NBA Playoffs First Round 2026
Los Angeles at Intuit Dome

First Round begins April 19, 2026

Tickets go on sale approximately 48 to 72 hours before each individual home game through AXS.com. Create your AXS account, save a payment method, and enable Clippers game notifications now. For high-demand opponents, First Round game tickets sell out within hours of going on sale.

Higher seed hosts

Clippers at Intuit Dome if they are the 1-4 seed or won the Play-In as 7 or 8 seed

Lower seed hosts

Clippers on the road for games 3-4 if they are the higher seed

Alternating home courts

Game 5 at Intuit Dome, game 6 away, game 7 at Intuit Dome (if needed)

Key fact for Clippers fans: The First Round seeding is determined once the Play-In Tournament concludes April 18. If the Clippers are a top-6 seed, they skip the Play-In and host games 1 and 2 against their bracket opponent starting April 19. The Play-In winners fill the 7 and 8 seeds and complete the First Round bracket.

Create an AXS account now

Go to AXS.com and create a free account before the playoffs begin. Save a payment method. Logging in during a rush on-sale takes time you do not have — accounts set up in advance clear checkout faster and reduce the risk of losing tickets in a queue.

Enable Clippers game notifications

Download the Intuit Dome app and the AXS app. Enable push notifications for LA Clippers games on both. Both apps alert you when each individual game's tickets go on sale approximately 48 to 72 hours before tip-off. This is the fastest notification you will get — faster than news coverage.

Buy tickets and parking simultaneously

The moment First Round game tickets go on sale, open a second tab for Intuit Dome parking at the same time. Parking structures sell out for high-demand playoff games within hours of ticket on-sale. Do not wait until you secure tickets — buy both in the same session.

Use AXS resale for sold-out games

AXS operates an official resale marketplace where existing ticket holders relist verified tickets. AXS resale is safer than third-party platforms because barcodes regenerate on transfer — screenshots from other resale sites can fail at the gate for playoff games.

Intuit Dome has three parking structures on Century Blvd and Prairie Ave. First Round pricing: $40 to $60 per structure. Pre-purchase through the Intuit Dome app is required — all structures sell out for high-demand games. From the 405, take Century Blvd east. From the 105, take Prairie Ave north. From the 110, take Century Blvd west.

The Downtown Inglewood station is a 10-minute walk from the arena. From downtown LA (7th St/Metro Center): 25 to 35 minutes, $1.75. From LAX: take the People Mover to Aviation/LAX, then K Line to Downtown Inglewood (30 to 40 minutes). Metro completely avoids Century Blvd traffic and is the most reliable option when parking is sold out.

When does the 2026 NBA Playoffs First Round start at Intuit Dome?

The 2026 NBA Playoffs First Round begins April 19, 2026. If the LA Clippers qualify — either as a top-6 seed directly, or by winning through the Play-In Tournament April 15-18 — they host home games at Intuit Dome starting in the First Round. Home games 1 and 2 of the series are at Intuit Dome. Home games 5 and 7, if the series requires them, also return to Intuit Dome. The First Round is a best-of-7 series, so the Clippers could host anywhere from 2 to 4 home games depending on how the series progresses.

How does the NBA Playoffs First Round format work?

The NBA Playoffs First Round is a best-of-7 series between two conference seeds. The higher seed hosts games 1, 2, 5, and 7 (if necessary). The lower seed hosts games 3, 4, and 6. A team must win 4 games to advance to the Conference Semifinals. If the Clippers are the higher seed, they host games 1 and 2 at Intuit Dome, then play games 3 and 4 on the road, then return home for games 5 and 7. First Round matchups are determined by seeding: 1 vs. 8, 2 vs. 7, 3 vs. 6, and 4 vs. 5 in each conference.

How many home games do the Clippers have in the First Round at Intuit Dome?

If the Clippers are the higher seed in their First Round series, they host games 1, 2, 5 (if needed), and 7 (if needed) at Intuit Dome — between 2 and 4 home games. If the series ends in 4 or 5 games, Intuit Dome hosts 2 or 3 games. If the series goes 6 games, Intuit Dome hosts 3. A full 7-game series means 4 home games at Intuit Dome. If the Clippers are the lower seed, they host games 3, 4, and 6 (if needed), for between 2 and 3 home games.

How do I buy 2026 NBA Playoffs First Round tickets for Intuit Dome?

First Round tickets for Clippers home games are sold exclusively through AXS.com and the official Intuit Dome app. Individual game tickets go on sale approximately 48 to 72 hours before each home game, once the series matchup and schedule are confirmed. Season ticket holders receive priority access before the public on-sale. For first-round games against marquee opponents, tickets sell out within hours. Create your AXS account and save a payment method before the playoffs begin. Enable push notifications on the AXS app and the Intuit Dome app so you are alerted the moment tickets go on sale.

How much do Clippers First Round playoff tickets cost at Intuit Dome?

Clippers First Round playoff ticket prices at Intuit Dome vary by section and opponent. The Wall (C1-C4): $80 to $300. Lower bowl end zone (sections 101-107, 115-122): $150 to $400. Lower bowl sideline (sections 108-114): $250 to $600. Club level: $300 to $700. Upper bowl center sideline (sections 210-214): $90 to $200. Upper bowl (all other sections): $75 to $150. Games against high-profile opponents such as the Oklahoma City Thunder, Golden State Warriors, or any potential Lakers matchup price significantly higher at all levels. Games 5 and 7, if they occur, typically price above games 1 and 2 due to the elimination stakes.

Is parking available at Intuit Dome for First Round playoff games?

