When the Intuit Dome opened in August 2024, players around the NBA didn’t know what to expect.
Every visiting team walked into the venue stunned at multiple components: The locker room size, the gigantic Halo Board that transforms a game into an unforgettable experience, and most of all, the intimate feeling of the arena’s lower bowl.
The Clippers had a massive success driving fandom – and loudness – within The Wall, which is the 51 uninterrupted rows adjacent to the opposing team’s bench. In large part due to the fans’ intensity, opponents shot a league-worst 73% at the free throw line while shooting on that particular basket.
Now, it was time for the Clippers to push it to the next level for the 2025-26 season and beyond.
Year two of the Intuit Dome is set to include new fan activations and fun amenities that elevate the gameday experience for those in attendance.
Behind a new program called Wave Makers, the Clippers are putting their own spin on fan rewards.
Most companies and organizations launch a rewards program based on the amount of money customers spend (think of your favorite shopping center or fast food restaurant). Professional sports teams have dabbled in this idea as well, incentivizing fans to spend more – whether it’s tickets or merchandise.
The Wave Makers program, however, will encourage viewers to do nothing but ramp up their fandom inside the arena. It’s focused on giving every fan the opportunity to become the team’s “Sixth Man” within a game.
And here’s the kicker: Everything will be powered by the Intuit Dome’s technology that separates it from the pack. The Clippers will be able to gauge fan volume using the decibel readings in every seat, and fan interaction is measured by the built-in tech within the seats.
For the first time in any professional sport, fans can earn “XP” before and during a game, simply from engaging in fan activities. Anyone who has played a modern video game can relate to the concept: Earn points and unlock badges for completing certain tasks or achievements.
What does that mean in a basketball context?
Fans with an account on the Intuit Dome app can participate in Wave Makers on gamedays, tackling various missions. Some of the activities include:
- “Early Bird” badge: Showing up and scanning in at least 30 minutes prior to tip-off
- “Free Throw Distraction” badge: Opponents missing a free throw
- “Chuckmark” badge: Attend two games, cheer for a Clippers bucket, and buy some merchandise. Once all three are achieved, special food pricing will be unlocked.
- “Ahhhward” badge: Completing the most “Cheer for Shot” missions within a single game, and hit the highest average decibel readings to be recognized as the loudest fan in the building that night.
Many other badges are available, too, such as player-specific ones (attending a game where Derrick Jones Jr. and John Collins both complete dunks).
Each gameday will feature different missions – and fans will win a reward for completing 4 of the 5 available each night.
Perhaps the coolest part, though, is how the Clippers are making it a season-long challenge for fans. For instance, there will be a ranking system, where fans can advance to the next “level” based on how much XP they accumulate.
This type of gamification will provide a nice twist on fandom, further gamifying the experience and creating a friendly battle between friends:
When fans reach certain levels, they will have access to perks such as in-store credits for merch, signed jerseys, and discounted concessions.
The team believes this unique program will drive more fan engagement and lead to a higher crowd density at the start of games.
But they also have something to spice up halftime – and it’s another first for any NBA team.
The Clippers also announced a new partnership with one of the world’s most-played mobile games, Candy Crush Saga, as part of their effort to bring a connective experience to the Intuit Dome.
This multi-year deal features Candy Crush taking over the arena’s state-of-the-art Halo Board and LED signage during halftime.
The idea is simple: Gamifying the halftime experience while using a popular app to facilitate it.
Within each seat at Intuit Dome are buttons attached to the armrest, similar to any Xbox controller you’ve seen. Fans will have the opportunity to play Candy Crush in a unique format, competing with other nearby fans as the results are broadcasted in real-time.
Below is a snapshot of how the game will work:
Fans will be incentivized to get back to their seats swiftly before the third quarter begins. Their names (based on their account in the Intuit Dome app) populate on the screen during the game. Using the seat buttons, fans will drop candy and play amongst each other.
It all goes back to Clippers owner Steve Ballmer and his desire to get fans in the bowl for every possible second of game action. Teams need their fans to be rowdy at the start of the third quarter, when a critical run can happen, just as much as they need them in crunchtime.
Gillian Zucker, CEO of Halo Sports & Entertainment, mentioned in a press release that Candy Crush is the ideal partner for driving more energy inside the arena.
“Intuit Dome was designed to push the boundaries of fan engagement and uniquely redefine every aspect of the live sports experience,” Zucker said. “Candy Crush’s iconic gameplay aligns perfectly with our mission to deliver a one-of-a-kind experience for every fan at Intuit Dome. As we continue to amplify the energy in the bowl, we’re tipping off the second half with a game that takes over the entire arena.”
Candy Crush’s partnership with the Clippers runs through the 2028-29 season, and the company is planning to announce more activations for fans throughout this year.
Additionally, fans will enjoy the refreshed food menu coming to Intuit Dome this season, including special items like a Pretzel Bread Pizza that is guaranteed to be a fan favorite in the arena concourse.
With the 2026 NBA All-Star game hosted in Inglewood, fans across the country will flock to the Intuit Dome and witness all of the features that make it the most unbelievable viewing experience in basketball.