Ever since moving to Los Angeles in 1984, the Clippers have been in the shadow of their crosstown rivals, the Lakers.
This holds true not only in terms of on-court success but also off-court appeal and popularity.
The Clippers have zero championships to their name compared to a league-leading tally of 17 for the Lakers. In fact, the Clippers made their first-ever Western Conference Finals appearance in the 2021 NBA Playoffs.
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This shadow got darker in 1999 when both teams began playing home games in the same arena - the Staples Center - under all the championship banners of the Lakers.
Six of the Lakers' 17 titles have come since the move to the arena in downtown Los Angeles.
However, things began changing a few years into Steve Ballmer's ownership, and one of those key steps involves moving out of the Staples Center.
What is the Intuit Dome?
Intuit Dome is the Clippers' proposed home arena. The first look was released by the franchise in July 2019.
Located on West Century Boulevard between South Prairie Avenue and South Yukon Avenue, the new arena was named Intuit Dome after a 23-year naming rights deal with Intuit reportedly worth over $500 million.
The arena, set to seat 18,000 people, will be designed by AECOM and will be part of a larger complex that includes a practice facility, sports medicine clinic, team offices, retail space and a large outdoor plaza with basketball courts that will be open to the public
“When we began the search for a partner for the LA Clippers and our new dome, we looked for one that shares our passion for technology, the pursuit of innovation and our commitment to customers, fans and community,” said Clippers chairman Steve Ballmer.
“Intuit is a perfect fit and we’re excited to be calling our future home the Intuit Dome.”
When does the Clippers' new arena open?
On Sep. 17, 2021, the franchise broke ground on the construction of the new arena. The team is expected to move into the arena upon completion of the construction work in 2024 when its lease with the Staples Center expires.
“My goal is simple. I want the Clippers to have the best home in all of sports,” said Ballmer.
“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 resets fans’ expectations while having a transformative impact on the city we will call home.”
