INGLEWOOD, Calif. — The unquestioned star of NBA opening week in Southern California was the Clippers’ new home, the Intuit Dome.
The Intuit Dome opener. pic.twitter.com/zWJd3KaIy2
— Andrew Greif (@AndrewGreif) October 24, 2024
From the massive halo screen above the court — something coach Tyronn Lue admitted looking up at for multi-camera angle replays to decide if he should challenge a call — to the USB chargers and heaters at every seat, it feels like the arena has everything for the fans. Seriously, everything. There are controllers built into those seats, allowing fans to answer questions and play games on the halo screen for prizes during timeouts, and the entire venue is cashless/app-driven with grab-and-go food. It feels like the future of arenas (still, there were more than a few empty seats on opening night, even if the tickets were sold).
And then there’s “The Wall” — a steep section of special seats only for Clippers fans (if you’re wearing another team’s gear you’re requested to move). At the wall’s core is a loud, college student-style cheering section that is never quiet…