INGLEWOOD, Calif. (CelebrityAccess) The potential arena for the Los Angeles Clippers in Inglewood, Calif., that has faced strong opposition from MSG, owner of the neighboring Forum, continues to have forward momentum with the shopping for potential construction companies.
Three firms are in a bidding war to build the Clippers arena, according to Venues Now, including the builders of the Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles and the new NFL stadium for the Rams in Inglewood. MSG has been in battle with the city to halt the addition of an arena that could compete for live events, claiming Inglewood Mayor James Butts persuaded MSG to give up their leasehold on a part of a parking lot to make way for a new business-technology park, only to have it be provided to the Clippers.
Steve Ballmer, owner of the Clippers, is in a three-year exclusive negotiating deal for the city-owned land. He wants to move the team out of the Staples Center, which is also home to the Los Angeles Lakers. The new site would include the team’s arena plus a practice facility, corporate offices, a sports medicine clinic, retail and dining, parking and community space, Forbes said.
The lease at the Staples Center with Anschutz Entertainment Group expires at the end of the 2023-24 season, so Ballmer timed last year’s announcement to help clear the regulatory hurdles so that construction can begin, and finish, by the time the lease runs out, Forbes noted.
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