Microsoft Theater (now rebranded to Peacock Theater) is one of the most prominent indoor stages in the United States. With a seating capacity of more than 7,1000 people, this venue caters to a wide variety of events and audiences, even with high-profile neighbors like Staples Center and LA Live nearby, Microsoft Theater stands out as one of the best. So, what makes it special and different from every other theater in the country? Let’s find out
What Is the Microsoft Theater?
If you are here, chances are you are probably confused as to where exactly or what exactly the Microsoft Theater is. You would, of course, know or have come across the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles (LA). Before it spread its wings and grew its majestic, flamboyant feathers, Peacock Theater used to be called Microsoft Theater. However, on June 15, 2023, the theater got rebranded as part of a new naming rights deal between AEG Live and NBC Universal (Peacock’s parent company).
Putting names aside, the Microsoft Theater is one of the largest indoor stages in the US. This theater hosts some of the biggest music and theater shows in downtown Los Angeles, California, at the L.A Live entertainment complex. The theater opened on October 18, 2007, and has hosted multiple high-profile events throughout the years. In 2008 and 2011, Microsoft Theater hosted the Grammy Nominations Live. The Microsoft Theater has also been the annual host of the Primetime Emmy Awards since 2008.
American Music Awards, The Game Awards, BET Awards, iHeartRadio Music Awards, and Billboard Music Awards are some of the other high-profile events that this location has hosted. Thanks to the many events the venue hosts, parking near the Microsoft Theater can always be a challenge. That’s why it’s always best to pre-book a spot ahead of time through the Way app or website. The Theater was built by ELS Architecture and Urban Design of Berkeley, California.
Where Is Microsoft Theater Located?
Microsoft Theater is located at L.A. Live in South Park, Downtown Los Angeles. The L.A. Live entertainment complex is one of the busiest locations in Los Angeles. The exact address of the Microsoft Theater is 777 Chick Hearn Ct, Los Angeles. As this location is more or less in the heart of downtown LA, access to most major freeways is easy. There is also plenty of public transportation available on the go.
What Happened to the Microsoft Theater?
You can no longer find Microsoft Theater because it was rebranded as Peacock Theater in 2023. If you want more details or ask what happened to the Microsoft Theater, it is exactly the same as what happened to the Nokia Theater. The building that houses Peacock Theater today, at 777 Chick Hearn Ct, Los Angeles, initially opened as Nokia Theater in 2008. The theater held on to the same name between October 17, 2007, and June 6, 2015.
On June 7, 2015, following Microsoft’s acquisition of Nokia’s mobile device business, a new naming rights deal was announced. This would see Microsoft and AEG rebranding Nokia Theater to Microsoft Theater. The deal would also see the LA Live plaza getting its name changed to Microsoft Square (which eventually became Xbox Plaza). This is the name they continued to use from 2015 to June 2023.
The cycle repeats, and that’s exactly what happened to Microsoft Theater. When the Microsoft deal expired, Microsoft Theater was rebranded to Peacock Theater. The new deal between NBC Universal and AEG Live also changed the name of Xbox Plaza to Peacock Place.
What Are the Best Ways to Get Cheap Microsoft Theater Parking?
L.A Live is one of the busiest locations in the United States. It’s also the center of all activity in Los Angeles and as such, it is always a busy place to find yourself in. That’s why it’s very important that you explore and find the best ways to get cheap Microsoft Theater parking. It’s always good to consider pre-booking a secure spot for parking near the Microsoft Theater through websites like Way. Here are some more interesting ways to ensure that you get cheap and affordable Microsoft Theater Parking.
Reserve a spot ahead of time
One of the most sought-after parking services in LA is the many street parking metered spaces offered by LA. Official records claim that there are more than 38,000 metered parking spaces enforced and operated by the Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT). Even so, it’s quite normal to find lots of competition when it comes to finding a vacant spot for street parking in LA.
If you are someone that’s driven around LA, you would know how difficult it is to get vacant street parking space on normal days. Imagine event days and peak hours? You’ll find yourself making endless loops, hoping to get a safe and convenient spot for parking near Microsoft Theater. Avoid last-minute delays and unnecessary parking hassles by reserving a spot ahead of time.
Street parking lots also leave your car exposed to natural calamities, vandalism, and external hazards. Offsite garages, on the other hand, are secure and offer modern amenities like camera surveillance and 24-hour security. You can also reserve a spot ahead of time and move at your own pace if you go for offsite lots listed on Way.com.
Make use of promos
Another advantage of going for offsite parking garages instead of street parking or metered parking is the benefits you get. These range from amenities like camera surveillance, security, and complimentary shuttles to limited-time discounts and price drops. By subscribing to newsletters and other updates, you also stand a chance to get rewards like exclusive promo codes. You can use most of these promo codes before checking out to get discounts and price reductions.
Download the Way App
If you want to avoid unnecessary hassles and enjoy an easy offsite parking experience, download the Way App. Register your account, and you are all set to easily book and manage a parking spot for your car in no time. You will have access to all the information you need about the parking spot, like shuttle availability, security features, and the distance of the lot from you, all at your fingertips.
For Microsoft Theater parking, you can claim secure and convenient spots for rates as low as $5 per hour. Most garages listed on Way also come with plenty of modern amenities like camera surveillance, 24/7 security, valet parking, and more. You also don’t need to worry about getting tickets from LADOT for street parking violations when you book offsite parking near the Microsoft Theater through the Way App.
Renée Martin is a travel and car expert who focuses on road and air travel in the U.S. For the past 6 years, she’s been helping make driving and trip planning easier and budget-friendly for everyday travelers.
