The Forum

Lore & Background

Built by the legendary Jack Kent Cooke, The Forum opened its doors in November 1967 as a multi-purpose arena designed to host both the Lakers and the Los Angeles Kings. Unlike modern stadiums with their vast expanses, The Forum was renowned for its intimacy; the court felt close to the fans, creating an intense, deafening atmosphere that became a formidable advantage for the home team. It was here that Kareem Abdul-Jabbar established his dominance and where Magic Johnson's no-look passes seemed to hang in the air longer than physics allowed.

The venue witnessed the transition from the "Good Old Days" of West and Wilt Chamberlain to the high-flying, fast-break spectacle of the 1980s. The Forum was not merely a building; it was a character in the Lakers' saga, witnessing the triumph of the 1972 Finals victory over the Knicks, the euphoria of the 1980 Rookie Magic championship run, and the back-to-back dominance of the "Showtime" era against Detroit. Its demolition in 2000 marked the end of an era, but its ghost remains woven into the fabric of Lakers lore.

In Their Own Story

The air inside The Forum was always thick with anticipation, a unique blend of hairspray, popcorn, and the electric hum of Los Angeles nightlife. On this particular night in June 1987, the lights seemed to dim just enough to make the purple jerseys glow brighter against the dark wood of the court. Magic Johnson dribbled near the sideline, his eyes scanning the defense, before launching a pass that defied logic straight into the hands of James Worthy for the "Game Winner." The roar that erupted from the 17,000 fans didn't just shake the rafters; it seemed to lift the entire circular roof. For a split second, time suspended itself in Inglewood, capturing the pure essence of Showtime before the confetti even began to fall.

Reader's Guide

For generations of Lakers faithful, The Forum was more than an address; it was a pilgrimage site where basketball history was made tangible. To sit in those seats was to be part of an exclusive club that witnessed greatness up close. The arena's design forced fans into the action, creating a connection between player and supporter that modern arenas often struggle to replicate.

The culture surrounding The Forum was defined by its glamour and intensity. It was the place where Hollywood stars rubbed shoulders with basketball gods in the front rows, turning every game night into a social event of the highest order. Yet, beneath the glitz, there was a fierce, unyielding loyalty from the local Inglewood community who claimed the arena as their own.

Even though the physical structure has been replaced by the Forum's successor site, the spirit of The Forum endures in every cheer at Crypto.com Arena. It represents the golden age of the franchise, a time when the Lakers were not just winning, but redefining how the game was played and watched. For historians and fans alike, remembering The Forum is essential to understanding the soul of the Los Angeles Lakers.

Did You Know?

• The Forum was one of the first arenas in the world to feature a circular roof design with no obstructed views from any seat.
• It hosted the 1972 NBA Finals where Wilt Chamberlain and Jerry West led the Lakers to their first title in Los Angeles, marking the franchise's first championship since moving from Minneapolis in 1960.
• The arena was named after the historic Roman Forum, reflecting owner Jack Kent Cooke's desire for a grand, classical aesthetic.
• After its demolition, much of the original hardwood floor from The Forum was preserved and used in various memorabilia projects by the Lakers organization.

Architectural Innovation and Origins

Constructed on the site of a former golf course in Inglewood, California, The Forum stands as a testament to visionary engineering from the late 1960s. Designed by architect Charles Luckman with realization by engineers Carl Johnson and Svend Nielsen, the structure broke new ground for indoor arenas of its magnitude. Its most defining feature is a massive cable-suspended roof spanning approximately 407 feet in diameter, which allows the interior to exist without extensive support pillars obstructing views. This design choice ensured that over 70% of seats are positioned between the goals or baskets, with no spectator sitting more than 170 feet from the action. Built by Jack Kent Cooke after being denied access to existing city facilities for his new NHL franchise, the $16 million venue was intended to evoke Roman coliseums. It officially opened on December 30, 1967, hosting its first Kings game immediately, followed by a Lakers victory the next day. This unique architectural approach created an intimate atmosphere despite seating capacities ranging from 16,005 for hockey to nearly 18,000 for concerts.

A Decade of Sporting Glory

From its inception in 1967 through the end of the century, The Forum served as the spiritual home for Los Angeles' premier professional sports teams. It hosted the NBA's Lakers and the NHL's Kings from 1967 to 1999, before both franchises relocated to what is now Crypto.com Arena. During its first six years alone, the arena was a witness to five NBA Finals, cementing its status as a critical stage for championship history. Notable moments included the Boston Celtics clinching titles in 1968 and 1969, with the latter marking Bill Russell's final game, alongside Lakers championships in 1972. The venue also hosted major All-Star games for both basketball and hockey, as well as Olympic basketball during the 1984 Los Angeles Games. Even after losing its primary tenants, it continued to host significant collegiate tournaments, including the Big West Conference and Pacific-10 men's basketball championships in the late 1980s, maintaining a legacy of high-stakes athletic competition.

Legendary Musical Performances

Beyond sports, The Forum earned global renown as a premier destination for rock and pop music, hosting some of history's most iconic live performances. In the late 1960s, it became a crucible for legendary acts; Cream played their farewell tour shows here in October 1968, with recordings from these dates appearing on their final album. The Jimi Hendrix Experience debuted at the venue in April 1969 and returned the following year, while Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young recorded material that would define their live sound. The arena's acoustics and atmosphere drew giants like The Rolling Stones, who performed multiple times across the decade, and Queen, who played twelve concerts between 1977 and 1982. A particularly poignant moment occurred on September 15, 1982, when Freddie Mercury performed his final U.S. concert with the band at this very location. David Bowie also graced the stage in 1978, solidifying The Forum's reputation as a hallowed ground for musical history.

Ownership Evolution and Historic Status

The ownership trajectory of The Forum reflects its shifting cultural role from a sports hub to a historic landmark. After decades under Jack Kent Cooke's control, the venue was acquired in 2000 by the Faithful Central Bible Church, which utilized it for services while leasing it out for events. A major turning point arrived in 2012 when the Madison Square Garden Company purchased the arena for $23.5 million with ambitious plans to renovate it into a world-class concert venue. Recognizing its cultural significance, The Forum was added to the National Register of Historic Places on September 24, 2014. In a surprising twist in March 2020, Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer bought the property from MSG for $400 million. Throughout these transitions, the venue has retained various names, including Great Western Forum and The Fabulous Forum, a nickname coined by legendary announcer Chick Hearn, ensuring its identity remains distinct within the Los Angeles entertainment landscape.

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