"It's gonna be kind of empty" - Lakers super fan Snoop Dogg roasts LA Clippers for creating dedicated home section at Intuit Dome
LA Clippers owner Steve Ballmer said during the Intuit Dome grand opening ceremony on Thursday that “this is the best basketball facility ever built.” Ballmer shared in his speech that six months after purchasing the Clippers, the former Microsoft CEO realized the team’s need for a new arena. Since the 1998-99 season, the Clippers have shared the same home court as the LA Lakers.
Before construction began, Ballmer had hyped to the media his plans to make watching Clipper games an exhilarating “experience.” He wanted the arena to be loud and boisterous for the home team. Thus, “The Wall,” was conceptualized and years later, unveiled.
Snoop Dogg, an unabashed LA Lakers fan, had this to say about that special part of Intuit Dome on the “All The Smoke” podcast:
“Well, it’s gonna be kind of empty in that motherf**ker then.”
The Intuit Dome has one section of 51 uninterrupted rows of 4,500 seats for loyal and diehard LA Clippers supporters behind the visiting team. Steve Ballmer, who visited different venues for ideas, wanted this section to boost home team support. The idea isn’t too different from what is found in European football stadiums where parts of the crowd are used to intimidate visiting teams.
For $1,299, which can be paid via a 10-month plan, Clippers supporters can have tickets to 41 home games. In showdowns against elite teams or rivals, “The Wall” can accommodate more “standing only” fans.
Steve Ballmer expects this section to be loud and intimidating during home games. Snoop Dogg, however, begged to differ. Only time will tell who between the two will proven right or wrong.
How the LA Clippers do will have a huge impact on ticket sales and attendance
The Intuit Dome will be an experience in and of itself. Ballmer rightfully raved home the Halo Board, which can light up the arena because of the reported “quarter billion LED lights.” Getting inside the dome for the first time could be mind-boggling but as the season progresses, the LA Clippers’ play will be monumental.
The fans can only get so loud if the team is performing well. Snoop Dogg might turn out to be right if the Clippers begin to falter.
Star attraction is another key part of hyping up the crowd. The LA Clippers retained James Harden and Kawhi Leonard but saw Paul George and Russell Westbrook, hometown favorites, leave the team. “The Claw” isn’t your usual superstar with the charisma that draws fans to the arena. “The Beard” once was but he hasn’t been that kind of attraction for several years now.
Team success will be the biggest key for the Clippers to bring in the crowd. It will be weird seeing a full section of “The Wall” but the rest of the seats are quite empty.