Biking, hockey fans will flood into downtown Los Angeles

Tens of thousands of cycling, hockey and basketball fans will converge at Staples Center in a weekend packed with post-season games and the final stage of the 2012 Amgen Tour of California — events that authorities are warning will close streets and delay traffic in the downtown Los Angeles area.

The biggest wrench in traffic will be crowds overlapping for the Kings game and the bike race Sunday.

Street closures were scheduled to begin after the Lakers game Saturday night — along Figueroa Street from Pico to Olympic boulevards and on Chick Hearn Court/11th Street from Flower Avenue to Georgia Street — when two pedestrian bridges will be erected so Kings fans can cross the bike route Sunday morning for Game 4 of the NHL Western conference finals.

Kings fans are encouraged to arrive early — Staples Center will be open at 9 a.m., with pre-game events and refreshments available. Kings fans who aren’t using public transit should park north of the arena, with cycling fans parking to the south or in lots at the Coliseum, where there will be free shuttle service. A bike valet will also be provided at Staples Center.

Outside Staples, the final day of the eight-day, 750-mile professional bike race is expected to end by noon after a five-mile downtown circuit.

Street closures along the circuit will begin at 7 a.m., with thousands expected to participate in a free biking event along the course before Amgen riders enter starting at 10:30 a.m.