Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer recently had the new state-of-the-art Intuit Dome arena built, and Wednesday night was the first time it hosted an official NBA game.
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Even though the season opener ended in a 116-113 overtime loss to the Phoenix Suns, it appears the $2 billion dollars Ballmer invested has created a unique fan experience like no other in sports.
Steve Ballmer is the most insane owner in pro sports.
“Welcome home, Clippers Nation!”pic.twitter.com/gJDy2kXigu
— Deadspin (@Deadspin) October 24, 2024
One of the coolest parts of the arena is that it features 'The Wall,' which resembles a college student section type atmosphere. This includes 51 rows of seating, directly behind one of the baskets, and as could be seen already in the first game of the season, the die-hard fans certainly create enough noise and commotion to give the Clippers home-court advantage.
LA Clippers owner Steve Ballmer is leading the team’s new supporter section in the new $2B Intuit Dome 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/ESCNFLTS3i
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) October 24, 2024
In view of this, Suns superstar Kevin Durant was at the free throw line, with 10 minutes left in the fourth quarter, and the score 74-78. As an 88% free throw shooter, the chance of the 36-year-old missing two in a row is very low.
However, with 'The Wall,' right behind the basket in which Durant was shooting, he went on to miss two crucial free throws.
"The Wall" at the Intuit Dome is menacing on the free throw line 😳
PHX-LAC 4Q on ESPN pic.twitter.com/Hbzt7cME3Q
— NBA (@NBA) October 24, 2024
"Yeah, it was crazy," Durant said when talking about The Wall. "I was just staring at it the whole time. You're not used to that."
Kevin Durant on playing at Intuit Dome:
“Incredible. I loved it. I absolutely love the wall that they got. It’s insane… Steve is doing a great job with this franchise.”
KD said he was starting at The Wall the whole game. pic.twitter.com/V5mcfdEkB4
— Joey Linn (@joeylinn_) October 24, 2024
Ballmer strategically instituted this feature of the arena, in order to create an atmosphere that mirrors the excitement at international soccer stadiums. For those who don't know, the 68-year-old Clippers owner himself is known to get wild and crazy at games.
JAMES HARDEN ➡️ DERRICK JONES JR. 🔥
STEVE BALLMER LOVING IT 😂 pic.twitter.com/E191pXmOKg
— ESPN (@espn) October 24, 2024
With this in mind, only passionate Clippers supporters are allowed to be a part of 'The Wall.' In particular, the first 13 of the 51 rows are dedicated to the most die hard fans, who are actually screened by the organization.
So not anyone can sit in these seats, and furthermore, someone who sits in 'The Wall' section is expected to stand for the entirety of the game.
All in all, Durant wasn't the only one, as Devin Booker also missed a free throw (1-for-2) and acknowledged the effectiveness of 'The Wall.'
Suns’ Devin Booker on the Clippers’ “Wall” fan section: “I missed a free throw, man. I was pissed. [Kevin Durant] missed two down there, too, so that s— might work. You spend $2 billion and put a wall up.” pic.twitter.com/bOjBF0f7EO
— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) October 24, 2024
Ultimately, Ballmer and the fans hope that after leaving the Staples Center, and now having an arena of their own, this will lead to more wins.
Kevin Durant on playing in the Intuit Dome for the first time:
“Steve Balmer did a great job with this arena, it’s incredible, probably the best one i’ve been in.”
pic.twitter.com/MoiBpUQ6me— CantGuardBook (@CGBBURNER) October 24, 2024
Unfortunately, the Clippers will have to start the season without their best player Kawhi Leonard, who is expected to now 'miss weeks' according to recent reports, as he has experienced knee inflammation.
With the Clippers next two games on the road, they will return to their home court on Wednesday, October 30, when they host the Portland Trailblazers at 10:30 pm ET.
