History of SoFi Stadium in Timeline
SoFi Stadium is a multi-purpose indoor stadium located in Inglewood, California, a suburb of Los Angeles. It stands on the former grounds of the Hollywood Park Racetrack, adjacent to the Kia Forum and the Intuit Dome. The stadium is a prominent entertainment and sports venue in the Los Angeles area.
1938: Hollywood Park Racetrack Inauguration
In 1938, the Hollywood Park thoroughbred race course was established.
May 1995: NFL Approves Raiders Stadium Plan
In May 1995, NFL team owners approved a resolution supporting a plan to build a $200 million stadium for the Los Angeles Raiders on Hollywood Park property. However, the deal was refused by then Raiders owner Al Davis.
1995: NFL Considered Site
The land purchased by Kroenke on January 31, 2014 had been studied by the NFL in the past for the 1995 Raiders proposal.
December 2013: Hollywood Park Closure
In December 2013, Hollywood Park, also known as Betfair Hollywood Park, was shut down for racing and training.
January 31, 2014: Stan Kroenke Purchases Land Near Hollywood Park
On January 31, 2014, Stan Kroenke, owner of the St. Louis Rams, purchased a 60-acre parcel of land just north of the Hollywood Park site, leading to speculation about his intentions for the site.
2014: Demolition of Hollywood Park
In 2014, most of the Hollywood Park complex was demolished to make way for new construction.
January 5, 2015: Partnership to Build Stadium Announced
On January 5, 2015, Stockbridge Capital Group and Kroenke Sports & Entertainment announced a partnership to build a multi-purpose 70,240-seat stadium designed for the NFL, including a performance arts venue.
February 2015: Site Grading in Preparation for Construction
In early February 2015, earth was being moved, and the site was being graded in preparation for the construction of the stadium.
February 19, 2015: Raiders and Chargers Announce Stadium Plan in Carson
On February 19, 2015, the Oakland Raiders and the San Diego Chargers announced plans for a privately financed $1.85 billion stadium in Carson as an alternative to the Inglewood project.
February 24, 2015: Inglewood City Council Approves Stadium Plans
On February 24, 2015, the Inglewood City Council unanimously approved plans to combine the 60-acre plot of land with the larger Hollywood Park development and rezone the area for sports and entertainment, clearing the way for stadium construction.
December 2015: Planned Construction Start
With the approval by the Inglewood City Council on February 24, 2015, developers were cleared to begin construction on the venue as planned in December 2015.
2015: NFL Franchise Relocation Restriction
In 2015, the National Football League announced that no franchise relocations would be permitted for the season.
2015: Tax Breaks Sought
In 2015, the developer was seeking significant tax breaks from Inglewood for the privately built stadium.
January 12, 2016: NFL Approves Rams Relocation
On January 12, 2016, the NFL approved the Inglewood proposal and the Rams' relocation back to Los Angeles by a vote of 30-2.
January 29, 2016: Rams and Chargers Agreement in Principle
On January 29, 2016, the Rams and the Chargers reached an agreement in principle to share SoFi Stadium.
July 14, 2016: Construction Oversight Announced
On July 14, 2016, it was announced that Turner Construction and AECOM Hunt would oversee construction of the stadium, with HKS, Inc. as the architectural firm.
October 2016: Hollywood Park Casino Re-Opening
In October 2016, the Hollywood Park Casino re-opened in a new building on the property, becoming the first establishment to open within the Hollywood Park complex development.
October 19, 2016: FAA Approves Heavy Equipment
On October 19, 2016, the FAA determined that a 110-foot tall LB 44 rotary drill rig would not pose a hazard to air navigation and approved its use during construction.
October 21, 2016: Hollywood Park Casino Opens
On October 21, 2016, the Hollywood Park Casino was the first establishment to open in Hollywood Park.
