Crypto.com Arena, home to the LA Kings, Los Angeles Lakers and LA Sparks, has completed a major lighting upgrade with the installation of 140 PROTEUS series fixtures, including the new PROTEUS RADIUS from Elation Professional.
Designed and delivered by its trusted partner Volt Integrated, this new system is a key part of the venue’s multi-year renovation plan and brings a completely refreshed game-night look to one of the world’s most iconic sports arenas.
A landmark venue
Since opening in 1999, Crypto.com Arena has established itself as a premier destination for top-level sports, major concerts, awards ceremonies and international broadcasts. As part of its ongoing commitment to improving the fan experience, the arena relied on Volt Integrated to lead the next stage of its lighting modernisation.
Volt, a long-time partner of the arena, served as consultant, dealer and integrator for the new installation.
We’ve had a relationship with this venue for many years; for us, it’s much more than a customer. It’s an iconic site and the work we do here is a true collaboration. We’re proud to bring this upgrade to life, funded by the LA Kings, who want to provide fans with an unforgettable experience, said Grant Dunn of Volt Lites, the project’s sales lead.
PROTEUS RADIUS
The previous 15-year-old discharge beam fixtures were due for replacement. After completing an 18-month market analysis and on-site product demonstrations, Volt and the Kings selected the PROTEUS RADIUS, a compact, high-intensity IP66 beam FX fixture powered by a cutting-edge LILI (Laser Illuminated Lighting Instrument) light engine. The RADIUS stood out for its output, reliability, LILI engine and the ability to eliminate lamp maintenance entirely.
“We initially installed four PROTEUS RADIUS fixtures for sporting events to test them out”, explains Dunn. “They were really punchy, and we really liked the continuous pan/tilt. We wanted something futureproof, and this was the only option with the LILI engine, which was a great selling point”.
LILI light engine
Powered by Elation’s LILI light engine, the PROTEUS RADIUS delivers an ultra-intense 0.9° beam, with higher efficiency, longer lifespan and no need for lamp replacements. The result is a brighter, cleaner look with far less long-term maintenance.
It didn’t make sense to go with lamp-based fixtures. In the past, accessing the units and replacing lamps took a lot of time. Now, with the LILI engine, there are no lamp changes, so maintenance is much lower, Dunn noted.
Dramatic impact
A total of 112 RADIUS fixtures are mounted in a full circle around the rink, creating a powerful cage-like effect that surrounds the ice during player introductions, goal celebrations and other key game moments. The beams lock in tightly around the playing surface for Kings games and also deliver high-energy looks for Lakers and Sparks home games. During timeouts, the 42 gobos, four prisms and 360° rotation combine to produce spectacular aerial effects, ballyhoos and other eye-catching looks over the ice.
Volt supplied the fixtures during the offseason and also handled the infrastructure, cabling, DMX distribution and fixture preparation for the installation, which was completed by the arena’s in-house team in early September, ahead of the start of the NHL season. The project included a months-long evaluation period, an offseason installation window and full commissioning prior to the NHL home opener.
The new lighting has become an essential element in reinforcing the LA Kings’ brand identity, and the Lakers and Sparks have also embraced it by integrating the system into their in-game entertainment.
Scoreboard lighting
The PROTEUS RADIUS fixtures are not the only Elation lights in the arena. In 2024, Crypto.com Arena incorporated 16 PROTEUS RAYZOR 1960 and 12 PROTEUS MAXIMUS fixtures into its new 360-degree motorised scoreboard.
Beyond driving fan excitement and elevating the live experience, the fixtures provide broadcast-grade output for both live and televised coverage. Volt collaborated with City Theatrical and the arena team to develop a custom honeycomb filter for the RAYZOR fixtures, reducing camera glare without compromising their IP65 rating or full tilt capabilities.
With these latest upgrades, Crypto.com Arena now has a complete, modern lighting package across its profile, wash and beam categories. It’s a future-ready system designed to increase fan engagement, ensure broadcast quality and maximise game-presentation impact, Dunn concluded.
Photos courtesy of Volt Integrated
