Research from official Intuit Dome website shows that inglewood has transformed into Southern California’s premier entertainment destination, home to three world-class venues within a mile and a half: the historic Kia Forum, the cutting-edge Intuit Dome, and the intimate YouTube Theater. Whether you’re planning to see an NBA game, a major concert, or a comedy show, this complete comparison guide will help you choose the perfect Inglewood venue for your event
Quick Comparison: Inglewood Venues at a Glance
Research from Kia Forum official site shows that here’s a side-by-side comparison of the three main Inglewood venues to help you decide which is right for your event:
Capacity:
• Kia Forum: 17,505 (concerts up to 18,000)
• Intuit Dome: 18,000
• YouTube Theater: 6,000
Primary Use:
• Kia Forum: Music and entertainment only
• Intuit Dome: LA Clippers basketball + concerts
• YouTube Theater: Intimate concerts and comedy shows
Parking:
• Kia Forum: $50+ (multiple lots available)
• Intuit Dome: 4,000+ spots across 3 garages
• YouTube Theater: Hyundai Pink/Purple zones
The Kia Forum: Inglewood’s Iconic Music Venue
The Kia Forum stands as the only arena-sized venue in the United States dedicated exclusively to music and entertainment. Since opening on December 30, 1967, this historic venue has hosted countless legendary performances and remains one of Southern California’s most beloved concert destinations. See also: Kia Forum seating chart.
Kia Forum Capacity and Seating
The Kia Forum offers flexible seating configurations to accommodate various event types:
- 17,505 capacity for basketball games
- 16,005 capacity for hockey events
- Up to 18,000 for musical concerts
- Can be configured down to 8,000 for smaller, intimate shows
- Seating options include floor, lower bowl, upper bowl, and VIP boxes
Kia Forum Parking Options
Parking at the Kia Forum is convenient but requires advance planning:
- General parking starts at $50 per vehicle (prices vary by event)
- Premium parking available from $65+ for quicker exit or closer spots
- Enter via Prairie Ave. or Kareem Ct. gates
- Additional lots: Prairie Lot, Kareem Lot, Event Parking at Kelso Elementary, SoFi/Forum Event Parking, and Green Zone
- Rideshare pick-up/drop-off in Lot H at Pincay Dr. and Prairie Ave.
- Disabled parking available on all sides with CA State placard
Best For: Concert Lovers and Music History Fans
Choose the Kia Forum when you want the classic concert experience with legendary acoustics and a venue steeped in music history. Its exclusive focus on entertainment means every event is optimized for the best possible show experience. For additional details, check out Intuit Dome capacity.
Intuit Dome: The Future of Inglewood Entertainment
Opening in August 2024 with Bruno Mars concerts, Intuit Dome represents the cutting edge of arena design and technology. As the new home of the LA Clippers, this state-of-the-art venue combines world-class basketball with spectacular entertainment events.
Intuit Dome Capacity and Features
The Intuit Dome offers modern amenities and innovative technology:
- 18,000 total capacity for most events
- Over 17,700 seats including standard, courtside, club, and suites
- The Halo Board: Revolutionary circular display that encircles the arena
- Optimized viewing experience for fans at every level
- Located at 3930 W Century Blvd, next to SoFi Stadium
Intuit Dome Parking and Transportation
Intuit Dome offers the most extensive parking infrastructure of the three Inglewood venues:. Read more in our Kia Forum capacity guide.
- Over 4,000 on-site parking spots
- Three parking options: two garages plus one surface lot
- Pre-purchase parking available for convenience
- Pedestrian bridge from West Garage for easy arena access
- FREE Intuit Dome Shuttle from Downtown Inglewood Station or Hawthorne/Lennox station
- Connect via SoFi Stadium Shuttle for seamless transportation
Intuit Dome Events: Basketball and Beyond
Intuit Dome hosts a diverse calendar of events throughout the year:
- LA Clippers NBA games (home court)
- Major concert tours: Usher, Twenty One Pilots, Billy Joel
- International artists: Christian Nodal, Babymetal
- Special events and entertainment experiences
Best For: Tech-Savvy Fans and Basketball Enthusiasts
Choose Intuit Dome when you want the most modern arena experience with cutting-edge technology, especially for Clippers games or major touring acts looking for the newest venue in Southern California.
YouTube Theater: Intimate Entertainment at Hollywood Park
YouTube Theater fills a unique niche in the Inglewood venues landscape with its 6,000-person capacity, offering a more intimate concert and entertainment experience compared to its larger neighbors. Read more in our upcoming Kia Forum events guide.
