So I’m a nerd for stuff like arenas and stadiums, some of these architectural achievements have such rich a history like Dodgers Stadium and others are new and shiny like Sofi stadium. But something about Intuit is different, while most arenas only care about certain fans experiences. This arena, much like Sofi, doesn’t really have a bad seat in the house… so they say. Granted we haven’t seen it yet, but with the addition of the largest score board in the NBA with the new halo screen, safe to say it’d be tough to miss the action.
I’ve been keeping somewhat of an eye on the construction of the new arena. I was hopeful that new owner Steve Ballmer could create a destination for not only Clipper fans, but basketball fans. Hopefully this new arena will also give the Clippers more of their own identity in the illustrious city of Angels. The Clippers have stepped out of the Lakers shadow in the sense of being a presence in the league. Especially with not only the addition of Kawhi and Paul George, but Russell Westbrook and of course James Harden. But sharing a stadium and not having a championship still puts the team in a shadow. Salute to Steve Ballmer who has been not only a solid team owner so far but also a fan, a real basketball fan. Mr. Ballmer wears his heart on his sleeve every game and I love it, I think we all do.
What really excites me about the new Intuit dome are the fan experiences. BMO stadium for example does a good job with offering different areas for certain ticket holders to access and watch the game or relax away from their seats. It looks like Intuit will have the same type of offerings when it comes to premium spaces. From the renderings, the reports and just listening to Mr. Ballmer talk about this marvel of a building and the number of toilets of course (about 1160).
We can all agree that watching a sporting event or concert live is 10xs better than watching it on TV or via your mobile device. The only downside, at least for me about sporting events are the crowds. Having different specified areas for various ticket holders to go to is a great idea. Not only does it help serve the need of more people now wanting a slightly elevated sports watching experience, but also the regular seat ticket holders as well.
There’s nothing like the main concourse level at Crypto.com arena, especially during a close game, the atmosphere is vibrant and the energy is electric, the only problem is… The lines, the lines for everything, food, snacks, beer and bathrooms. Having great seats in the lower bowl isn’t as fun when you miss important portions of the game waiting in line. From the looks of it Intuit is going to “solve” that problem.
Let’s talk about the “regular” seats for a second. I say regular but I must mince my words because these seats are anything but. The simple fact that you can charge your device, right from your seat, like you’re on an airplane is insane. Generally the only way to charge your device at an arena is if you’re in a suite or if you brought a portable charger. But this changes the game, since we all live on our devices, now you can stay connected while watching the Clippers or a concert. The other different thing is they’re supposed to have more leg room and better sight lines, even the nose-bleeds. One fear of mine is losing my balance while holding a full beer and not only falling but spilling the beer on an unsuspecting fan(s) in the process. It’s a recipe for disaster. But having a wider space between seat rows and having the back of the seat of the row in front of you be high enough to not be a tripping hazard is a plus.
The Wall, fifty-one rows straight up of nothing but fans, die hard fans behind the visitors basket. This section when completed will be similar to the “3252” standing seats section of BMO stadium behind the net. That section is reserved for the loudest most rambunctious fans during the game. Don’t sit here if you don’t want to be loud and on your feet is the vibe I get from this. Ballmer has likened this section of the arena to that of a college basketball arena where the fans are basically on top of the court. Intuit can become the loudest arena in the league taking the title from the United Center in Chicago.
But the fun starts from before you even step into Intuit arena. The fan experiences spill outside the arena as well. With reports of an outdoor basketball court dedicated for fans, as well as an indoor basketball court for fans and community games and events. The Intuit dome is looking to be a basketball paradise, a mecca if you will.
Along with adding practice facilities on-site, this will probably one of the best arenas we’ve seen in a long time. The emphasis on getting back to the game, is priority number one. Some club seats include an all inclusive food and drink experience which enables you to get back to the action that much faster. The additional upside to a buffet style dining experience at a game is the lines move faster. When you eliminate the need to pay it shaves precious minutes off your typical wait time.
I understand that an all inclusive food and beverage service is a luxury for attending a game. But if you ask me it should become the norm. Or at least offer an in-seat food and beverage service to every ticket holder. Intuit arena has multiple zones that offer an in seat food and beverage service or an all inclusive food and beverage experience.
The last thing that i’ll touch on is parking. If you know anything about the city of Los Angeles it’s traffic and parking. Parking at Crypto isn’t as bad as it used to be, if you know where to park and how to avoid a lot of the traffic getting out. Dodgers stadium is unavoidable, same thing with Sofi, you’re going to be in it and you’re going to wait. So hopefully Intuit found a suitable solution.
I can’t wait for this building to open, hopefully it’ll be with a championship banner.
