What is “The Wall” in the Clippers’ new Intuit Dome?

The Los Angeles Clippers' newly opened Intuit Dome cost $2 billion to build, but it's already starting to generate returns — in the form of a home-field advantage.

The 38,000 square meter Halo Jumbotron is definitely an eye-catcher. And the cell phone chargers at every seat are incredibly practical. The most striking feature of the new arena, however, is “The Wall,” an uninterrupted seating area with 51 rows of seats directly behind one of the baskets, reserved only for die-hard fans.

On opening night, with the Clippers' game against Phoenix coming down to the final minute, Suns All-Star Kevin Durant – a career 88% free throw shooter – missed two crucial shots from the line.

“Yeah, it was crazy,” Durant said when asked about “The Wall.” “I just stared at it the whole time. You’re not used to that.”

What is the wall?

When designing the Clippers' new home, owner Steve Ballmer wanted to create an atmosphere similar to that of major football stadiums and college basketball student sections, where fans could chant, taunt opposing players and add extra excitement.

The wall is a continuous, almost vertical row of seats behind the basket that the Clippers' opponents shoot at in the second half of the game in the Intuit Dome.

Who sits on the Clippers fan wall?

Only passionate Clippers fans are allowed to be part of The Wall.

The first 13 of the 51 rows are dedicated to the most ardent fans, who must be pre-screened by the team. They are expected to remain standing throughout the game.

Tickets in this section cannot be listed on resale websites.

Does The Wall give the Clippers an additional advantage?

Hard to say after just one game, but the Suns definitely took note.

“I missed a free throw,” Suns guard Devin Booker said. “I was angry. I think K (Durant) missed two down there too. So that (expletive) might work.”

Durant said the fans' enthusiasm reminded him of a college crowd.

“Oklahoma State has like an arena, obviously not that big,” he said. “But seeing something go straight up, and I always thought that was cool. The noise sounds a little different. It’s going to be a difficult road environment for anyone coming in here.”

(This story has been updated with a new photo.)

What is the wall?

Who sits on the Clippers fan wall?

Does The Wall give the Clippers an additional advantage?

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