Intuit Dome
The City of Inglewood approved an exclusive negotiating agreement with the Los Angeles Clippers in 2017. This deal paved the way for a new basketball-specific arena across from SoFi Stadium. The team had not owned its home venue since leaving the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena in 1999. For decades, they rented spaces like Buffalo's Memorial Auditorium and San Diego's Sports Arena without any tangible ownership interest. Their previous arrangement at Crypto.com Arena required a neutralization process to cover Lakers banners before each game. Steve Ballmer saw building a dedicated facility as a high priority for the franchise. A groundbreaking ceremony finally took place on the 17th of September 2021. The arena opened on the 15th of August 2024, ahead of the 2024, 25 NBA season.
Uplift Inglewood filed a lawsuit alleging that the city violated the state Surplus Land Act. They argued proposals for affordable housing should have received preference over the arena project. Mayor James T. Butts Jr. countered that the site was unsuitable for residential use due to proximity to Los Angeles International Airport. The Madison Square Garden Company also opposed the construction through litigation. MSG feared the new venue would unduly compete with their live events business at The Forum. They paid legal fees for Inglewood Residents Against Takings and Evictions to challenge the deal. Leaked emails from March 2019 showed Irving Azoff trying to lure the Lakers back to The Forum. This strategy aimed to block the Clippers while giving MSG an advantage over rival AEG. A judge ruled against Uplift Inglewood in November 2019. The California Air Resources Board approved the arena after evaluating its environmental impact in December 2019.
The Clippers released renderings of the proposed arena on the 25th of July 2019. AECOM designed the 18,000-seat facility which includes a practice facility and sports medicine clinic. An additional area is set aside for retail space and another large outdoor plaza. The arena features a seating section known as The Wall with 51 consecutive rows. No suites are positioned on the baseline adjacent to the visitor’s bench in this section reserved for fans. It resembles the Yellow Wall at Borussia Dortmund's Westfalenstadion in Germany. Over 1,100 toilets and urinals exist within the building, three times the league average. A double-sided halo board covers the interior with 4K resolution display technology. T-shirt cannons installed in the Halo Boards launch merchandise into upper levels during games. Public artwork lines the walls including Glenn Kaino's Sails series made of painted steel and wood.
Ballmer announced an acquisition of The Forum for $400 million in March 2020 to settle litigation. The sale was completed in May with all existing employees retained under new ownership. This purchase removed the last major hurdle blocking construction of the new arena. A 23-year naming rights deal worth at least $500 million was announced with Intuit. Mountain View based financial software company Intuit secured the naming rights for the facility. Bruno Mars opened the venue with back-to-back shows on August 15 and 16, 2024. The Clippers played their first preseason game on October 14 winning 110, 96 against Dallas. They lost their first regular season game on October 23 to Phoenix Suns in overtime before 18,300 fans. The team secured their first home win on November 4 defeating San Antonio Spurs 113, 104.
Intuit Dome hosted its first NBA playoff game on the 24th of April 2025 against Denver Nuggets. Fans watched a 117, 83 victory in front of 17,927 spectators. Bruno Mars performed inaugural concerts on August 15 and 16 as part of his 2022, 24 tour. Marco Antonio Solís followed on August 18 for his Eternamente Agradecido tour. Olivia Rodrigo appeared on August 20 and 21 during her Guts World Tour. Future and Metro Boomin took the stage on August 31 for their We Trust You Tour. Usher's Past Present and Future tour ran from September 21 through 25. Billy Joel performed on October 12 following a show by Weezer on October 11. Linkin Park played a sold-out show on the 13th of September 2025 promoting their comeback album From Zero. Rauw Alejandro became the first Latin artist to perform three back-to-back sold-out nights starting the 25th of April 2025.
The arena will serve as a basketball venue during the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. It is scheduled to host events as part of the international competition. The facility stands ready to accommodate global athletes and spectators when the games arrive. Two hotels are expected to open near the arena in June 2026. A five-story Fairfield by Marriott sits adjacent to Intuit Dome's east garage. A fifteen-story Arya Hotel will rise south of the arena on 102nd Street. The venue continues to expand its role beyond professional sports into community events like FireAid relief efforts. CBS 60 Minutes reported from the dome on the 13th of October 2024 during a segment called Ballmer’s Ballgame. Reporter Jon Wertheim received a tour of the facility from Steve Ballmer during the interview.
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Common questions
When did the City of Inglewood approve an exclusive negotiating agreement with the Los Angeles Clippers?
The City of Inglewood approved an exclusive negotiating agreement with the Los Angeles Clippers in 2017. This deal paved the way for a new basketball-specific arena across from SoFi Stadium.
Who designed the Intuit Dome and how many seats does it hold?
AECOM designed the 18,000-seat facility which includes a practice facility and sports medicine clinic. The arena features a seating section known as The Wall with 51 consecutive rows.
What date did the Intuit Dome officially open to the public?
The arena opened on the 15th of August 2024 ahead of the 2024 25 NBA season. Bruno Mars opened the venue with back-to-back shows on August 15 and 16 2024.
Why did Uplift Inglewood file a lawsuit against the city regarding the Intuit Dome project?
Uplift Inglewood filed a lawsuit alleging that the city violated the state Surplus Land Act. They argued proposals for affordable housing should have received preference over the arena project.
When will the Intuit Dome host events during the Summer Olympics in Los Angeles?
The arena will serve as a basketball venue during the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. It is scheduled to host events as part of the international competition.