Sponsored message
Logged in as
Audience-funded nonprofit news
radio tower icon laist logo
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
Subscribe
  • Listen Now Playing Listen

This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.

This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.

Arts & Entertainment

Staples Center Has A Secret Getaway Tunnel

One year ago, Congress defunded public media. Now that we're 100% community funded, please become a sustaining member or increase your existing membership today.

ESPN Radio's "All Night" host, Jason Smith (LAist Interview) recently received a special tour of the Staples Center. His guide was by AEG's V.P. of Communications, Michael Roth (AEG owns Staples.) In a wonderfully colorful and humorous piece on ESPN Radio's site, Smith wrote of the unique way the pair emerged into the Lakers' home . "We started out by entering the Nokia Theater, where concerts and events like the ESPYS are held on a routine basis. We walked through an underground tunnel that connects Nokia to Staples, a 30-second walk," Smith said. "Roth told me Seal came to Game 2 of the Rockets-Lakers series, watched the first half from his seats, then at halftime walked through the tunnel to perform his concert at the Nokia." No word on whether Seal was joined by Luke Walton.

One year ago, Congress voted to defund public media, eliminating a critical $1.7 million from our budget every year going forward. But they couldn’t silence us, and we’re not going anywhere. LAist is now 100% community funded and that means we’re taking our future into our own hands and turning to you to keep local reporting strong.

You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.

If this story helped you, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief

Make your tax-deductible donation today