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The LA Clippers have shared Staples Center with the Lakers for years. However, thanks to the passage of a recent bill, the Clippers have moved one step closer to having their own arena.
The Clippers plan on opening a privately financed, state-of-the-art complex in Inglewood, California. An 18,000-seat arena, which is to be situated at the corner of South Prairie Avenue and West Century, will be the main draw at this new compound.
Though the project has faced opposition in committee hearings, a bid to streamline the construction process passed in overwhelming fashion on Friday.
Via Doug Smith and Liam Dillon of The Los Angeles Times:
The Clippers’ bid to streamline construction of a new arena in Inglewood won overwhelming approval Friday when lawmakers sent Gov. Jerry Brown a bill granting the project protection against drawn-out environmental litigation.
Amendments crafted on the Senate floor this week, including a $30-million environmental fund aimed at reducing pollution in Inglewood and surrounding areas, cleared the way for a bill that was heavily contested in committee hearings.
Clippers owner Steve Ballmer celebrated the bill's approval:
California's legislature signs off on a new home for the Clips! Thanks to @sydneykamlager and @SteveBradford for their leadership on the world’s best and most energy-efficient basketball arena — an arena worthy of both Inglewood and all of LA. Go Clips! pic.twitter.com/cpJ9mMzEGG
— Steve Ballmer (@Steven_Ballmer) September 1, 2018
The bill passed through the Senate with a 34-0 vote. The bill was then approved by the Assembly with a 59-0 count.
The arena complex, which has been described as the Inglewood Basketball and Entertainment Center, will also include a practice facility, sports medicine clinic, team offices, retail stores, and outdoor basketball courts that will be open to the public.
Via Nathan Fenno of The Los Angeles Times:
The practice facility would be 85,000 square feet, the team offices 55,000 square feet and the sports medicine clinic 25,000 square feet. An additional 40,000 square feet are set aside for retail and 260,000 square feet for the outdoor plaza.
The Clippers' lease at Staples Center runs through 2024, but it's no secret that Ballmer wants the team to have its own court when that lease is up.