November 17, 2016: Groundbreaking Ceremony
On November 17, 2016, the Rams held a groundbreaking construction ceremony at the stadium site, featuring NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and Rams' owner Stan Kroenke.
December 16, 2016: FAA Delays Crane Permits
On December 16, 2016, it was reported that the FAA had declined to issue permits for cranes needed to build the structure, citing concerns about the overall project's impact on radar at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
December 23, 2016: FAA Approves Construction Cranes
On December 23, 2016, the FAA approved the use of large construction cranes to build the stadium.
2016: Final Demolition of Hollywood Park
In late 2016, after the Hollywood Park Casino moved to a new building, the remainder of the Hollywood Park complex was demolished.
January 12, 2017: Chargers Announce Relocation to Los Angeles
On January 12, 2017, the Chargers exercised their option and announced plans to relocate to Los Angeles for the 2017 season, becoming the second tenant at SoFi Stadium.
May 18, 2017: Stadium Opening Postponed
On May 18, 2017, developers announced that record rainfall had postponed the stadium's completion and opening from 2019 until the 2020 NFL season.
August 8, 2017: LA Stadium Premiere Center Opens
On August 8, 2017, the LA Stadium Premiere Center opened in Playa Vista, showcasing the design and features of the new stadium.
March 2018: Debt Ceiling Increase Approved
In March 2018, NFL internal league documents indicated a need to raise the debt ceiling for the stadium and facility to a total of $4.963 billion, which was subsequently approved by team owners.
March 2018: NFL Media Unit Relocation Announced
In March 2018, the NFL announced it would relocate its NFL Media unit to a new facility neighboring the stadium in the Hollywood Park development.
June 13, 2018: American bid to host the World Cup was selected by FIFA
On June 13, 2018, the American bid to host the World Cup was selected by FIFA, and SoFi stadium will host multiple matches during the tournament.
June 26, 2018: Stadium Topped Out
On June 26, 2018, the new stadium was ceremonially topped out.
August 6, 2019: American Airlines Plaza Named
On August 6, 2019, the covered open space was officially named American Airlines Plaza, as the airline was named the first founding partner.
August 2019: Stadium Construction Update
As of August 2019, Rams chief operating officer Kevin Demoff stated that the stadium was 75 percent complete, one year before the planned opening.
September 15, 2019: SoFi Acquires Naming Rights
On September 15, 2019, SoFi acquired the naming rights to the new stadium under a 20-year deal.
2019: Original Completion Target
The original completion target for SoFi Stadium, before delays, was 2019.
January 2020: Stadium Construction 85% Complete
In January 2020, Kevin Demoff announced that construction was 85 percent complete, with remaining work on the roof, oculus, and seat installation.
February 2020: Crane Collapse
In February 2020, a large crane collapsed at the construction site, but no one was injured.
March 2020: Construction Continues Amid COVID-19 Pandemic
In March 2020, construction continued amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, with social distancing and heightened health and safety standards in place. The project was exempted as a critical infrastructure project.
May 2020: Additional Loans Approved
In May 2020, the NFL approved another $500 million in loans for the stadium project, bringing the total cost to $5.5 billion, making it the most expensive stadium ever built.
June 5, 2020: Construction Halts After Worker Fatality
On June 5, 2020, construction on the facility was temporarily halted after an ironworker fell to his death through a hole in the roof.
June 9, 2020: Construction Resumes
On June 9, 2020, construction on the facility resumed everywhere but the roof, following the work-related fatality.
August 22, 2020: Rams hold first practice at SoFi Stadium
On August 22, 2020, the Los Angeles Rams held their first practice at SoFi Stadium.
September 2020: Stadium Opening
In September 2020, SoFi Stadium officially opened. The stadium boasts a capacity of 70,240, expandable to over 100,000 for major events. It features a translucent roof made of ETFE panels, providing sunlight and climate control. It serves as the home stadium for the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers of the NFL.
