Viral video shows juveniles causing mischief inside the yet-to-open $2 billion Intuit dome; police identify culprits

In a daring nocturnal escapade, two juveniles trespassed into the unfinished Intuit Dome, the forthcoming $2 billion home of the NBA’s LA Clippers, and recorded their adventures, creating a stir on TikTok. The video, which attracted over 150,000 views, showcased the teens engaging in basketball antics, misusing fire extinguishers, and exploring the vast, incomplete arena located in Inglewood, California.

The footage reveals the duo making their entrance by climbing an orange ladder onto the construction site and then wandering through the empty venue to find an unfinished basketball court. Here, they indulged in shooting hoops, with one even attempting a slam dunk using a work bucket. Notably, one of the trespassers donned LA Lakers pants, adding a layer of rivalry to their stunt as they sprayed a fire extinguisher in the vicinity of a basketball hoop before making a shot.

Their video journey did not stop there; it also featured them leaping over staircases and eventually reaching the arena’s roof, where they captured panoramic views of the city skyline. The aftermath of their actions was swift, as Inglewood Mayor James E. Butts revealed that authorities had already identified the teens and their parents. Emphasizing the consequences of such pranks, Mayor Butts warned of the “moment of TikTok greatness followed by a little bit of misery,” signalling a strict stance against such trespassing acts.

While the Inglewood police continue to probe the incident, initial reports suggest no vandalism occurred inside the Intuit Dome. However, the juveniles could face up to six months in county jail and fines reaching $1,000 if convicted of trespassing. It remains unclear if charges have been filed yet.

In response to the break-in, Mayor Butts announced plans to enhance security measures at the still-under-construction arena. This incident serves as a cautionary tale about the repercussions of seeking viral fame through illegal means and underscores the importance of securing large construction sites.

The Intuit Dome is eagerly anticipated to open its doors in August this year, marking a significant milestone for the LA Clippers nearly two years after breaking ground on their new 18,000-capacity venue in September 2021. This incident, while alarming, draws attention to the upcoming arena’s significance in the sports world and the broader community’s anticipation for its completion.