Staples Center, It's Your Birthday

She is only 10, but she has seen so much. Of course, we're talking about the beloved Staples Center, the scene of triumphant sports achievements and bitter grief, shows to remember and shows to definitely forget, but today it is not about the performers as much as it is about the stage in which they perform.

It was just 10 years ago that the entertainment and sports center opened with a concert by legendary rocker, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. Unimpressed by her beauty, Springsteen reportedly was aghast at the triple ring of luxury boxes, separate stairways and concourses that segregate the cheap seats from the prime ones, and he even complained about the acoustics. However, it didn't stop him from selling out three consecutive shows to launch the beginning of the world-class arena.

But Oct. 17, 1999, was just the beginning for all that the Staples Center would see in the form of music, sports and all the other events that have made their way through her front door. Here are some highlights:

The only stadium to have four professional teams to call it home: Los Angeles Lakers, LA Clippers, LA Sparks and the LA Kings.

The Sparks, from the WNBA, have won two titles in the Staples Center and had the best women to ever play basketball, Lisa Leslie, and the best player in basketball now, Candace Parker.

Staples will also get her first look at an up-and-coming NBA star, Blake Griffin, as he dons the Clippers jersey this year.

The Lakers won four NBA titles at Staples, and their raucous victory rallies and parades-- complete with some interesting dancing by Mark Madsen and an inspiring speech by Slava Medvedenko--have surrounded the stylistic oval.

Bill Clinton accepted the roar of approval as he made his final speech as head of the Democratic Party from the Staples floor at the 2000 convention, where Al Gore was nominated.

Nine Grammy awards telecasts have originated there since the award show moved there from the Shrine, a smaller venue located just a few miles away.

The Staples Center opened her stage to musical masterpieces as she hosted acts like the Rolling Stones, Madonna, Prince, U2, Dixie Chicks, The Eagles, Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake and a host of other top performers.

Michael Jackson danced his last steps there, and his daughter tearfully told 1 billion television viewers that she missed her daddy.

Though it cost $400 million to construct, on the site of an old exhibit hall for the L.A. Convention Center, it has revitalized a semi-abandoned warehouse district into a bustling residential district. It is now clustered with the LA Live and remains the hub of activity in downtown, proving that if you build it they will come.

Happy birthday, Staples Center. May you have 10 more great years filled with multiple championship titles, unbelievable musical events and moments we just can't stop talking about.

And who knows, could there be a little brother on the way?

Editor's note: This article mistakenly stated Wayne Gretzky played for the Kings at Staples Center. That error has been corrected.

Copyright Associated Press / NBC Los Angeles

Leave Comments