Located across the street from Staples Center, Nokia Theatre is part of a large Downtown renovation project. If you haven't been to downtown LA in a while, you might be surprised to see all the growth.
Anyway, on to the venue. It's brand spankin' new, so you're not going to find lots of character that you would in an older venue like the Wiltern. Entrance was easy, even w/ the metal detectors. There is a downstairs 'lounge', which amounts to concession stands and a couple of couches.
The venue seats around 7000. If you've been to the Universal Amphitheater(Gibson Amp) the layout and size feel pretty similar. They claim no seat is further than 220 feet from the stage--that said, I still wouldn't want to sit in the back...it felt far.
In addition to the upper balcony, there are also side boxes similar to what you'd see in traditional opera houses.
THe sound was very good from the sixth row. I cannot comment from any other seat. There are also two large video screens that flank the stage.
Parking in downtown LA is pretty easy. There are dozens and dozens of lots to choose from...the further away you get from the venue, generally the cheaper they get. Being old and lazy, I opted for the new structure beneath the venue. $25 later, I had my spot. After the show, I followed the herd out and was pleasantly surprised to have a VERY easy exit from the structure. A very well run parking lot--how often can you say that?!
Side notes: I never had to wait for a bathroom(men's), and 10 minutes was the longest I waited for a beer. There is some light fare if you're hungry--sandwiches, california rolls, chips, candy... Beer is 10 bucks for a 24 ounce cup.