Staples Center: There’s More to the Stadium Than Sports and Justin Bieber

What do you like to eat when you go to the movies? How about when you go to a concert?

If you go with me, then you like to eat whatever I’ve stuffed into my purse. Maybe it’s some In-N-Out or a nice three-course meal that I whipped up before I left the house. Regardless if I know a place has food for sale I’ve always gone to venues with my own. Why? Because movie theater and stadium food is both overpriced and disappointing. How do I get it in? Usually I wrap my food inside a sweater and then stuff that sweater in an oversized purse. Then I strategically toss in lipstick, my cellphone, lotion, and some tampons. Yeah it sounds gross, but the tampons are essential to make guys apprehensive about digging any further down my bag. I say something along the lines of, “You never know when you’re going to need nine tampons” and the poor security guard begins to squirm and hands me my bag. Then just like that, I’m the only person at the matinee having eggs Benedict and a mimosa while others are eating stale popcorn.

I’ve held this tactic for such a long time that I’ve almost forgotten that there’s food available in venues. That was until I was invited to the Staples Center in Downtown LA to preview their dining options. The venue has an Instagram account dedicated to food in the stadium and after seeing all they had, I wanted to check it out for myself.

Although I would normally walk into the Staples Center with a backpack packed with half a convenience store, I left it at home. Instead my friend Ryan and I walked up to the Delta Suite Levels VIP entrance to meet Candace, the premium services manager, and I had nothing in my purse but lipgloss and my camera. After the initial introductions, I was excited that Candace was so gracious to give us a tour of all their food offerings. Of course the food is a priority, but to be in the same building as Chris Paul’s sweat made me smile from ear to ear.

Back to the task at hand: Staples Center.

Candace had the difficult responsibility of convincing me that the food at the stadium was better than whatever I could sneak in. Did I tell her that? Of course not! Does she know now? Most likely if she’s reading this (hi, Candace)! Before she laid out the tour, she showed us around the stadium. I was familiar with the deep red walls that had photographs of musicians performing and athletes competing. But Candace took us to areas where we saw images that were essential to the history of Staples Center. One in particular that caught my eye was the “Ribbon Cutting” photo. I loved that they preserved such a monumental moment in their development and had it up for everyone to see.

While on the upper deck, we got to be up next to the Staples Center sign. It was exciting to be so close to a sign that I’ve seen on TV and while driving home. I tried my best to touch the bigger than life red S, but at the average height of 5”5.5, I just couldn’t reach it. There was a little part of me that was heartbroken that I couldn’t touch it. But then the other part of me that knows I can be a train wreck. Knowing that, I didn’t want my fingerprints anywhere on the sign because I would probably knock it down someway, somehow.

Concessions
Once we left the sign, Candace introduced us to some of her team who help streamline the member experience: Nick and Ashley. With them along for the tour we checked out a few of the concessions on the main, upper, and suite level. On the Main Level, we saw restaurants like B.S. Taqueria, Ludo Bird and Goose Island. One of the stops we checked out was Draft Kings.

The sports bar serves up plates of hot dogs, mac n cheese, and wings which you can pair with any of their craft beers or cocktails. And if you’re in the mood for something sweet, they have what could be the best tasting soft serve! I was more than happy to have a nice sample of their soft serve once I saw it on a cone. It tasted exactly as the name describes it; almost like a cloud!

As I let the little kid in me finish off the dessert, we made our way to the Upper Level Concession. On that floor were EATS, All-In, and Smokehouse BBQ. As we passed restaurant after restaurant, Nick took us to the Suite and Premier level where we made our way to Buss Stop. The tiny stand has a variety of dishes including sushi plates and rolls, sausages, and ramen. Nick made the great suggestion that we try one of the ramen bowls. I was thinking it would be light and dainty bowl and Nick had an expression that said, “Just wait.” Turns out, I was wrong. The bowl was packed over the brim with jalapenos, mushrooms, carrots, green onions, chicken, and the lightest broth possible. It may look small but it’s more than enough for one person. Ryan and I were about to finish it when Nick advised us not to. My facial expression back to him screamed, “You don’t know how much I can eat, buddy.” And with that, he accepted my challenge.

