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The INGLEWOOD, Calif. — On Wednesday, the Clippers celebrated the grand opening of their new arena with a moment fans had never experienced in the franchise's 54-year history. Steve Ballmer, the man behind the project, took the microphone and shouted, “Welcome home, Clipper Nation!”
The only thing that could rival the excitement would be hearing, “We’re finally champions.” Until that day comes, Clippers fans will settle for their new $2 billion home, the Intuit Dome. The 18,000-seat arena, a gift from Ballmer, is designed to set a new standard for future venues.
Few owners match Ballmer’s wealth, enthusiasm, or vision, and he made sure no corners were cut in creating this state-of-the-art facility.
The Intuit Dome's debut NBA game was a success—until the Clippers fell to the Phoenix Suns in overtime, 116-113. The crowd, though not filling every seat, stayed until the dramatic conclusion.
The here are five key takeaways from the Clippers' new home:
1. **All Good in Inglewood**
The Clippers have had a nomadic past, from sharing venues with hockey teams in Buffalo to playing alongside indoor soccer teams in San Diego, and finally moving to LA’s Staples Center. However, they always played second fiddle to the Lakers and Kings.
The Now, in Inglewood—ironically, the Lakers' former home base—the Clippers have their own dedicated space. The Intuit Dome, built during the technological era, takes full advantage of modern innovations, thanks to Ballmer’s deep pockets.
The Some standout features include an impressive number of bathrooms (three times the NBA average) and a system where fans can order food and merch via an app, then simply grab and go without waiting in line. Additionally, the “Halo” scoreboard—a 360-degree, 4K masterpiece that offers multiple replay angles—and “The Wall,” a 51-row fan section behind a basket with no luxury suites, create a college-like atmosphere that’s rare in the NBA.
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