The STAPLES Center opened on Figueroa Street in Los Angeles in 1999 with a concert by Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band. This $375 million, 20,000-seat sporting arena is home to the Los Angeles Kings who were purchased by Denver-based oil and railroad entrepreneur Philip Anschutz and business partner Ed Roski in 1995. The Kings formerly played at The Forum in Inglewood. The STAPLES Center is also home to the NBA’s Lakers and Clippers plus the WNBA’s Sparks. This centrally-located sports arena also hosts Worldwide Boxing Association (WBA) and WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) matches. The STAPLES Center hosted the Democratic National Convention in 2000 and has been home to many concerts including, Michael Jackson’s 2009 memorial service, the 1st Annual Latin Grammy Awards in 2000, and Nipsey Hussle’s memorial service in 2019.
Today in Sports History: October 17