Yes. Intuit Dome has three official parking structures on Century Blvd and Prairie Ave. First Round playoff parking is priced at $40 to $60 per structure, higher than the regular season rate of $30 to $50. Pre-purchase through the Intuit Dome app is required — walk-up cash parking is not available. All three structures sell out for high-demand First Round matchups within hours of game tickets going on sale. Purchase parking at the same time you buy your tickets. If structures are sold out, the Metro K Line to Downtown Inglewood station is a reliable 10-minute walk alternative.

Can I use the Metro K Line to get to Clippers First Round games at Intuit Dome?

Yes, and it is strongly recommended for First Round playoff games. The Downtown Inglewood station on the Metro K Line is a 10-minute walk from the Intuit Dome main entrance. From downtown LA, take the K Line from 7th St/Metro Center — 25 to 35 minutes, $1.75 one-way. From LAX, take the free LAX People Mover to Aviation/LAX station, then board the K Line to Downtown Inglewood — 30 to 40 minutes total. The K Line avoids Century Blvd traffic entirely. Plan to return to Downtown Inglewood station within 20 to 30 minutes after the final buzzer — trains run frequently after games.

What are the best seats for the 2026 NBA Playoffs First Round at Intuit Dome?

For First Round games, the best overall value is upper bowl center sideline sections 210-214. The halo scoreboard sits at direct eye level from these sections, meaning you track replays and tactical timeouts without looking away from the court. For the premium in-game experience, lower bowl center sideline sections 110-114 are the top pick, with sections 111-112 at dead half-court the best single-game seats in the building. The Wall (C1-C4) offers the loudest atmosphere in the arena at a lower price point, but the view is end-on. Avoid lower bowl end-zone sections 101-103 and 119-122 for playoff games where reading the floor matters most.

What is The Wall like during NBA Playoffs First Round games at Intuit Dome?

The Wall (sections C1-C4) is the single loudest section of any NBA arena and reaches maximum intensity during First Round playoff games. The entire 4,500-person section stands throughout the game. The Wall sits behind the south basket on bench seating — no individual seats, bench style only. The view is end-on toward the south basket, which means you look over the shooter's shoulder for one end but see the opposing team shooting toward you from the north end. For fans who care more about atmosphere than sightline, The Wall during a playoff game is the best atmosphere in Los Angeles sports. Tickets sell out within minutes for high-demand First Round opponents.

What time do doors open at Intuit Dome for First Round playoff games?

Intuit Dome doors open 90 minutes before tip-off for all playoff games. First Round tip-off times are 7:30 PM or 10:00 PM PT for nationally broadcast games on TNT, ESPN, or ABC. Exact tip-off times are announced when the NBA releases the official series schedule. Arrive at least 60 to 75 minutes before tip-off — security and entry lines are longer for playoff games than regular season. The Wall entrance on the south side of the arena has a separate entry point and its own concessions.

What is the bag policy for Clippers First Round playoff games at Intuit Dome?

The standard Intuit Dome bag policy applies for all playoff games. Clear bags up to 12x6x12 inches are permitted. Small clutch purses up to 4.5x6.5 inches with no strap are allowed without the clear-bag requirement. No backpacks, non-clear bags, or oversized purses are permitted. Mobile tickets via the AXS app are required — print-at-home tickets are not accepted at Intuit Dome. Have your ticket visible in the AXS app before you reach the checkpoint. Security lines are longer for playoff games — budget 15 to 25 minutes to clear security.

How do I know when Clippers First Round game-by-game tickets go on sale?

The NBA releases each First Round game schedule approximately 1 to 2 days before tip-off. AXS.com and the Intuit Dome app send push notifications when tickets go on sale for each individual game. Enable Clippers notifications in both apps before the playoffs begin. The LA Clippers official website and social accounts also announce on-sale times. For the best chance at securing tickets before sell-out, have your AXS account logged in and payment method ready the moment the on-sale notification arrives. Do not rely on news articles — by the time a story publishes about an on-sale, premium sections are often already unavailable.

Is the upper bowl worth it over the lower bowl for First Round games at Intuit Dome?

For First Round playoff games, upper bowl center sideline sections 210-214 are a genuinely competitive alternative to lower bowl corner and end-zone sections that often cost two to three times as much. The Intuit Dome halo scoreboard at eye level from the upper bowl means every replay and slow-motion sequence is immediately visible without looking away from the court — a meaningful advantage during high-stakes possessions. Lower bowl center sideline sections 108-114 are clearly better than anything in the upper bowl, and the proximity premium is worth it for important games. Lower bowl end-zone sections (101-103, 119-122) are not clearly better than upper bowl center sideline for watching basketball, despite typically costing more.

What happens between First Round games at Intuit Dome?

First Round series games are typically scheduled every 2 to 3 days to allow for travel. Between road games 3 and 4, the Clippers return to Inglewood for game 5 if the series continues. The NBA releases the full series schedule before game 1 begins, so fans can plan travel and ticket purchases for all potential home games at once. For games 5 and 7 (if applicable), tickets go on sale approximately 48 to 72 hours before tip-off — the same window as games 1 and 2. Hotels near Intuit Dome book up quickly for First Round home games, particularly for elimination-game scenarios.

What are hotels near Intuit Dome for NBA Playoffs First Round games?

The closest hotels to Intuit Dome are along Century Blvd in Inglewood, approximately 0.3 to 0.7 miles from the arena: Renaissance Los Angeles Airport Hotel, Hilton Los Angeles Airport, Marriott Los Angeles Airport, and Embassy Suites by Hilton LAX North. All are within a 10 to 15 minute walk or a 5-minute rideshare. These hotels book out quickly once First Round home games are announced — reserve as soon as the playoff schedule is confirmed, ideally before individual game tickets go on sale. Rates for playoff game nights typically run $50 to $100 higher than non-game nights.