What is the Kia Forum capacity?+
The Kia Forum capacity is approximately 17,500. That number varies slightly by event configuration. Standing GA floor shows bring total occupancy closer to 17,500. Shows with reserved floor rows reduce the floor section count and bring the total down slightly. The circular bowl holds roughly 9,000 in the lower bowl, 1,500 in the club level, and 7,000 in the upper bowl, with the floor section adding the remainder.
How many seats does the Kia Forum have?+
The Kia Forum has approximately 17,500 seats across four seating levels: the floor (reserved rows or GA standing depending on the show), the lower bowl (sections 101-136, approximately 20 rows deep), the club level (premium seating with lounge access), and the upper bowl (sections 201-235). The circular design was optimized for acoustic performance and keeps every seat within roughly 200 feet of the stage.
How does the Kia Forum compare to other major concert venues?+
At 17,500, the Kia Forum is on the smaller side among major US arenas but within the range of top-tier concert venues. Madison Square Garden holds 20,789 for concerts. Crypto.com Arena in downtown Los Angeles holds about 20,000. Barclays Center in Brooklyn holds 19,000. Chase Center in San Francisco holds 18,064. The Kia Forum's circular design and focused capacity are part of why touring artists and fans consistently rank it among the best-sounding arenas in the country.
What is the Kia Forum capacity for standing GA shows?+
For standing general admission floor concerts, the Kia Forum can approach its full 17,500 capacity. The floor holds several thousand standing fans when configured as open GA. For reserved floor row shows, capacity is similar but the floor feels less dense since rows are spaced for seated attendance. Check your specific event listing to confirm whether floor tickets are GA standing or assigned rows.
How big is the Kia Forum in total?+
The Kia Forum is a circular arena with a seating bowl spanning about 200 feet from stage to the upper bowl back row. The building footprint covers approximately 350,000 square feet. It sits on a roughly 20-acre site at 3900 W Manchester Blvd in Inglewood, California. The original building opened in 1967 and was renovated in 2014 for $100 million, which updated the amenities while preserving the original circular bowl structure.
Is the Kia Forum bigger than Intuit Dome?+
In seating capacity, the Kia Forum (17,500) and Intuit Dome (18,000) are nearly identical. Both arenas are on the smaller side compared to NFL stadiums like SoFi Stadium (70,240), but both are in the range of top concert and sports arenas nationally. The main difference is purpose: the Kia Forum is primarily a concert and events venue, while the Intuit Dome was built specifically for the LA Clippers NBA team.
Where is Kia Forum located?+
Kia Forum is located at 3900 W Manchester Blvd, Inglewood, California 90305. It sits approximately 1.5 miles north of SoFi Stadium and Intuit Dome, making it part of a cluster of major venues in Inglewood. The arena is about 3 miles from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and is served by the Metro K Line at the Downtown Inglewood station, which is roughly a 10-minute walk.
Who owns Kia Forum?+
Kia Forum is owned by Steve Ballmer, the LA Clippers owner, through his sports and entertainment holding company. Ballmer acquired the Forum in 2020 when he purchased it from Madison Square Garden Entertainment (MSG) for approximately $400 million. MSG had purchased the venue in 2012 and performed the $100 million renovation that reopened it in 2014. Before MSG, the Forum was owned by various entities following the Lakers' and Kings' departure in 1999.
What is the Kia Forum naming rights deal?+
Kia Motors signed the Kia Forum naming rights deal in October 2019, which took effect in January 2021. The deal replaced the Forum's previous 'The Forum' branding that had been used since MSG acquired and renovated the venue. Kia Motors is the South Korean automaker that also has naming rights to the Kia Center (NBA Orlando Magic arena) in Florida. Financial terms of the Kia Forum deal were not publicly disclosed.
Why did the Lakers and Kings leave Kia Forum?+
The Lakers and Kings left the Forum (now Kia Forum) in 1999 when Staples Center (now Crypto.com Arena) opened in downtown Los Angeles. Staples Center was built jointly to attract both teams with modern facilities, luxury suites, and a more central location. The Forum, which had opened in 1967 without the premium amenities expected by 1990s NBA and NHL standards, could not compete with the new downtown arena. After the teams left, the venue sat dormant until MSG acquired and renovated it in 2012-2014.
When was the Kia Forum renovated?+
The Kia Forum was renovated between 2012 and 2014 by Madison Square Garden Entertainment (MSG) at a cost of approximately $100 million. The renovation added luxury suites, updated club spaces, premium food and beverage facilities, and modern production infrastructure throughout the building. Architect Populous led the renovation. Critically, MSG preserved the original circular seating bowl, which is the source of the venue's exceptional acoustics.
Is Kia Forum a good concert venue?+
Yes, the Kia Forum is consistently ranked among the best-sounding arenas in the United States. The original 1967 circular bowl design by Charles Luckman optimizes sound reflection and minimizes dead spots. Artists and production crews regularly cite the room as one of the best venues to perform in nationally. The compact size (17,500) creates intimacy that larger arenas sacrifice. Touring acts that want a premium LA market show without playing SoFi typically book the Kia Forum.
What was the Great Western Forum?+
The Great Western Forum was the name used from 1988 to 1999, when Great Western Bank held the naming rights. This era coincides with the peak Showtime Lakers dynasty (Magic Johnson, James Worthy, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar) winning championships in 1988 and additional Finals appearances. The name is sometimes used informally to refer to the venue regardless of the era, particularly by fans nostalgic for that Showtime-era Lakers basketball. Before Great Western, the venue was known as The Forum or The Fabulous Forum.
What are the biggest events held at Kia Forum?+
The Kia Forum hosts major touring concerts, comedy shows, award ceremonies, and special events year-round. Notable recurring events include the BET Awards, various Grammy-related events, and headline tours from artists at the arena level. The venue regularly hosts sold-out runs by touring acts like Bad Bunny, Beyoncé, and other stadium-to-arena level performers who want an LA stop with exceptional acoustics. Given the Showtime Lakers legacy, the venue also draws basketball nostalgia events and tribute performances.