30 October 2024 – Los Angeles has unveiled its newest sporting marvel – the Arena in Inglewood, which will be used for the basketball competitions at the Olympic Games LA28. Built as home to the LA Clippers basketball team, they opened their NBA season in the venue last week in front of an 18,000 capacity crowd. This provided a taste of what’s to come for Olympic fans in 2028 – a unique and innovative game-day experience.

The venue features the largest-ever double-sided video scoreboard, known as the Halo Board – containing a full acre of LEDs, for unmatched viewing across the stadium. In addition, the steep, bowl-shaped layout brings fans closer to the action, enhancing the atmosphere of every game. The iconic “Wall” section – with 41 uninterrupted rows, promises an intense, immersive experience for fans and players alike.

From a design perspective, the arena exemplifies sustainable innovation, blending eco-conscious architecture with energy efficiency. Spanning 1.1 million square feet, the venue operates entirely carbon-free, powered by a rooftop solar panel system and advanced battery storage, which enables off-grid operation for over six hours. Its specialised roof panels regulate temperature and optimise natural lighting, supporting LA28’s vision for an environmentally responsible event.

Following the construction of this privately owned venue, completed earlier this year, the Organising Committee proposed to adapt its venue masterplan to make use of this world-class facility. The decision to use the venue for the duration of the basketball competitions during the Olympic Games exemplifies LA28’s “radical reuse” strategy. This reflects Olympic Agenda 2020’s recommendations to adapt the Games to the host region, rather than adapt regions to host the Games. LA28’s approach focuses on the use of existing and temporary infrastructure, underscoring the Organising Committee’s commitment to minimising financial and environmental impact by avoiding any new, permanent construction.

During a recent visit to Los Angeles, IOC President Thomas Bach visited several Games-time venues, including the Arena in Inglewood. Speaking afterwards, he said: “These venues are impressive, the athletes can look forward to an extraordinary experience at the Olympic Games LA28.” He continued: “LA28 will do what Paris 2024 did – offer authentic Olympic Games. The Games always represent the sports culture of the host country, and LA has a lot to offer. I am very much looking forward to LA.”

One Olympian who is looking forward to playing there this season is Olympic gold medallist and NBA Clippers shooting guard, James Harden. Speaking about the venue, he said: “It’s cracking in here with the screen, the fans and the lights. I’m excited”.

As the countdown to the Olympic and Paralympic Games LA28 begins, this new venue stands as a symbol of LA’s commitment to progress and innovation. The arena’s significance goes beyond basketball; it represents a transformative vision where fans, athletes and elite-level sports unite to inspire a more sustainable future for the Games.

The Olympic Games LA28 will run from 14 to 30 July. The Paralympic Games will then take place between 15 and 27 August.