SoFi Stadium

SoFi Stadium
source
Name	SoFi Stadium
Location	Inglewood, California, U.S.
Coordinates	33.9535, N, 118.3390, W...
Broke ground	November 17, 2016
Opened	September 8, 2020
Owner	Stan Kroenke
Operator	Los Angeles Rams
Surface	Artificial turf
Construction cost	~$5.5 billion
Architect	HKS, Inc.
Structural engineer	Walter P Moore
General contractor	Turner Construction / AECOM
Tenants	Los Angeles Rams (NFL) (2020–present), Los Angeles Chargers (NFL) (2020–present)
Seating capacity	70,240 (expandable to 100,240)

SoFi Stadium. It is a state-of-the-art indoor-outdoor stadium located in Inglewood, California, serving as the home venue for the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers of the National Football League. The stadium, part of the larger Hollywood Park development, opened in 2020 and is noted for its innovative design and record-setting construction cost. It has quickly become a premier destination for major sporting events, concerts, and entertainment, including hosting Super Bowl LVI and the College Football Playoff National Championship.

History and development

The project was spearheaded by Stan Kroenke, owner of the Los Angeles Rams, following the team's relocation from St. Louis in 2016. The stadium's development on the site of the former Hollywood Park Racetrack involved a complex partnership with the city of Inglewood and required significant environmental review and community agreements. Construction, managed by a joint venture of Turner Construction and AECOM, began in late 2016 and faced challenges including rising costs and the global COVID-19 pandemic, which delayed its opening from the original 2019 target. The venue's naming rights were secured in a landmark deal with the financial services company SoFi, a subsidiary of Social Finance, Inc..

Design and architecture

Designed by the global architecture firm HKS, Inc., the stadium is renowned for its futuristic, canopy-like roof structure made of ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) panels, which covers the seating bowl while leaving the field open to the air. The iconic oval form and its reflective exterior were inspired by the coastal environment of Southern California. Key engineering feats were achieved by Walter P Moore, including the massive, cable-net supported roof. The interior design prioritizes fan sightlines and incorporates vast, column-free spaces, with the dual-sided, center-hung Oculus video board being a focal point. The adjacent American Airlines Plaza and YouTube Theater are integral parts of the overall architectural campus.

Features and amenities

The stadium complex offers extensive premium amenities, including over 260 luxury suites, exclusive clubs like the Rams House and Chargers branded spaces, and a massive, interconnected concourse. A key feature is the six-acre, publicly accessible Lake Park that surrounds the venue, complete with water features and green spaces. The playing surface is a next-generation artificial turf system, and the venue is equipped with advanced technology for connectivity, including a dense Wi-Fi network. Other notable facilities include the SoFi Stadium Art Collection, multiple team stores, and diverse food and beverage options from renowned chefs and local restaurateurs like Levy Restaurants.

Events and operations

Beyond NFL games, the stadium has hosted a packed calendar of major events, serving as the venue for Super Bowl LVI in 2022, the College Football Playoff National Championship in 2023, and WrestleMania 39. It is a regular stop for global concert tours by artists such as Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, and The Rolling Stones, and has staged international soccer matches featuring clubs like FC Barcelona and the Mexico national football team. The venue also operates the 6,000-seat YouTube Theater for mid-size events and is scheduled to host competitions for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, including athletics and the opening ceremony.

Economic and community impact

The development of the stadium and the larger Hollywood Park project has been a significant economic driver for Inglewood and the Los Angeles metropolitan area, creating thousands of construction and permanent jobs. It has spurred substantial ancillary development, including retail, office, and residential components. The project involved a community benefits agreement with the city, funding initiatives for local housing, parks, and infrastructure. While boosting tourism and local business revenue, the development has also raised concerns about gentrification and displacement in the surrounding communities, leading to ongoing dialogue between stakeholders, the city council, and community groups.

Category:American football venues in California Category:Sports venues in Los Angeles County, California Category:2020 establishments in California