2020: New Stadium Opening
Due to delays, the opening of SoFi Stadium was pushed back to the 2020 NFL season, as reported on May 18, 2017.
May 2, 2021: Filming of Vax Live: The Concert to Reunite the World
On May 2, 2021, SoFi Stadium hosted its first major event with spectators: the filming of the Global Citizen-organized concert special Vax Live: The Concert to Reunite the World, hosted by Selena Gomez and featuring Jennifer Lopez, Eddie Vedder, the Foo Fighters, H.E.R., J Balvin, and the Duke of Sussex, to promote COVID-19 vaccination.
May 15, 2021: First athletic contest with spectators
On May 15, 2021, the first athletic contest with spectators present occurred at SoFi Stadium, featuring LA Giltinis defeating Utah Warriors in a Major League Rugby match before 4,880 spectators.
June 28, 2021: YouTube Theater Officially Named
On June 28, 2021, the performance venue was officially named YouTube Theater.
September 8, 2021: NFL Opens West Coast Campus at Hollywood Park
On September 8, 2021, the NFL opened a new west coast campus in a seven-story office tower at Hollywood Park next to the stadium. Replacing a facility in Culver City, "NFL Los Angeles" consists of office space and a studio, and features conference rooms, soundstages and an outdoor studio. One of its main tenants is NFL Media.
September 12, 2021: First NFL regular-season game with fans
On September 12, 2021, the Los Angeles Rams hosted the Chicago Bears for the first NFL regular-season game at SoFi Stadium with fans in attendance, resulting in a 34–14 Rams victory before a crowd of 70,445.
October 4, 2021: Lightning Delay at NFL Game
On October 4, 2021, the open sides of SoFi Stadium made it vulnerable to lightning, resulting in the first such delay during an NFL game between the Chargers and the Las Vegas Raiders.
2021: WrestleMania 37 Hosting Deferred to 2023
In 2021, SoFi Stadium was originally slated to host WrestleMania 37. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, its hosting duties were deferred to 2023.
2021: NFL Media Unit Facility Completion
In 2021, the new 200,000-square-foot facility for the NFL Media unit was completed.
2021: Possible Opening Date
In March 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Kevin Demoff considered the possibility of SoFi Stadium opening in 2021.
January 17, 2022: First Playoff Game at SoFi Stadium
On January 17, 2022, the first playoff game took place at SoFi Stadium, with the Rams defeating the Arizona Cardinals 34–11 before a crowd of 70,625.
February 13, 2022: SoFi Stadium Hosts Super Bowl LVI
On February 13, 2022, SoFi Stadium hosted Super Bowl LVI, marking the first Super Bowl to be played in the Los Angeles area since 1993.
August 3, 2022: Club friendly doubleheader
On August 3, 2022, SoFi Stadium hosted a club friendly doubleheader between two Major League Soccer clubs based in Los Angeles and two Liga MX clubs from Mexico. The Los Angeles Galaxy defeated Chivas Guadalajara 2–0, and Los Angeles FC lost in a penalty shootout against Club America. The event was sold out and was part of the Leagues Cup Showcase.
January 9, 2023: 2023 College Football Playoff National Championship
On January 9, 2023, SoFi Stadium hosted the 2023 College Football Playoff National Championship. The Georgia Bulldogs defeated the TCU Horned Frogs 65–7, setting a record for the largest margin of victory in a national championship game.
July 16, 2023: 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup final
On July 16, 2023, SoFi Stadium hosted the 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup final. Mexico won 1–0 against Panama.
September 2023: Revenue Dispute Threatens SoFi Stadium's World Cup Hosting
In September 2023, a dispute arose between Stan Kroenke and FIFA regarding revenue sharing, leading Kroenke to threaten to withdraw SoFi Stadium from hosting World Cup matches. This issue put the stadium's involvement in the 2026 World Cup in jeopardy.
