CONGRATULATIONS: Lauri Markkanen is now recognized as the MVP player of all time Receiving a Prestigious Award…

CONGRATULATIONS: Lauri Markkanen is now recognized as the MVP player of all time Receiving a Prestigious Award…

On this most recent Utah Jazz road trip, one of the most intriguing games on the schedule for the team and for the reporters was the game against the Los Angeles Clippers at the brand new Intuit Dome in Inglewood.

The arena has been widely publicized and talked about, but I went in skeptical that it would be anything more than just another arena with some modern touches. Well, I was wrong. It’s incredible.

Even as you enter the plaza on your way into the arena, it looks awesome.

There is a ship (one of many nautical-themed touches) in the plaza and the sails are made out of backboards and basketball hoops.

There’s an entire basketball court that looks like something out of an old school AND1 commercial.

It just looks and feels cool and inviting.

Once you’re inside, the event experience does not disappoint.

There is a huge (it’s seriously ginormous!) 360 degree, double sided, halo that serves as the futuristic version of a jumbotron.

But because of shape and size, it doesn’t sit down in the middle of the airspace that normal jumbotrons do.

Fans sitting in the highest seats on one side of the arena can see across the building to the fans sitting in the same seats directly across the arena.

Sight lines like that are not something I’ve ever experienced and it kind of makes you feel like you are more connected with everyone in the building.

The halo screen is wild. There are incredible graphics and player animations that are right next to multiple replay screens with different angles and advanced stats.

Then during timeouts and stoppages, there are even interactive games that fans can participate in with remotes that are built into every armrest — an armrest that is also equipped with lights that feature during pre-game festivities.

Then there’s The Wall, a 51-row section that is ultra steep and set up like a student-section where fans can stand and opposing fans aren’t allowed.

There are lasers and smoke and fire and fireworks.

The lighting is great, the sound system is great and the arena space is beautiful.

Even a game between the lowly Jazz and sub-.500 Clippers felt like an event.