VIDEO: Clippers Announce They're Building New Arena in Inglewood
By Scott Rogust
The Los Angeles Clippers have shed their "younger brother" status in comparison to the Lakers. This offseason, they signed two-time NBA Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard and traded for star forward Paul George, making them favorites for the Larry O'Brien Trophy entering next season. On Thursday, the Clippers continued to reward their loyal fan base by announcing that they're building a new arena in Inglewood, Calif.
The new Clippers arena pic.twitter.com/OObiqKPYnO
— The Render (@TheRenderNBA) July 26, 2019
“My goal is simple. I want the Clippers to have the best home in all of sports,” said Clippers Chairman Steve Ballmer, via a press release. “What that means to me is an unparalleled environment for players, for fans, for sponsors and for the community of Inglewood. Our goal is to build a facility that re-sets fans’ expectations while having a transformative impact on the city we will call home.”
The Inglewood Basketball and Entertainment Center has a unique three-dimensional oval design, which was inspired by a basketball swishing through a net.
The 18,500-seat arena wasn't the only announcement. The Clippers training facility and sports medicine clinic will also be in the same lot. Not only that, but a corporate headquarters building, community parks, basketball courts, restaurants, and stores will also be built around the arena.
Here is the first look at the Clippers’ Inglewood Basketball & Entertainment Complex, which will include an 18,500-seat arena, a corporate HQ building, the team training facility, a sports medicine clinic, community courts, park spaces, educ. facilities, restaurants & shops. pic.twitter.com/ZD1UT1xWyg
— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) July 26, 2019
Perhaps the most telling bit of information regarding the Clippers new arena/community area is that it's construction will be privately funded, and will require no financing from taxpayers.
The Inglewood Basketball and Entertainment Center is scheduled to be completed by the fall of 2024, the exact time the Clippers' lease ends with the Staples Center.