Eye-popping plans for world’s most expensive arena to open in weeks with £1.5bn bill…but it’s SMALLER than London’s O2
THESE are the eye-popping plans for the world’s most expensive arena set to open in just a matter of weeks – but it’s smaller than London’s O2.
The Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, California, US will “redefine what it means to be the best arena in the world” when it finally opens this summer.
Set to be the new permanent home of the Los Angeles Clippers basketball team, who currently play at the nearby Crypto.com Arena, the groundbreaking stadium is on the brink of completion.
After more than three years of construction, the $2billion (£1.5billion) masterpiece is ready to wow the world.
However, with a underwhelming capacity of just 18,000 spectators, it falls below the O2 Arena in terms of size – with the iconic London venue holding 20,000.
But the Intuit Dome is no ordinary venue, having been equipped with some of the most advanced technology.
This will ensure it delivers “a uniquely intimate and intense experience”, the Intuit Dome website says.
Located in the suburb of Inglewood, the Intuit Dome is covered in a shell made from diamond plate panels, allowing it to resemble a giant basketball net sat on top of the venue.
Inside, there are five full-sized courts in total, more than any other NBA venue, including two practice courts and an outdoor one.
The main arena has a steep, bowl shaped layout that bears down on the court, bringing fans much closer to the action.
There’s even a whole section called “The Wall” that will house the most hardcore fans to help create an intense atmosphere.
Made up of 51 rows, it is situated directly behind the visiting teams bench.
For those in the higher echelons of the stadium, the largest ever double-sided video board found in an arena setting provides them with all the action as it happens.
Named “The Halo”, it stretches for almost a full acre around and possess more than 200 million LEDs.
Outside, you’ll find 7,000-square-metre plaza containing shops, bars, and restaurants, as well as a massive LED screen to watch games on.
On the commercial side of things, you’ll find offices and a hotel included within the vicinity, along with a car park with 4,000 spaces.
To help improve the matchday experience, Clippers owner Steve Ballmer, the former CEO of Microsoft, has ordered the installation of 1,160 toilets and urinals – three times the NBA average.
“We do not want people waiting in line,” Ballmer said at the groundbreaking ceremony for the new arena in 2021. “We want them to get back to their damn seats.”
Other quirky features include the use of grab-and-go concession stands with no checkout line, and 199 game clocks inside the concourse to remind people when the game is back on.
The venue will also be carbon free, meaning it will produce zero waste, and the arena itself is fully electric.
There are almost 300 solar panels nailed onto the roof, allowing the stadium to operate off-grid for almost six hours.
The arena isn’t just for sport, however, with live music events and stand-up comedy also set to take stage here.
Concerts have already been announced by the likes of Bruno Mars, Billy Joel and Usher.
The venue also has plans to host the 2026 NBA All-Star Game and serve as a basketball venue during the 2028 Summer Olympics.
