The Kia Forum (originally known as The Forum, and later the Great Western Forum) is a multi-purpose indoor arena located in Inglewood, California, a suburb of Los Angeles. Opened in 1967, it is an iconic venue renowned for hosting a wide array of sporting events, concerts, and other entertainment spectacles.
History Designed by architect Charles Luckman and originally owned by Jack Kent Cooke, the arena opened on December 30, 1967, as The Forum. Its distinctive circular design, which notably does not incorporate internal support pillars, was intended to offer unobstructed views for all spectators. It quickly became the home of the National Basketball Association's Los Angeles Lakers and the National Hockey League's Los Angeles Kings. During this era, it was famously dubbed "The Fabulous Forum" by Lakers broadcaster Chick Hearn.
In 1988, Great Western Bank purchased the naming rights, and the venue was renamed the Great Western Forum. This sponsorship lasted until 2000, when the Lakers and Kings departed for the newly constructed Staples Center (now Crypto.com Arena) in downtown Los Angeles. Following their departure, the arena was purchased by the Faithful Central Bible Church, which primarily used it for church services and occasional concerts, reverting its name to The Forum.
In 2012, Madison Square Garden Co. (MSG) purchased The Forum with the intention of revitalizing it as a premier concert and entertainment venue. Following extensive renovations totaling approximately $100 million, the venue reopened in January 2014, once again as The Forum. The renovations focused on modernizing facilities while meticulously preserving its historical aesthetics, particularly its distinctive exterior columns and roof design.
In April 2020, Steve Ballmer, owner of the NBA's Los Angeles Clippers, purchased The Forum from MSG for $400 million, with plans to use it as a complementary venue to the Clippers' new Intuit Dome, which is being built nearby. In March 2022, Kia America acquired the naming rights, officially renaming the venue the Kia Forum.
Notable Events and Uses Throughout its history, The Forum has been a major hub for entertainment and sports:
- Sports: It was the home court for the Los Angeles Lakers during their "Showtime" era in the 1980s, witnessing multiple NBA championships. It also hosted the Los Angeles Kings of the NHL, who made their first Stanley Cup Final appearance in 1993 while playing there. Beyond its primary tenants, it has hosted numerous professional boxing matches, including legendary bouts involving Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier, George Foreman, and Sugar Ray Leonard, as well as professional wrestling events.
- Concerts: The Forum has established itself as a legendary concert venue, hosting virtually every major rock and pop artist since its inception. Notable performances include multiple engagements by Elvis Presley, Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, Michael Jackson, Prince, Madonna, Paul McCartney, Eagles, and countless others. It continues to be a top-tier destination for major musical acts and tours.
- Other Events: The venue has also been used for political rallies, awards ceremonies (such as the MTV Video Music Awards and Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards), and various other large-scale public gatherings.
Significance The Kia Forum remains a culturally significant landmark in the Los Angeles area, celebrated for its distinctive architectural design, rich history in sports and entertainment, and continued role as a leading venue for live events. Its enduring legacy is intertwined with some of the most memorable moments in American popular culture and professional sports.