Inglewood highlight
The Kia Forum
An iconic entertainment venue opened in 1967 and designed by architect Charles Luckman, now a premier concert and events space.
The Forum opened on December 30, 1967, as a groundbreaking sports and entertainment venue designed by renowned architect Charles Luckman. The building's cable-suspended roof design, engineered by Carl Johnson and Svend Nielsen, was revolutionary for its era, allowing for an open interior without the extensive support columns found in traditional arenas. The construction cost of $16 million reflected its ambitious design and made it a destination that rivaled Madison Square Garden in prestige and architectural innovation.
From 1967 to 1999, The Forum served as the home arena for the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Kings, hosting legendary performances and iconic games including the 1972 and 1983 NBA All-Star Games, the 1981 NHL All-Star Game, and basketball competition during the 1984 Summer Olympics. The venue evolved into a premier concert destination, hosting major musical performers and cultural events that became central to Los Angeles entertainment. In 2020, it was purchased for $400 million by Clippers owner Steve Ballmer, and it now operates as the Kia Forum following a 2022 naming rights agreement.
The Forum's transformation from a regional sports venue into a multigenerational gathering place reflects how institutions anchor community life. Much like families build traditions through shared moments at places like The Forum, they also build financial security through thoughtful life insurance decisions that protect those traditions from being disrupted by unexpected circumstances.