The Los Angeles Clippers are an American professional basketball team based in Los Angeles. The Clippers play their home games at Crypto.com Arena, formerly known as STAPLES Center, which they share with fellow NBA team the Los Angeles Lakers and the NHL’s Los Angeles Kings. The arena is located in downtown Los Angeles.
When did the Clippers start playing at Crypto.com Arena?
The Clippers first started playing home games at STAPLES Center at the beginning of the 1999-2000 NBA season after previously playing at the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena. The arena opened in October 1999. In 2021, the arena was renamed Crypto.com Arena under a new naming rights deal.
So in summary:
- Clippers moved to STAPLES Center in 1999
- Arena opened in October 1999
- Arena renamed Crypto.com Arena in 2021
- Clippers have played home games there since 1999-2000 season
How long is the Clippers’ lease at Crypto.com Arena?
In 2018, the Clippers agreed to a 20-year lease extension to remain playing home games at STAPLES Center through the 2043-44 NBA season. This lease was agreed with the arena’s owner AEG.
Some key points about the Clippers’ arena lease:
- 20-year extension signed in 2018
- Keeps Clippers as arena tenants through 2043-44 season
- Lease is with arena owner AEG
So as of now, the Clippers are committed to playing at the arena now known as Crypto.com Arena for another 20 years until their lease expires in 2044, assuming it is not renewed or extended further.
How many home games do the Clippers play at Crypto.com Arena each season?
In an 82-game regular NBA season, each team plays 41 home games and 41 away games. So the Clippers will typically play 41 regular season home games at Crypto.com Arena each year.
In addition to regular season games, the Clippers may also host home playoff games at Crypto.com Arena in seasons where they qualify for the postseason.
Here is a summary of typical Clippers home games per season at Crypto.com Arena:
- 41 regular season home games
- Potential playoff home games if they make the postseason
- Preseason home games prior to regular season
So the full slate of Clippers home games will be at least 41 regular season games, with potential for a few additional playoff and preseason home games in years they make the playoffs or host preseason games in Los Angeles.
Clippers Home Games By Season
| Season | Regular Season Home Games | Playoff Home Games |
|---|---|---|
| 2022-23 | 41 | TBD |
| 2021-22 | 41 | 4 |
| 2020-21 | 36 | 6 |
| 2019-20 | 41 | 7 |
| 2018-19 | 41 | 5 |
How has Crypto.com Arena changed the Clippers’ home court experience?
While the court and arena itself remain largely unchanged after the renaming from STAPLES Center to Crypto.com Arena, there are a few noticeable differences for Clippers home games:
- New arena branding and exterior signage reflecting Crypto.com Arena name
- Crypto.com branding and sponsorship activations inside arena during Clippers games
- Updated court design with Crypto.com Arena logo
- Crypto.com becoming the official cryptocurrency platform of Clippers
However, despite the naming change, the Clippers’ overall home court set-up and fan experience at the arena remains similar. The Cryptocom Arena deal has provided an updated look and feel but the core arena and game day experience for Clippers fans has largely stayed the same in the downtown Los Angeles venue.
Clippers Regular Season Home Attendance
| Season | Total Home Attendance | Average Home Attendance |
|---|---|---|
| 2021-22 | 591,813 | 14,424 |
| 2020-21 | 368,458 | 10,234 |
| 2019-20 | 821,692 | 20,046 |
| 2018-19 | 739,743 | 18,043 |
| 2017-18 | 713,006 | 17,357 |
Do the Lakers also play at Crypto.com Arena?
Yes, the Los Angeles Lakers also play their home games at Crypto.com Arena. The Lakers have played at the arena since it opened in 1999 and share the venue with the Clippers.
As two of the NBA’s most prominent franchises, the Lakers and Clippers have co-inhabited Crypto.com Arena since the Clippers relocated there over 20 years ago. This arena sharing arrangement is common in markets with multiple NBA teams.
Some key points on the Lakers sharing Crypto.com Arena with the Clippers:
- Lakers have played at arena since 1999 opening
- Clippers relocated there in 1999 as co-tenants
- Lakers and Clippers alternate game nights during season
- Shared home court is common for NBA teams in same market
The Lakers have won six NBA championships during their tenure at Crypto.com Arena, establishing a storied home court advantage. But the Clippers have been gaining ground in recent years as they look to build their own identity in the building.
Conclusion
In summary, the Los Angeles Clippers have called Crypto.com Arena home since 1999. They play at least 41 regular season home games there each year under a lease that runs through 2024. The renaming from STAPLES Center to Crypto.com Arena in 2021 brought superficial changes but the arena and overall fan experience remains similar. And the Clippers continue to share their home court with cross-town rivals the Lakers, who also play at Crypto.com Arena.
