INGLEWOOD, Calif. — The brand-new Intuit Dome welcomed basketball enthusiasts for its grand debut on Monday night, serving as the venue for the Los Angeles Clippers’ preseason match against the Dallas Mavericks. Although the arena has been alive with concerts since August, this marked the first time fans filled the seats for a basketball game in the more than $2 billion initiative led by Clippers owner Steve Ballmer.
Fans entered the building through cutting-edge facial recognition technology, and a spectacular double-sided halo board displayed an array of visuals, including photos, videos, and statistics, enhancing the overall experience. Formerly, the Clippers shared the crypto.com Arena with the Lakers and the Kings, but now, they finally have their own distinct home.
“It feels fantastic to have our own space. Everyone is really thrilled about it,” said Clippers coach Tyronn Lue. “Our entire organization is buzzing with excitement. Tonight, our supporters will get a taste of what it means to have our own place. You can leave your gear in the locker room and return at any time without concern. This is our arena, and everything feels secure here.”
In a recent appearance on “60 Minutes,” Ballmer expressed his optimism about the venue improving his team’s performance. He believes the elevated energy from the crowd will positively impact the game. “I truly feel that if our audience can really engage, it will energize our basketball team,” he remarked.
Upon arriving, fans discovered an extensive 80,000-square-foot outdoor plaza featuring a public basketball court, setting a lively tone for the evening. Patricia Blakemore, an excited attendee from nearby Manhattan Beach, shared her enthusiasm: “It’s incredibly advanced technology-wise. I must say, the staff’s helpfulness from the moment we parked our car has been a delight.”
New fan Eric Swallow, who purchased season tickets, shared his excitement: “I became a fan just today! This new stadium is close to Manhattan Beach, and that’s all it took.”
Visitors from France, Estelle Talleu and Matteo Decarlini, were also present, drawn by the allure of basketball and the Los Angeles ambiance. “I love basketball, and I wanted to experience this atmosphere,” Decarlini noted. “In France, nothing compares to this. The size of this arena is astonishing.” Talleu echoed her sentiments about the impressive halo board, capturing moments on video like many others in the crowd of nearly 18,000.
With an ample number of facilities, including 1,400 restrooms, Ballmer couldn’t help but brag about this feature on “60 Minutes.” He expressed his disdain for lines, stating, “Waiting for the restroom can hinder the experience, frustrating fans and making them miss out on the game.”
Located in a bustling entertainment district, the Intuit Dome is less than a mile from Sofi Stadium, home to the NFL’s Los Angeles Rams and Chargers, as well as The Kia Forum, a concert venue and former home to the Lakers. The arena boasts a carbon-free and cashless environment, complete with state-of-the-art amenities.
Juvenal Martinez, a 14-year-old who attended the game with his uncle, shared his impressions: “The arena is fantastic. I like all the technology, especially the facial recognition for entry.”
Construction on this impressive venue began in 2021, with its inaugural opening happening in August. It is expected to host numerous major events, including the 2026 All-Star Game and basketball competitions for the 2028 Olympics set to take place in Los Angeles.
Mavericks coach Jason Kidd praised the new venue, stating, “It’s stunning to be able to practice here and take part in shootarounds. They have done an exceptional job, and I believe Clippers fans will be thrilled. The fan experience here is unmatched, and it will be exhilarating for the first visiting team to enjoy it.”