YouTube Theater Capacity and Experience
The smaller size creates an intimate atmosphere:
- 6,000 total capacity (varies by event configuration)
- Perfect for mid-sized touring acts and comedy shows
- More personal connection between performers and audience
- Located at 1011 S. Stadium Dr. within Hollywood Park complex
YouTube Theater Parking
Parking at YouTube Theater requires advance planning:
- Parking located in Hyundai Purple and Hyundai Pink zones
- Pre-purchase parking strongly encouraged
- Arrive early to avoid traffic delays
- All parking lots close one hour after event ends
- No tailgating allowed
- Rideshare drop-off/pick-up: Hyundai Pink Zone Lot P (access via Century Blvd and Yukon Ave)
YouTube Theater Events
YouTube Theater specializes in mid-tier concerts and comedy performances, hosting artists like Mora, Bronco, Miguel Bosé, YES, Los Huracanes del Norte, Fito Páez, J.I.D, Jesse & Joy, and Marisela.
Best For: Intimate Concert Experiences
Choose YouTube Theater when you want a closer, more personal experience with the performer. The smaller venue size means better sightlines and a more connected atmosphere than the larger arenas.
Choosing Between Inglewood Venues: Key Factors to Consider
Event Type
The type of event should guide your venue choice:
- Major arena tours: Kia Forum or Intuit Dome (17,000+ capacity)
- NBA basketball: Intuit Dome (LA Clippers home)
- Intimate concerts or comedy: YouTube Theater (6,000 capacity)
- Music-focused events: Kia Forum (dedicated entertainment venue)
- Technology-enhanced experiences: Intuit Dome (The Halo Board)
Parking and Accessibility
Transportation convenience varies by venue:
- Most parking spots: Intuit Dome (4,000+ spaces)
- Free shuttle option: Intuit Dome only
- Budget parking: Expect $50+ at all venues
- Premium parking upgrades: Available at Kia Forum ($65+)
- Rideshare-friendly: All three venues have designated zones
Atmosphere and Experience
Each venue offers a distinct atmosphere:
- Historic legacy: Kia Forum (since 1967)
- Modern innovation: Intuit Dome (opened 2024)
- Intimate connection: YouTube Theater
- Pure entertainment focus: Kia Forum (no sports)
- Multi-purpose facility: Intuit Dome (sports + concerts)
Best for Families
For family events, consider these factors:
- YouTube Theater: Best for younger kids (smaller crowds, easier navigation)
- Intuit Dome: Great for sports-loving families (Clippers games + modern amenities)
- Kia Forum: Ideal for music-focused family outings with older children
- All venues: Offer disabled parking and accessibility features
The Evolution of Inglewood’s Entertainment District
Inglewood’s transformation into a world-class entertainment destination is remarkable. The Kia Forum has anchored the area since 1967, hosting legendary performances from The Eagles, Prince, and countless other icons. In March 2020, LA Clippers owner Steve Ballmer acquired The Forum for $400 million, removing the last major obstacle to building Intuit Dome. This acquisition united the venues under common ownership and paved the way for Inglewood’s current status as having three major entertainment venues within walking distance.
If the Kia Forum embodies legacy and tradition, Intuit Dome represents the future of live entertainment with revolutionary technology like The Halo Board and optimized fan experiences. YouTube Theater fills the gap between stadium shows and club venues, offering 6,000 fans an intimate yet professional setting.
Tips for Visiting Inglewood Venues
- Purchase parking in advance to save money and guarantee a spot
- Arrive early—traffic can be heavy, especially when multiple venues have events
- Consider the free Intuit Dome shuttle if you’re going there
- Check bag policies before you go (policies vary by venue)
- Book rideshare early for post-event pickup (high demand)
- Compare ticket prices across all venues—intimate shows at YouTube Theater may offer better value
- Follow each venue on social media for event announcements and parking updates
Final Verdict: Which Inglewood Venue Should You Choose?
The best Inglewood venue depends entirely on your priorities:
Choose Kia Forum if: You want the classic concert experience at an iconic music-only venue with legendary acoustics and a rich history spanning nearly 60 years.
Choose Intuit Dome if: You’re seeing the LA Clippers, want cutting-edge technology like The Halo Board, or prefer the most modern arena experience with extensive parking and free shuttle service.
Choose YouTube Theater if: You prefer intimate concerts where you’re close to the action, attending mid-tier touring acts, or seeing comedy shows in a more personal setting.
Whichever Inglewood venue you choose, you’ll experience world-class entertainment in one of Southern California’s most dynamic entertainment districts. With three exceptional options within a mile and a half, Inglewood truly offers something for every type of live entertainment fan.