Clippers unveil plans, renderings for new Inglewood arena
The Los Angeles Clippers have unveiled plans and renderings for their new arena.
Transformative.
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) July 26, 2019
Unparalleled.
A place for #ClipperNation to call home. pic.twitter.com/1gJGBe19vr
Currently known as the Inglewood Basketball & Entertainment Center, the project is scheduled to be completed in 2024.
"My goal is simple. I want the Clippers to have the best home in all of sports," team owner Steve Ballmer said in a statement Thursday. "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.” - @Steven_Ballmer pic.twitter.com/PwQeyNcUDi
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) July 26, 2019
The Clippers' move from the Staples Center in downtown L.A. has been in the works for a few years. However, it's encountered resistance from New York Knicks owner James Dolan.
Dolan's Madison Square Garden Company owns The Forum - coincidentally, the former home of the Los Angeles Lakers - which is across the street from the Clippers' proposed arena site and is primarily used as a concert venue. Fearing increased competition from a new nearby facility, Dolan has fought the development politically, and even reportedly tried to convince Lakers owner Jeanie Buss to move her team back to Inglewood.
The Clippers and Lakers have shared the Staples Center since it opened in 1999.