A state–of–the–art, $2 billion arena, featuring a standing section for die–hard fans and an oversized video board, hosted its inaugural NBA basketball game on Oct. 23. 

This is the Intuit Dome, the new home of the LA Clippers. Since 1999, the ringless LA Clippers have shared an arena with 17–time NBA Champions, the LA Lakers, three–time WNBA Champions, the LA Sparks and two–time Stanley Cup Champions, the LA Kings.

  “The Clippers have always been the second team to the Lakers,” said Clippers fan Asher Wilson ‘28. “The move will hopefully be beneficial to our team because having a better stadium could bring out more fans to the games.”

Since LA is hosting the 2028 Summer Olympics, the city decided that the new Intuit Dome will be the arena for one of the most anticipated Olympic sports. 

The dome has already hosted events after it officially opened on Aug. 15. The stage has attracted headliners such as Future and Metro Boomin, Olivia Rodrigo, and Peso Pluma.

“The environment was very futuristic and extremely high–tech,” said Olivia Marcum ‘26. “I went to one of the first ever shows [at the Intuit Dome] when I saw Olivia Rodrigo perform. People were getting there early to take photos and see the [arena] for the first time.”

The venue introduced new high technology features at every seat. Each fan has access to a USB–C charger, a controller on the armrest and a built–in light that can change colors to match each event’s vibe. 

“The seats were fancy and super comfortable,” said Marco Riso ‘27. “When I saw Sebastian Maniscalco, I was amazed by the modern details. It was so much cleaner and nicer than any other stadium I have been to.”

Referred to as the Halo Board, the Clippers’ new home highlights a 360–degree video board, so every seat will get the perfect view of instant replays. It is equivalent in size to 3,592 60–inch TVs, in a similar format to its neighbor, Sofi Stadium.

“I had never seen anything like [the Halo Board] before,” said Victoria Zong ‘27. “You can’t miss it. The screen was at eye level for me, and the display was so smooth.

Clippers owner Steve Ballmer is focused on the experience for the fans, so he included The Wall, a standing section of 51 consecutive rows adjacent to the opposing team’s bench. 

“I am really excited to go to games this year,” said Wilson. “For the past few seasons, the Clippers have been down, and I have not been too interested in going to the games. Now, with The Wall, hopefully the fans can help lead the Clippers to success.”

To make the experience even more convenient, fans will get into the gates of the arena with the Intuit Dome app. Supporters will have access to parking structures, shopping and concessions all in one place using face identification.

“The face ID was really helpful because I was able to buy food using my face,” said Marcum. “Compared to other stadiums, the technology made it more efficient. There were some technical issues, but considering that it is a new venue, it was great.”

Ballmer’s hopes of making the Intuit Dome an arena of the future go beyond the technology. He made sure to include as many bathrooms as possible, so fans are not watching the game from the concourse.

“Toilets! 1,160 toilets and urinals, three times the NBA average number of toilets and urinals,” said Ballmer in an interview with Front Office Sports. “We do not want people waiting in line. We want them to get back to their seats at the end of the half.”

With the intention of honoring the state of California’s rich basketball history, the Intuit Dome will feature every high school basketball team’s jersey in the state along the walls.

“As soon as I got into the arena, I went to look for [the WHS basketball] jersey,” said Riso. “I think it is a great idea because [fans] can try to find their high school jerseys. The arena is insane, very elaborate and well–thought–out.”