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What is ‘The Wall’ at Clippers’ new Intuit Dome?

Vaseline October 24, 2024

The Los Angeles Clippers’ newly opened Intuit Dome cost $2 billion to build, but it’s already starting to deliver returns – in the form of home field advantage.

The 38,000 square foot halo Jumbotron is certainly striking. And the cell phone chargers at each seat are very handy. But the most striking feature of the new arena is ‘The Wall’, a 51-row uninterrupted seating area directly behind one of the baskets that is reserved only for the most die-hard fans.

On opening night, as the Clippers’ game against Phoenix loomed, Suns All-Star Kevin Durant – a career 88% free throw shooter – missed two crucial shots from the line.

“Yeah, it was crazy,” Durant said when asked about The Wall. ‘I was just staring at it the whole time. You’re not used to that.’

What is the wall?

In designing the Clippers’ new home, owner Steve Ballmer sought to create an atmosphere similar to that found in major football stadiums and college basketball divisions, where fans can sing, jeer opponents and generate extra excitement.

The Wall is a continuous, nearly vertical row of seats behind the basket where Clippers opponents shoot during the second half of games in the Intuit Dome.

Who’s in the Clippers’ Wall of fans?

Only passionate Clippers fans are allowed to be part of The Wall.

The first 13 of the 51 rows are dedicated to the most ardent fans, who must be vetted by the team in advance. They are expected to stand for the entire game.

Tickets in that section cannot be listed on resale websites.

Does The Wall give the Clippers an extra advantage?

Hard to say after just one game, but the Suns certainly took note.

“I missed a free throw,” Suns guard Devin Booker said. ‘I was angry. I think K (Durant) missed two down there too. So that (expletive) might work.”

Durant said the fans’ enthusiasm reminded him of a college crowd.

“Oklahoma State has an arena like that, obviously not that big,” he said. “But to see something going straight up, and I always thought that was cool. The sound is a little different. It’s going to be a tough road environment for anyone who comes in here.”