The Inuit Dome: A New Era for the L.A. Clippers
The L.A. Clippers have been waiting a long time for a court of their own, after sharing a court with their rival for 25 years and enduring impossible game schedules and relocations. On August 15, 2024, they got their new home arena.
Approved by Inglewood in 2017 and having a groundbreaking ceremony in 2021, it took $2 billion and three years for the basketball team’s Inuit Dome to officially open. The opening days were kicked off with a concert by Bruno Mars to get fans and players excited for their new court experience.
“[They] deserve the ultimate home court,” said billionaire Clippers owner Steve Ballmer, “You’re going to have it here in Inglewood.”
As for now, there’s a lot to learn about the brand-new venue. Whether you’re wondering how to get to the big game, what you can expect inside, or what’s on the menu, this is what you need to know.
Finding Your Way
Built across from the recently constructed So-Fi Stadium and situated between the 405 and 110 freeways, it’s not a tough place to find. There’s a parking structure on Prairie Avenue and 102nd Street, connected via a pedestrian bridge to the plaza entrance. The Inuit Dome is also accessible by ten bus stops, which will put anyone a short walk away.
Artworks in the Arena
Outside the arena, the plaza is flanked by wide staircases leading to a restaurant, two bars, and a massive team store to satisfy a fan’s needs. Of course, there’s also a regulation basketball court at the entrance meant for public use, making the broader structure feel open and inviting.
Beyond the plaza, one of the world’s most expensive arenas waits. It’s huge, with panels designed to make it look like a basketball hoop, lit with animated lights that put on a show during the games at night.
Above the public court, the digital artwork “Living Arena” by Refik Anadol spans from one side of the court to the other, using LAX flight information and Inglewood weather data to create a beautiful data landscape for casual players to observe. The Clippers sourced this, and five other public installations by local artists for the plaza, making the arena more alive with culture. The dome’s lights themselves are another installation by Jennifer Steinkamp. Called “Swoosh,” they help give the arena its basketball hoop feel. “Cultural Playground” by Michael Massenburg is an encapsulation of LA’s cultural identity in a mural, and “Spring to Life” by Kyungmi Kim is a stained glass mosaic inspired by Centinela Springs, which once sustained the Tongva people. Of course, the installations wouldn’t be complete without “Sails” by Glenn Kaino, an imposing clipper boat for the team’s name.
Inside the Dome
Within the arena, you’ll be met with a massive Halo Board designed to let everyone participate in the game. It’s 40,000 square feet of LED lights hovering above the court, letting the game unfold more dynamically and with real-time information.
Even the comfort in the Inuit Dome is state-of-the-art. In each chair, there’s a USB port for keeping your phone charged, a controller for playing games that appear on the Halo Board, and more leg room than anywhere in the NBA. They also come with built-in decibel gauges, because whoever’s loudest will get discounts on Clippers food and merchandise. With your discount, head to the fully automated concessions market, designed to grab and go by paying with your phone at the gate.
The Inuit Dome is also fully carbon neutral. Equipped with a vast array of solar panels and naturally acclimatized, they even took carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere and used it in the arena’s concrete foundation.
Tickets and Events
Beyond a season membership, tickets aren’t yet available. There are several upcoming concerts, however, scheduled for the next few months.
