When the Los Angeles Clippers returned to the court at Intuit Dome following the 2025 NBA All-Star break, the debut went beyond the game itself. The venue introduced a new lighting system from Elation Professional that significantly reshaped the atmosphere during games.
The design, developed by the team’s lighting designer Robert Sanders, brings a more immersive approach, giving lighting a more active role in the overall fan experience.
A new beginning
Intuit Dome, which opened in August 2024 in Inglewood, California, is the Clippers’ first dedicated home after decades of sharing Crypto.com Arena with the Los Angeles Lakers. Starting from scratch, the team had the opportunity to shape a distinct identity and fan experience, defining how games should be presented in the new venue.
Sanders, who joined the team in October 2024, was tasked with designing and managing the lighting program. Initially brought in to operate the sports lighting and moving light system, he soon expanded his role to oversee all programming and design, including in-game lighting, hype moments, halftime, team-related performances and even the architectural lighting of the building’s exterior.
In a basketball arena, what sets us apart is the impact we aim to create in the fan experience. We take the audience on a journey and offer an immersive light show experience, explains Sanders, noting that while many venues rely on traditional effects, their goal is to create a more theatrical atmosphere.
The need for an upgrade
The original moving light system, purchased in 2019 but installed just before the Dome’s opening, was already showing signs of wear. Construction dust, worn lamps and outdated LED technology made the fixtures appear dim and unreliable.
“When I arrived, the system didn’t have the output or reliability we needed”, says Sanders. “Lighting technology, especially in beam quality and LEDs, has advanced significantly since 2019. We needed something that could stand out against sports lighting, look good on camera and perform in a demanding environment”.
Elation and JRLX
Determined to find the right solution, Sanders organized demos with leading manufacturers. He soon leaned toward IP-rated fixtures and Elation, working with John Dunn (Elation) and Jason Reberski (JRLX) to identify luminaires that met the venue’s demands.
I’ve worked with Jason for years and he has a great relationship with the Elation team. He’s always available and was a great help on this project.
Equipment that stands out
Sanders carried out tests with the court lighting on to evaluate how colors, textures and patterns performed under real game conditions. “There aren’t many moments of complete darkness, so we need fixtures that really stand out. It was a demanding test, but the Elation system performed exceptionally well”.
In just one week in February, the team replaced 200 aging fixtures with 208 new units, all mounted on the venue’s Halo: a double-sided circular LED scoreboard that dominates the center of the arena.
- 60 Proteus Maximus
- 40 Proteus Hybrid Max
- 28 Pulse Panel FX
- 24 Pulse Bar S
- 16 Fuze Wash 500
- 12 NETRON RP2
- 12 ADJ Focus Flex L7
- 8 ADJ Jolt Panel FX IP
With all fixtures mounted on the Halo and access limited to ropes or boom lifts, system reliability was critical. “The equipment is very robust. I haven’t had any issues”, says Sanders. “It delivers quality, strong support and, above all, reliability”.
The system allows for multiple layers of effects, further immersing fans in the action. “There’s nothing this system can’t do”. The lighting is designed to integrate with Halo video content, audio and other effects to maximize audience engagement.
The debut: a key moment
The impact was immediate. During the first game with the new system, Clippers management quickly noticed the difference.
There’s an intro video about Intuit Dome and we synced the lighting to it. We started with a blue ripple effect across the court and lower seating, then transitioned into a more intense red, white and blue sequence. Seeing the beams fill the arena and translate well on camera was key. The reaction from both fans and management made it clear this marked a turning point, recalls Sanders.
A state-of-the-art system
The installation includes 60 PROTEUS MAXIMUS fixtures, capable of spot, profile and framing functions. Sanders notes that he can now project patterns that remain visible even with the arena’s sports lighting on, something the previous system could not achieve.
The 40 PROTEUS HYBRID MAX units provide the necessary power. “The 550 W lamp is incredibly punchy. Even with limited haze, the beam remains strong in whites, reds and blues”.
With 28 PULSE PANEL FX units, he can flood the arena with color or create strobe effects. He also uses dynamic movements and continuous 360° rotation, especially during player entrances. In one standout effect, moving beams and rotating panels combine to simulate the bounce of a basketball.
The 24 PULSE BAR S units are used for visual effects, from pixel mapping to color washes and strobe.
Of the 16 FUZE WASH 500 fixtures, Sanders says they are his favorites. “I need to light the court like a stage and ensure it looks perfect on camera. Skin tones, makeup, wardrobe—everything must be spot on. Thanks to its high CRI and color mixing, I can achieve the ideal temperature. That’s what I like about Elation: they have a solution for every need”.
Smart building, smart lighting
The system also plays a role in interactive fan experiences. The arena features integrated LED lighting and interactive seat elements developed by PixMob. Each seat includes a controller, and one of the most popular games is Mentalist, where fans guess a color. During breaks, the arena lights up in the winning color. “It’s always a fun moment”, says Sanders.
For the designer, Elation is a natural fit for the venue. “This is a smart building, one of the most technologically advanced arenas in the world, and Elation shares that same commitment to innovation”.
Jason Reberski of JRLX adds: “It’s been an honor to be part of the Intuit Dome’s success. It’s an impressive building and Robert’s design is exceptional. The lighting system is one of the most impactful in the country”.
Beyond games, the system also supports concerts and special events, providing visiting productions with a powerful and flexible infrastructure.
We’ve built a system capable of delivering energy and emotion every night. Fans don’t just watch a Clippers game; they become part of the experience, concludes Sanders.
