The Kia Forum in Inglewood, California is a major event venue that hosts various concerts, sports, and entertainment events throughout the year. Some key questions to answer about the events held at the Kia Forum include:
What types of events are held at the Kia Forum?
The Kia Forum hosts a wide variety of different events, including:
- Concerts – The Forum is a top destination for major concert tours. It has hosted concerts by artists like The Eagles, U2, Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber, and many more.
- Sporting events – The venue is home to the NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers and LA Sparks basketball teams. It also hosts boxing and MMA matches.
- Award shows – The Forum has been the site of the MTV Video Music Awards, Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards, and other televised award shows.
- Family shows – Family-friendly events like Disney on Ice and the Harlem Globetrotters exhibitions are held at The Forum.
- Graduations – Local schools use The Forum to hold their graduation ceremonies.
- Special events – Circuses, ice shows, religious conferences, and other unique events also take place at the arena.
So in summary, concerts make up a significant portion of the events, along with indoor sporting competitions, awards shows, family entertainment, and a variety of other special events throughout the year. Music and sports are the main draws.
What are some notable upcoming events happening at the Kia Forum?
Some major events coming soon to the Kia Forum include:
- Justin Bieber – October 20, 23, 24
- Andrea Bocelli – November 5
- Trans-Siberian Orchestra – December 1
- Los Angeles Lakers – Select dates Oct-April
- Los Angeles Sparks – Select dates May-Sept
- 2022 MTV Video Music Awards – TBD
- 2023 Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards – March TBD
The arena’s website lists all upcoming events by month and allows you to purchase tickets. The major concerts, NBA games, and award shows tend to draw the biggest crowds and publicity.
How many people can the arena seat?
The Kia Forum can seat up to 17,505 people for concerts and sporting events. The capacity varies slightly depending on the type of stage setup and floor seating used.
For concerts, the venue can hold around 17,100 seated and standing spectators. End stage concerts reduce the capacity slightly compared to center stage setups.
For basketball, the capacity is typically just over 17,500 since all guests have reserved seating. Courtside and lower bowl seats are the most coveted.
When did the arena open and what is its history?
The Forum first opened in 1967. It was originally owned by the Canadian entrepreneur Jack Kent Cooke and served as the home arena for the Los Angeles Lakers and Kings franchises.
- 1967 – Opened on December 30, 1967. The first event was a concert by Andy Williams.
- 1960s/70s – Hosted NBA Finals and NHL playoff games. Popular concert venue.
- 1979 – Jack Kent Cooke sold it to Jerry Buss.
- 1980s – Continued hosting major concerts and Lakers games. Underwent renovations.
- 1999 – Purchased by the Faithful Central Bible Church.
- 2012 – Sold to Madison Square Garden Company. Major renovation completed.
- 2014 – Renamed the Forum after a new sponsorship with Kia Motors.
The original circular design by Charles Luckman Associates was iconic. Though other arenas have since opened in LA, the Forum remains a historic venue.
What kind of renovations or upgrades has the arena received?
The most significant renovation came in 2012 when the Madison Square Garden Company bought the Forum and invested $100 million in upgrades. Some key improvements include:
- Converted the seating to arena-style with no obstructed views
- New VIP amenities like luxury suites and clubs
- Improved concessions, restaurants, andbars
- Upgraded HD video screens and LED signage
- Modernized audio and lighting systems
- Refreshed exterior with new entrance plazas
Further upgrades were done in 2018 including enhancements to the Wifi network capabilities and installation of Amazon’s “Just Walk Out” cashier-less shopping technology. Ownership continues to invest in improvements to keep the venue updated.
What food and drink options are available inside the arena?
The Forum offers a wide selection of food and drinks to enjoy during events:
Food:
- Jason’s – Gourmet hot dogs, sausages, burgers, chicken sandwiches
- Big Wangs – Chicken wings, tenders, fries
- välkomna! – Swedish meatballs, signature gravlax sandwich
- Nacho stand
- Popcorn, pretzels, pizza
Bars/Lounges:
- 40/40 Club – Full bar with seats view of floor
- Luxury suites – In-suite catering with premium bars
- The Loft – Open-air club with full bar
- Hyde Lounge – Upscale lounge with cocktails and wine
There are dedicated stands throughout the concourses offeringbeer, wine, cocktails, soda, water and snacks.
How much do tickets tend to cost for major concerts and games?
Ticket prices can vary greatly based on the event, seat location, and market demand. Here are some typical price ranges:
Concerts
| Section | Price Range |
| Floor/Pit | $125 – $1000+ |
| Lower Bowl | $65 – $350 |
| Upper Bowl | $35 – $125 |
Lakers Games
| Section | Price Range |
| Courtside | $2500 – $4000 |
| Lower Bowl | $125 – $900 |
| Upper Bowl | $30 – $250 |
Prices vary for pre-season and playoff games. The LA market commands higher prices for star matchups and popular opponents like the Celtics.
What else is good to know about events at the Kia Forum?
Here are some other useful tips for attending events at the Kia Forum:
- Get tickets early – Popular shows sell out fast.
- Parking on-site is available for around $25-40 per vehicle.
- Public transit options like the Metro are convenient for avoiding traffic.
- The box office opens 2 hours before showtime for pickups.
- Standard security procedures apply – no bags allowed except small purses/clutches.
- Kia Forum hosts some non-ticketed community events like group fitness classes.
- Luxury amenities likeSuite Service and The Loft can be booked with many tickets.
Checking the venue’s official website or social media accounts is the best way to find out about upcoming events, parking and transit access, directions, allowed items, and more helpful details for your visit.
Conclusion
The Kia Forum remains one of the premier indoor event venues in Southern California after over 50 years. Top musical acts consistently play shows on their touring schedules at this iconic arena. It also remains the home court for LA’s basketball franchises and hosts various family shows, combat sports, award shows, and special events. Fans can expect to enjoy state-of-the-art amenities and facilities following the major renovations. With a large seating capacity and enthusiastic LA crowds, the Forum delivers electric atmospheres for concerts and games alike.