The coolest part to the tour so far was when we got to check out the stadium’s dessert room. An unassuming set of gray double doors hid what any breathing individual  would consider a dessert factory. With a single push, we stepped inside a room full of cakes, brownies, caramel apples, syrups, and cookies. Take one look to the right and there was a wall of cakes varying from chocolate to peanut butter cup. Take a look to the left and there are tables full of chocolate chip cookies and fudge brownies. The only place you could place your eyes and not see something mouthwatering was on the floor or the ceiling. Nick let us know that the desserts and treats in this room are then taken door-to-door on the suite and premier levels and offered to guests in the rooms. It’s like a fat kids dream of room service!

San Manuel Club
Nick and Candace then took us to the San Manuel Club. As I walked in and saw the buffet tables and bar, I gulped loud enough for the players on the court to hear. I was not ready for this. This club isn’t available to the public; instead it can only be accessed by all Staples Center Premier Seat, Private Suite and Premier Tables, and Lounge Ticket Holders. Looking at the availability people have to food and comfortable seating, it is clearly a club you would want to be a part of.

Before we sat to eat, Candace showed us the booths facing the court that lined the floor. They are perfect for the hungry sports fan! You get a spacious booth and table to easily fit your friends and all the food you plan to devour. And if you’re afraid you’ll miss all the up-close action that happens on the court, don’t worry, there’s a TV’s right in front of you. They’ve thought of everything!

It was now time for us to eat. We sat down and Chef Tony came to our table and brought a few items for us to have. A plate of beautifully colored sushi almost danced onto my chopsticks. They were fresh and full of flavor and this even included the most basic of all rolls, the California roll. We added a few cocktails to the mix and I could feel myself getting stuffed.

That’s when Chef Tony came back and let us know we could grab anything from the buffet. “Wait, there’s more?” That’s when I had a flashback of Nick smiling and saying, “Just wait” in slow motion that I realized I was in over my head. There was so much food! I still ate more though.

Lexus Club
After having dinner in the San Manuel Club, we then took a short walk from the dining area to a set of doors near the patio and were inside the Lexus Club. The ultra-exclusive and private club allows some of the center’s premier guests to dine in luxury and privacy. Initially, I noticed a lot of wood finish and thought the club could use a bit of a renovation. That’s when Nick confirmed there would be a revamp in the near future and it would include a very modern design with a metallic finish. I can only imagine how beautiful it’s going to be when it’s done!

As I scanned the club, it was nice to see that guests could indulge in various cuisines either in the indoor dining section or in the patio area. Whether a person wants to pick and choose from the buffet, order off the menu, or simply watch a game on screen at the bar, the choice is theirs.

As we were given the tour, you could see how relaxed people were in this section since it was closed off from the busy San Manuel Casino. It was quieter, more intimate, and it was where the celebrities ate. Why do I say that? Because in that very moment, Rick Fox walked by and I couldn’t hear a single word Nick was saying. The mere fact that Rick Fox eats in the Lexus Club made me want to pull out all of my credit cards to get a membership. “Take all of my money!” Am I saying I would buy a club membership just to be near a famous and handsome basketball player? I would definitely flirt with the idea. But knowing that even celebrities and athletes frequent this club shows that it has to be a great membership.

Hyde Lounge
Before we made our last stop to the suites, we went to Hyde Lounge. Tucked away behind drapes and a slate door was a dark and seductive night lounge. With a bar, DJ booth, photo booth, beautiful seating, and perfect views of the court, Hyde is an ideal option for the sports fan who loves to host friends and have fun at the same time.

The Suites
Our final stop on what was the best tour a foodie could as for, was to the suites. Room A30 to be exact. It was spacious, and equipped with a sink, sofa, tables, and a view to make it feel like I was right on the floor without being in a crowd. I loved how we were blessed to experience a game with such accommodations in the suite. Looking throughout the stadium from this room, I could see other rooms full of equally satisfied people. It looked as if this was one the best ways to experience the game (floor seats aside, of course). Then there was a knock on the door and the dessert cart from earlier arrived. More food. I didn’t wear the right clothes for this, but I still took a slice of cake.

The tour that Ryan and I received from Candace, Nick, and Ashley was incredible! I was glad that I got to see so many parts of a venue that I didn’t know existed. Even more, it was great to see that I would no longer need to sneak food into the stadium. With so many delicious dining options I can honestly say that will retire my smuggling purse. Goodbye to the tactics to get food past the security guards, and hello to getting food from Buss Stop. Or maybe Draft Kings. No B.S. Taqueria for sure. Who am I kidding, I think we all know I’m just going to break into the dessert room.

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