Inglewood city feature
About this landmark
A modernist sports arena with historic significance
The Kia Forum, located at 3900 West Manchester Boulevard in Inglewood, opened on December 30, 1967, with a game between the Los Angeles Kings and the Philadelphia Flyers. The venue is recognized for its distinctive architecture and its pivotal role in sports and entertainment history in the Los Angeles region.
Design and early decades
The original architect was Charles Luckman Associates. The building was financed by Jack Kent Cooke, who envisioned it as the region's premier entertainment venue, and its design exemplifies the New Formalist architectural style. The original construction cost was $16 million, which adjusted to inflation equals approximately $154 million in 2025 dollars. The building's most distinctive feature is its roof—a cable-suspended structure approximately 407 feet in diameter—that provides a column-free interior and allows clear sightlines for all spectators. The entire venue's site spans approximately 29½ acres. This structural innovation was notable for its engineering achievement in creating a large unobstructed interior space.
From its opening through the late 1990s, the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Kings both called the venue home. Both teams relocated to Staples Center in 1999. Between its opening in 1967 and that move, the Forum hosted the 1972 and 1983 NBA All-Star Games, the 1981 NHL All-Star Game, basketball games during the 1984 Olympics, and games from the 1993 Stanley Cup Final.
Historic preservation and modern operations
In 2012–2014, the venue underwent a comprehensive renovation designed by architect Brisbin Brook Beynon at a cost of $76.5 million. This restoration work preserved the iconic cable-roof structure and architectural character while modernizing the venue's systems, facilities, and technical infrastructure for contemporary use. The restored building was listed on the National Register on September 24, 2014, and received a 2014 Preservation Award from the Los Angeles Conservancy. In March 2020, Steve Ballmer purchased the venue for $400 million.
The venue carries the name it has held since April 4, 2022—the Kia Forum. This name followed its operation as The Forum presented by Chase from 2014–2022. Before that, it operated under the name The Forum from 1967 to 1988 and again from 2004 to 2012, and as the Great Western Forum from 1988 to 2003. Current seating capacity is 17,500 for basketball and 16,005 for ice hockey. For venue inquiries, the general contact number is 310-862-6200.
Insurance connection: Earthquake risk and coverage
Earthquake risk is a defining consideration for California properties, including historic structures like the Kia Forum built in 1967. California's earthquake insurance typically covers dwelling damage, personal property ($5,000–$25,000), and additional living expenses ($1,500–$100,000). Deductible options range from 5 to 25 percent. Properties built before 1980 require a minimum 15 percent deductible. The Kia Forum's 2012–2014 renovation incorporated modern seismic standards. Seismic retrofitting can reduce premiums by up to 25 percent. Coverage eligibility and limits depend on the individual property and policy. The issued policy controls.
Primary sources: official Kia Forum website and Wikipedia.
Insurance context is general information only. The issued policy and its endorsements settle coverage.