Intuit Dome

Following the opening of Intuit Dome, the NBA’s Los Angeles Clippers sought a cutting-edge lighting solution to define their new home and elevate fan engagement. Led by Robert Sanders, the project replaced an outdated system with an Elation rig capable of high-impact visuals under sports lighting conditions.

The brief emphasised immersive, theatrical experiences integrating game presentation, performances, and interactive features. Priorities included reliability, broadcast quality, and flexibility for multiple event types. The result is a dynamic lighting environment that enhances atmosphere, strengthens brand identity, and delivers a fully immersive spectator experience.

Shortly after the Los Angeles Clippers moved into Intuit Dome, lighting designer Robert Sanders designed and managed installation of a new entertainment lighting system that transforms each game into a multisensory experience. The project began with evaluating a previously purchased moving light system, which lacked punch, color fidelity, and reliability. Sanders conducted shootouts, evaluating fixture performance with the court lights on to ensure that deep colors, textures, and beams stood out clearly. He collaborated with Elation and JRLX to select IP-rated fixtures capable of performing in the high-brightness sports environment, mounting 208 units on the arena’s signature Halo scoreboard.

The rig includes 60 PROTEUS MAXIMUS fixtures for spot, profile, and framing effects; 40 PROTEUS HYBRID MAX units for high-output color washes; 28 PULSE PANEL FX and 24 PULSE BAR S for strobe, pixel, and immersive arena-wide effects; 16 FUZE WASH 500 high-CRI LED Fresnels for broadcast-quality player illumination; and ADJ Focus Flex L7, and ADJ Jolt Panel FX IP for accent and interactive effects. Each unit is programmed to integrate seamlessly with video content, audio cues, and live performance choreography.

Lighting effects synchronize with pregame introductions, halftime shows, hype moments, and team-related performances, creating a cohesive multisensory experience. High-output fixtures cut through sports lighting to deliver vibrant reds, blues, and whites while maintaining visibility for broadcast cameras. The audiovisual system extends to fan interactivity through PixMob-enabled seats, allowing spectators to influence arena-wide color and effects in real-time.

The multi-layered lighting ecosystem enhances atmosphere while immersing spectators in every moment. From synchronized court patterns to color-changing crowd effects, fan engagement is elevated and brand identity strengthened. Beyond basketball, the system supports concerts and special events.

The original moving light system, purchased in 2019 but installed just before the Dome’s opening in 2024, was already showing its age. Dust from ongoing construction, worn-out lamps, and outdated LED technology left the fixtures dull and unreliable.

“When I came in, the system just didn’t have the punch or reliability we needed,” said Robert Sanders. “Lighting technology, especially beam quality and LED technology, had really advanced since 2019. We needed something that could cut through sports lighting, look great on camera, and hold up in a high-pressure environment.”

Sanders conducted shootouts with the court lights on so he could see what looks good with deep colors, textures, and patterns. “There aren’t a lot of ‘lights out’ moments so we need gear that can cut through. That was a tough test, but the Elation gear pushed through.”

Another challenge was the fact that they are limited with haze in the space so needed fixtures with a good punch, even in saturated colors. According to Sanders, he can now project a red pattern onto the court that remains clearly visible even with the arena’s sports lighting on—something the original system couldn’t achieve. The 550W lamp of the PROTEUS HYBRID MAX is able to cut through with the whites, reds and blues of the team colors, and the PULSE PANEL FX and PULSE BAR S are strong enough to create pixel effects, wash the court in color, or add strobe effects.

Of the FUZE WASH 500 LED Fresnel moving heads, Sanders says, “Because we do a lot of presentation-style lighting, I need to illuminate the court like a stage and ensure it looks great on camera. Skin tones, makeup, costumes, outfits—everything has to look perfect for broadcast. With this fixture’s high CRI and excellent color mixing, I can achieve the ideal color temperature right from the front of the light. It fills a niche, and we use it sparingly, but it’s a beautiful light.”

With the Halo scoreboard serving as the mounting point for every fixture and access a challenge, reliability was essential with most fixtures IP-rated for maintenance purposes.

The Intuit Dome deserves a MONDO-DR Award because, thanks in part to the new lighting system, it has become a landmark NBA arena that both locals and out-of-town visitors flock to see.

The intelligent lighting system has enhanced the building’s status as one of the most innovative arenas in the world. It is a system that combines the latest in lighting technology, artistic creativity, and immersive interactivity, and has enhanced both the fan and broadcast experience.

Here are the main reasons:
• Robert Sanders’ design elevates lighting from mere illumination to visual fun. Every moment—from player introductions to post-game celebration—is orchestrated with multiple layers of effects that immerse fans in the game.
• The system integrates with arena architecture, video content, audio, and interactive seat lighting (PixMob), creating a unified environment.
• The new lighting gear provides punch and color saturation, even with the court lighting on.
• The rig can do a lot from projecting patterns, vibrant colors, and effects to broadcast quality, color accurate light for nice skin tones, costumes, etc.
• And it can do a lot of fun stuff – dramatic theatrical effects like moving beams, chasing patterns, strobe effects, washes, and dynamic color layering – even bouncing basketball-inspired rolling light patterns, and interactive fan experiences like the Mentalist color challenge.
• Because it is IP65, the lighting system performs reliably under high-intensity conditions with minimal maintenance required at positions that are hard to reach.
• It’s flexible enough to accommodate not just Clippers games but also concerts and special events.
• The first game with the new system “blew everyone away.”
• Perhaps most importantly, it creates a signature home-court atmosphere for the Clippers’ new home that is unique in the NBA.