The Los Angeles Clippers opened up its all new Intuit Dome last month, but won’t host their first basketball game until the preseason in October. The state-of-the-art stadium is designed to be a refuge for basketball lovers and notably Clippers supporters, something Los Angeles Lakers veteran James Worthy is pleased to see.
James Worthy on Steve Baller, Intuit Dome
During the Showtime Lakers days, James Worthy and team played basketball in the historic Great Western Forum in Inglewood, CA. The Lakers subsequently moved out to the Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles, but never forgot that their roots were deep in Inglewood.
25 years later, Steve Ballmer and his LA Clippers have erected a stunning new stadium in the center of Inglewood, where they’ll be playing basketball moving forward.
The Basketball Hall-of-Famer and Lakers star has been an annual contribution to the Harold and Carole Pump Foundation, which raises money for cancer research. The Foundation had a Gala last month, and Worthy was once again there to demonstrate his support.
Worthy spoke with ClutchPoints at the Gala, where he praised Steve Ballmer and the LA Clippers for the milestone of opening up a brand new venue.
A general overall aerial image of the Intuit Dome construction site.
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
“I’m happy to see that their owner, [Steve] Ballmer, has taken a lot of interest in the city of Inglewood, creating jobs and housing,” Worthy told ClutchPoints. “He’s got a great arena over there. I mean, it’s a great arena. He’s a tech guy, and just next SoFi, so the Clippers now have a home that they can call their own. They don’t have to look up and see Lakers title banners, even though they covered them up, so it’s wonderful that they have that.
The LA Clippers officially broke work on the new Intuit Dome on September 17, 2021. Just under three years later, their new home is ready for the NBA’s 2024-25 regular season, boasting a magnificent Halo board, chargers in seats, and so many more wonderful amenities.
The LA Clippers’ Intuit Dome announces it will provide free regional park and ride shuttle for all shows and events, beginning on August 15, 2024.
The 5 Park and Ride Shuttle Locations:
• Woodland Hills – Pierce College
• Culver City – Expo/Sepulveda LA Metro Station
•… pic.twitter.com/B4gsaBjSmH— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) August 14, 2024
“I remember when they were in San Diego and they came up from Los Angeles, so it’s nice to see,” Worthy added. “They’re really good organization, I know a lot of people that work there, not the players and all that, but the sales and tickets and so yeah I think they’re doing a great job.”
James Worthy is an admirer of Steve Ballmer
This isn’t the first time Worthy has talked highly of the Clippers and Steve Ballmer. Back in 2020, James Worthy spoke with ClutchPoints as well, when he expressed his respect for Ballmer trying to do what many didn’t think he would by building an arena for the Clippers in Los Angeles.
“I like Steve, you know,” James Worthy told ClutchPoints back in 2020. “He’s a good guy. He’s gonna build a stadium, try to move in on our fans over there. That’s going be tough. But you know, I’m all for moving forward and doing what’s good for the city. If it’s going to benefit Inglewood, if it’s going to bring more employment and all that kind of things, I’m all for that.”
James Worthy played 12 years in the NBA, all with the Los Angeles Lakers. He and Magic Johnson notably guided the Showtime Lakers to three championship rings during that window.
The LA Clippers are expected to host their first regular season home game at the Intuit Dome on October 23rd against the Phoenix Suns.
