Verizon to offer free Wi-Fi at Staples Center, Nokia Plaza

Going to a large sporting event usually means you won’t have Internet connection until you leave the stadium, but Los Angeles’ Staples Center will no longer have that problem.

The arena, which is home to the Lakers, Clippers and the Kings, has been outfitted to provide attendees with free Wi-Fi courtesy of Verizon Wireless. Thursday night’s NHL playoff game between the Kings and the San Jose Sharks will be the first time users can try out the building’s new wireless network.

That means the next time you want to check in on Facebook or Foursquare, send out a tweet about Blake Griffin’s monster jam, or publish an Instagram of Kobe Bryant, you won’t have to wait until your data network gets unclogged.

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Additionally, Verizon’s free Wi-Fi network will also be extended to the Nokia Plaza at L.A. Live starting May 21.

“The reliability and access will encourage our fans to use popular social networks like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Foursquare to share their experiences while at Staples Center and L.A. Live,” said Lee Zeidman, vice president and general manager of Staples Center, Nokia Theatre and L.A. Live, in a statement.

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