The entertainment landscape in Southern California just got a major upgrade with the official opening of the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. The $2 billion project, finally completed after years of anticipation and planning, will serve as the new home for the NBA's Los Angeles Clippers. ABC7 reports that the inaugural event on Thursday will feature a performance by Grammy winner Bruno Mars.
In a statement, Inglewood Mayor James Butts touted the Dome as the nucleus of social excellence, economic resurgence, and diversity. "But now, we will have the newest, grandest stadium in the world, SoFi, and the newest, grandest arena in the world - the Intuit Dome. There are no words," Butts stated, as quoted by ABC7. Not only will the state-of-the-art venue play host to the Clippers, but it also has a lineup of star-studded acts throughout the rest of the year, including Olivia Rodrigo, Mexican singer Peso Pluma, and hip-hop duo Future and Metro Boomin, as detailed by KTLA.
Fans attending events at the venue will be required to download the Intuit Dome app to access tickets via "Game Face ID," which allows for seamless entry without a physical ticket. The move to a technologically driven experience is part of Clippers owner Steve Ballmer's vision for the venue. As detailed by LAist, "He said ‘Don't forget the real fan. Don't forget the folks who sit up high. Don't make it all about the folks who are just paying a lot of money,’ and that really meant a lot to me," Ballmer explained, emphasizing the fan-centric approach to the dome's design and functionality.
Key to the dome's sustainable initiatives is its net-zero carbon status — it's decked with solar panels for most of its energy needs, and any shortfall is covered by purchasing renewable energy. This aligns with Ballmer's commitment after purchasing the Clippers in 2014 to provide a carbon-neutral home for the team. "We actually took carbon dioxide out of the environment and put it into the concrete foundation in this building," Ballmer stated.
