The Intuit Dome, a state-of-the-art arena in Inglewood that will host basketball competitions during the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. Home of the LA Clippers, the Intuit Dome opened its doors to a roaring crowd of 18,000 fans during a preseason NBA game, offering a glimpse of what athletes and spectators can expect at the upcoming Olympic Games.
Steve Ballmer, owner of the Clippers and former CEO of Microsoft, invested more than $2 billion to realize his vision of a dedicated arena that would foster energy and community spirit. “We need a home,” Ballmer declared years ago, and his ambition has materialized into an architectural marvel that promises to become the epicenter of sports and entertainment in the city. His determination overcame numerous hurdles, including legal battles with the Madison Square Garden Company over land acquisition, culminating in a $400 million purchase of the Forum to pave the way for construction.
The Intuit Dome features the largest double-sided video scoreboard ever built, aptly named the Halo Board. With LED panels covering an acre, it provides an unparalleled visual experience that immerses spectators in the action. The arena’s steep, bowl-shaped design brings fans closer to the court, intensifying the atmosphere of every game. The iconic “Wall” section, consisting of 51 consecutive rows of seats, provides an immersive experience unlike any other basketball arena.
The 1.1 million-square-foot venue is completely carbon-free, powered by an extensive rooftop solar array and advanced battery storage. This setup allows the arena to operate off-grid for more than six hours, in keeping with LA28’s vision to host a green Olympics. Specialized roof panels regulate temperature and optimize natural lighting, further enhancing the green design and making it a model for future sports venues.
The decision to use the Intuit Dome for the Olympic basketball competitions reflects LA28’s “radical reuse” strategy, which emphasizes the use of existing and temporary infrastructure to minimize financial and environmental impacts. This approach is consistent with Olympic Agenda 2020’s recommendation to adapt the Games to the host city, rather than the city adapting to the Games. As a privately funded project completed earlier this year, the Intuit Dome fits seamlessly into this sustainable framework, avoiding the need for new permanent Olympic-specific structures.
IOC President Thomas Bach recently toured the Intuit Dome during his visit to Los Angeles and was effusive in his praise. “These facilities are impressive; athletes can expect an extraordinary experience at LA28,” he remarked. Bach emphasized that Los Angeles, like Paris, will offer authentic Olympic Games that reflect the city’s rich sports culture. “The Games always represent the sporting culture of the host country and LA has a lot to offer. I am really looking forward to LA,” he added.
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The Clippers’ star shooting guard, NBA All-Star and Olympic gold medalist James Harden, expressed his excitement about the new arena. “It’s crazy in here with the scoreboard and the fans and the lights. I’m excited,” Harden said, capturing the anticipation felt by players and fans alike. The feeling is shared by the entire team as they prepare to make the Intuit Dome their fortress in the NBA.
The journey to build the Intuit Dome was driven by a desire to create a distinct identity for the Clippers, separate from the shared facilities at Crypto.com Arena, formerly known as Staples Center, which they previously shared with the LA Lakers. The move not only provides the Clippers with a home of their own, but also contributes to the development of Inglewood as a major sports and entertainment hub, adjacent to the impressive SoFi Stadium, home of the NFL’s Los Angeles Rams and Chargers.
Upon completion, the Intuit Dome will raise the profile of Los Angeles as a premier destination for global sporting events. In addition to hosting NBA games, the arena will host major events such as the 2026 NBA All-Star Game and concerts featuring world-renowned artists. Its presence is expected to boost the local economy and leave a lasting legacy in the community.
As the countdown to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games continues, the Intuit Dome is a symbol of the city’s commitment to innovation, sustainability and athletic excellence. Its significance extends beyond basketball; it embodies a transformative vision where fans, athletes and elite sports come together to inspire a more vibrant and sustainable future for Olympism.
Los Angeles will host the 2028 Olympic Games from July 14-30, followed by the Paralympic Games from August 15-27.
