The wait has come to a close, and LA Clippers fans finally got a chance to see their team at Intuit Dome in the season opener against the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday. After an offseason full of hype surrounding the arena and the experience it promised to provide, some may have felt like a letdown was incoming. But it was in fact quite the opposite.
It seemed as though every fan, media member and staff member in attendance reported the same incredible experience of the first ever regular season NBA game at Intuit Dome. While the Clippers lost a close one in overtime, the entire building was treated to the kind of atmosphere that most could have only dreamed of up until this point.
For many, the loss almost didn't even matter. The energy in the arena was described as incredible by countless attendees, and it helped to paint a promising picture of what Clippers home games will look like for years to come following the opening of Steve Ballmer's unique creation.
Why canβt the Lakers crowds be like this Clippers crowd man
β πππ« (@HoodiiBron) October 24, 2024
Fans took to social media to react to the historic night. Lakers fan @HoodiiBron noticed the amazing energy from the Clippers home crowd, noting that the typical Lakers home crowd at Crypto.com Arena is a far cry from what we witnessed on Wednesday in Inglewood.
The Clippers' cross-town rival may have 17 championships to the Clippers' zero, but those numbers are sometimes irrelevant when it comes to curating an ideal vibe and energy at your home arena. This is one department where the Clippers have a clear advantage over the Lakers at the moment.
Yo. That basketball experience legit blew me away. Iβm still on a high. I encourage everybody to come thru to inglewood and catch a game.
β Jamal Cristopher (@JamCristopher) October 24, 2024
Clippers fan Jamal Cristopher stated that the experience at Intuit Dome "blew me away," and encouraged everyone to make it out for a game. Posts like this are basically a dream come true for the organization.
Ballmer sought to create the best fan experience imaginable when envisioning this arena. While there are probably still some things to work on as with any new thing, the fact that fans feel this moved by the experience already should be considered a massive win.
Special time and special video on the way. Sadly the seat chargers wonβt suffice so Iβll need to get a portable charger.
β Dime Dropper (@DimeDropperPod) October 24, 2024
But to all the fans, Iβm overwhelmed man. Things have changed. The works finally paid off. By seasons end I canβt imagine. Steve Ballmer you are the goat
Speaking of things to work on, it looks like the phone chargers at the seats may be one of the few kinks in need of fixing, according to popular Clippers YouTuber @DimeDropperPod. But that remains a small detail in the background of what was a transformative night in franchise history.
Dime expressed his belief that things have changed for the organization, and that the work has finally paid off, finishing his post with "Steve Ballmer you are the goat." Sentiments like this seem to represent the feelings of the vast majority of the fanbase.
No arena or franchise is perfect, but Clipper nation could not have asked for a better new home for their team. Intuit Dome is already one of the best venues in the association, and it will allow the Clippers' reputation to continue increasing exponentially in the public eye.