Downtown Los Angeles’ premier entertainment venue, Crypto.com Arena, is embarking on a comprehensive redesign of its beloved Star Plaza entrance. This significant transformation will modernize the space while deliberately preserving the deep community history tied to the landmark—an initiative that is set to culminate ahead of the 2026-2027 sports and concert seasons.
Since its dedication in 1999, the Star Plaza has been defined by its approximately 5,000 personalized star tiles. These granite and porcelain etchings, purchased by donors, have functioned as individual monuments for fans, bearing messages dedicated to special people and moments. Critically, this fan-driven recognition program has funneled nearly $1 million in contributions to vital local organizations, including Inner City Arts and Community Coalition, supporting youth programs across the city.
The decision to redesign the plaza follows recent, extensive enhancements to the venue’s entryways and the surrounding L.A. LIVE district. General Manager Katie Pandolfo stressed that the project is aimed at ensuring the “special recognition program continues to evolve and inspire people” within the venue’s role as a major cultural landmark.
Preserving the Community Record
To facilitate the redevelopment, the existing stars will be removed later this month. While the original tiles cannot be salvaged due to the complex installation process, the Arena has undertaken the necessary steps to digitally archive every original inscription. This guarantees that each personal message will be faithfully recreated in the new installation, safeguarding the community record for the next generation of visitors.
A specialized committee, which includes architects, designers, and public installation experts, is currently developing the final plans. While the physical stars will change, the plaza will maintain its status as the home for its collection of larger-than-life statues honoring legendary athletes and contributors. This strategic update ensures the physical space remains relevant and modern while honoring the fan-centric spirit that has defined the plaza for more than two decades.
Photo Courtesy of crypto arena.com
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