After years of sharing the spotlight with the Los Angeles Lakers, the Clippers are finally getting their own home with the ambitious $2 billion Intuit Dome. Located just south of SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, this 18,000-seat arena is set to become a premier sports and music destination in the U.S., boasting the latest in cutting-edge technology and a suite of specially commissioned artworks from leading contemporary artists.
For the grand opening, six unique artworks will adorn the exterior of the Intuit Dome, ranging from murals and sculptures to digital installations. LA-based artist Glenn Kaino delved into the Clippers’ rich history for his sculptural installation, Sails. Many fans may not know that the LA Clippers began as the Buffalo Braves in 1970 before moving to San Diego in 1978 and eventually settling in Los Angeles in 1984. Inspired by the Clippers’ rebranding, Kaino created a ship with wooden beams made from basketball courts featuring various shapes, colors, and graphics. “Basketball is such a wind behind cultural sails,” Kaino told the New York Times, highlighting the sport’s global connectivity and the creativity it inspires.
Nearby, a neon sign by Patrick Martinez, another LA native, explores themes of cultural loss and social justice. Titled Same Boat, the work echoes civil rights activist Whitney M. Young’s words: “We may have all come on different ships but we’re in the same boat now.” Adjacent to Martinez’s sign is a large wall piece by South Korean artist Kyungmi Shin, titled Spring to Life, honoring Inglewood’s basketball community and serving as a reminder of the past and hope for the future.
Turkish artist Refik Anadol, known for his massive installations, presents Living Arena, a 40 x 70 feet piece that uses machine learning to create a continually changing façade of colors and textures. Orbiting Anadol’s video work is a mural by Michael Massenburg, whose Cultural Playground celebrates community culture through depictions of drumming, singing, dancing, and children playing in local parks.
American new media artist Jennifer Steinkamp adds another layer of dynamism to the Intuit Dome with her animated lighting design. The entire net-like structure of the building lights up with five different animations, creating an emotional and immersive experience. “We’re pushing the limit here by animating the entire surface. When the Clippers win a game, the building becomes excited,” Steinkamp explained.
This ambitious art initiative has already cost $11 million and is expected to grow in the coming years. The Intuit Dome is scheduled to officially open to the public on August 15, 2024, marking a new era for the Clippers and setting a new standard for sports and entertainment venues.
Stay tuned as the Intuit Dome prepares to redefine the landscape of Los Angeles with its innovative blend of sports, music, and world-class art.
