops. Capacity is 12 people, with six guest passes. The four terrace suites are accessible via the main concourse and replaced four seating sections. From those eight new spaces, Crypto.com Arena is already under contract with buyers for around $250 million on long-term leases, Zeidman said.
The renovation is gutting the upper concourse, from wall to concessions stands and everything in between. The flooring is going from vinyl to porcelain, ceilings are being raised and opened to make the concourse feel airier, and the bathrooms are being replaced with new fixtures and paint schemes. Zeidman and his team are working with the venue’s concessionaire, Levy, and doing a top-to-bottom audit of their commissary, catering kitchen and all of their pantries. The arena has added considerable premium inventory in the last two years, but it still has the original back-of-house infrastructure from 1999, so they’re studying possible changes.
For the new sound system, the venue worked with JBL/Harmon (equipment) and 3G Productions (installation), with Anthony James Partners providing overall sound system design consultation. And Chick Hearn Court, the road bisecting L.A. Live, is being paved over to create one continuous Xbox Plaza, next to the arena, which will provide for larger event programming there.