October 13, 2023: First high school football game at SoFi Stadium
On October 13, 2023, SoFi Stadium hosted its first high school football game between Downey rivals Warren High School and Downey High School, with Warren defeating Downey 28–21, watched by 18,000 people.
2023: 2023 College Football Playoff National Championship, WrestleMania 39, 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup final
In 2023, SoFi Stadium was the venue for multiple events, including the 2023 College Football Playoff National Championship, WrestleMania 39, and the 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup final.
2023: WrestleMania 39 held at SoFi Stadium
On April 1 and 2, 2023, SoFi Stadium hosted WrestleMania 39, WWE's flagship professional wrestling event. It became the highest-grossing event in WWE history, with a $21.6 million gate and 161,892 fans over the two nights.
January 2024: SoFi Stadium Confirmed to Host World Cup Matches
In January 2024, it was confirmed that SoFi Stadium would still host World Cup matches, resolving a previous dispute from September 2023 regarding revenue sharing between Stan Kroenke and FIFA. This confirmation ensured the stadium's participation in the 2026 World Cup.
February 4, 2024: SoFi Stadium to Host Opening Match for US in 2026 World Cup
On February 4, 2024, it was announced that SoFi Stadium would host the opening match for the United States on June 12, 2026, as well as their third group match on June 25, 2026. SoFi Stadium is scheduled to host eight matches in total, including five group stage matches, two Round of 32 matches, and a quarterfinals match.
October 18, 2024: Servite vs. St. John Bosco high school game
On October 18, 2024, Servite faced St. John Bosco at SoFi Stadium. St. John Bosco defeated Servite 27–17 in front of 6,900 spectators.
October 25, 2024: Garfield vs. Roosevelt high school game
On October 25, 2024, SoFi Stadium hosted another high school game, this time between East Los Angeles rivals Garfield High School and Roosevelt High School. 15,000 watched Garfield defeat Roosevelt 38–28.
2024: SoFi Stadium to host swimming events at the Olympics
In 2024, SoFi Stadium is planning to host swimming events during the Olympics, accommodating 38,000 spectators. The pool will be constructed before the opening ceremony and covered by the staging. Swimming events will occur during the second week of the Games.
2024: Inglewood Transit Connector Project Canceled
In 2024, the planned Inglewood Transit Connector project, an automated people mover intended to link the Downtown Inglewood station with the Hollywood Park area, was canceled.
June 12, 2026: SoFi Stadium to Host Opening Match for US in 2026 World Cup
On June 12, 2026, SoFi Stadium is scheduled to host the opening match for the United States. The announcement was made on February 4, 2024, as part of a broader schedule that includes the stadium hosting eight matches in total.
June 25, 2026: SoFi Stadium to Host US Third Group Match in 2026 World Cup
On June 25, 2026, SoFi Stadium will host the United States' third group match. The announcement, made on February 4, 2024, confirmed SoFi Stadium's role in hosting eight matches of the tournament, including five group stage matches, two Round of 32 matches, and a quarterfinal match.
2026: 2026 FIFA World Cup
SoFi Stadium is scheduled to host eight matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
2027: Super Bowl LXI
SoFi Stadium is scheduled to host Super Bowl LXI in 2027.
2028: SoFi Stadium to Host 2028 Summer Olympics and Paralympics Ceremonies
In 2028, SoFi Stadium will host the opening and closing ceremonies of the Summer Olympics and Paralympics. The organizers have proposed a split format for the Olympics that would also incorporate the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
2028: 2028 Summer Olympics
SoFi Stadium is scheduled to host the opening ceremony and swimming events for the 2028 Summer Olympics.
2031: SoFi Stadium Considered for 2031 Men's Rugby World Cup
SoFi stadium is amongst the stadiums being considered for hosting matches during the 2031 Men's Rugby World Cup.
2033: SoFi Stadium Considered for 2033 Women's Rugby World Cup
SoFi stadium is amongst the stadiums being considered for hosting matches during the 2033 Women's Rugby World Cup.
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