History of SoFi Stadium in Timeline
SoFi Stadium is a large indoor-outdoor sports and entertainment venue located in Inglewood, California, near Los Angeles. With a seating capacity of 70,240, it stands on the former Hollywood Park Racetrack site, strategically positioned near other entertainment and sports venues like the Kia Forum and Intuit Dome, and about 4 miles from Los Angeles International Airport.
1938: Hollywood Park Opens
In 1938, Hollywood Park opened as a thoroughbred race course.
1960: Inaugural Season
In 1960, the Chargers played their inaugural season in Los Angeles
1962: Dodger Stadium Shared by MLB Teams
From 1962 to 1965, Dodger Stadium was shared by the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Los Angeles Angels of MLB.
1965: Dodger Stadium Shared by MLB Teams
From 1962 to 1965, Dodger Stadium was shared by the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Los Angeles Angels of MLB.
1970: NFL Merger
Since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger, SoFi Stadium is the fourth stadium complex in Greater Los Angeles shared by more than one team from the same league.
1993: First Super Bowl in Los Angeles Area Since 1993
Super Bowl LVI was the first Super Bowl played in the Los Angeles area since Super Bowl XXVII in 1993.
May 1995: NFL Approves Raiders Stadium Plan
In May 1995, NFL team owners approved a plan to build a $200 million stadium on Hollywood Park property for the Los Angeles Raiders, but the deal was refused by then Raiders owner Al Davis due to stipulations.
1995: NFL Studies Land
In the past the National Football League studied the area purchased by Stan Kroenke on January 31, 2014 for the 1995 Raiders proposal.
October 1999: Departure of Lakers and Kings from The Forum
In October 1999, the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Kings left The Forum in Inglewood for the Staples Center (now Crypto.com Arena) in Downtown Los Angeles, marking the end of major professional sports in Inglewood until the arrival of the Rams and Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
1999: Crypto.com Arena Hosts NBA Teams
From 1999 to 2024, Crypto.com Arena hosted both of Los Angeles' NBA teams, the Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers.
2005: Dignity Health Sports Park Hosts MLS Teams
From 2005 to 2014, Dignity Health Sports Park was home to the LA Galaxy and the now-defunct Chivas USA of the MLS.
2012: Highest-grossing run of concerts at a single venue since 2012
As of November 2021, BTS's Permission to Dance on Stage—LA concerts at SoFi Stadium grossed $33.3 million, making it the highest-grossing concert engagement ever held in California, and the highest-grossing run of concerts at a single venue since 2012.
December 2013: Hollywood Park Closes
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.
2014: Dignity Health Sports Park Hosts MLS Teams
From 2005 to 2014, Dignity Health Sports Park was home to the LA Galaxy and the now-defunct Chivas USA of the MLS.
2014: Demolition Begins
In 2014, most of the Hollywood Park complex was demolished to make way for new construction.
January 5, 2015: Partnership Announced for Stadium Project
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 Begins
In early February 2015, it was reported that "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 Rival Stadium Plan
On February 19, 2015, the Oakland Raiders and the San Diego Chargers announced plans for a privately financed $1.85 billion stadium in Carson, creating a rival proposal 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 to include sports and entertainment capabilities.
December 2015: Developers Clear Way for Construction
In December 2015, the approval by the Inglewood City Council cleared the way for developers to begin construction on the stadium venue as planned.
2015: Developer Sought Tax Breaks
In 2015, despite being privately built, the developer of SoFi Stadium was seeking significant tax breaks from the city of Inglewood.
2015: NFL Franchise Relocation Blocked
In 2015, the National Football League announced that it would not allow any franchise relocation for the season.
January 12, 2016: NFL Approves Inglewood Proposal
On January 12, 2016, the NFL approved the Inglewood proposal and the Rams' relocation back to Los Angeles, rejecting the rival proposal.
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 the new stadium. Both teams would contribute to construction costs and pay rent to StadCo LA, LLC. However, the Chargers announced they would remain in San Diego for the 2016 NFL season.
May 2016: SoFi Stadium Originally Awarded Super Bowl LV
In May 2016, SoFi Stadium was originally awarded Super Bowl LV (2021) at an NFL owners' meeting.
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 and that the architectural firm HKS, Inc. would design the stadium.
October 2016: Hollywood Park Casino Re-Opens
In October 2016, the Hollywood Park Casino re-opened in a new building on the property, becoming the development's first establishment to open.
October 19, 2016: FAA Approves 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, approving 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 Held
On November 17, 2016, the Rams held the groundbreaking construction ceremony at the stadium site, featuring NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and Rams' owner Stan Kroenke.
December 16, 2016: FAA Declines 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 with the overall project.
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
In late 2016, the remainder of the Hollywood Park complex was demolished after the Hollywood Park Casino moved to a new building.
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. This move returned the Chargers to the market where they played their inaugural season.
January 15, 2017: Expiration of Chargers' First Option
On January 15, 2017, the San Diego Chargers' first option to relocate to Los Angeles and share SoFi Stadium with the Rams was set to expire. The Oakland Raiders would have acquired the same option if the Chargers did not exercise it.
May 2017: Super Bowl LV Re-Awarded to Tampa, LVI to Los Angeles
In May 2017, because the stadium's opening was delayed to 2020, the NFL chose to re-award Super Bowl LV to Raymond James Stadium in Tampa and award Super Bowl LVI to Los Angeles instead.
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 to prospective buyers.
November 1, 2017: Awarded 2023 College Football Playoff National Championship
On November 1, 2017, it was announced that SoFi Stadium would host the 2023 College Football Playoff National Championship.
March 2018: Increased Debt Ceiling
In March 2018, internal NFL documents indicated a need to raise the debt ceiling for SoFi Stadium to a total of $4.963 billion, making it the most expensive sports venue ever built. Team owners approved this new debt ceiling at a meeting that same month.
March 2018: NFL Media Unit Relocation Announced
In March 2018, the NFL announced that it would relocate its NFL Media unit from Culver City to a new facility neighboring the stadium in the Hollywood Park development, and was completed in 2021.
June 13, 2018: American Bid Selected to Host World Cup
On June 13, 2018, the American bid to host the World Cup was selected by FIFA, making SoFi Stadium one of the venues for 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 Naming
On August 6, 2019, the covered open space within SoFi Stadium, formerly known as Champions Plaza, was officially named American Airlines Plaza. American Airlines, which has a hub at nearby LAX, was named the first founding partner.
August 2019: Stadium 75% Complete
As of August 2019, one year before the planned opening, Rams chief operating officer Kevin Demoff stated that the stadium was 75 percent complete.
September 15, 2019: SoFi Naming Rights Deal
On September 15, 2019, SoFi, a San Francisco-based financial services company, acquired the naming rights to the new stadium under a 20-year deal valued at over $30 million per year. This was a record for naming rights for a sports venue.
2019: Stadium Opening Originally Planned
The stadium's completion and opening was originally planned for 2019, but it was postponed until 2020.
January 2020: Construction Update: 85% Complete
In January 2020, Kevin Demoff announced that construction was 85 percent complete, with roof and oculus work, as well as seat installation, still in progress.
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 Pandemic
In March 2020, construction continued amidst the COVID-19 pandemic with social distancing and heightened health and safety standards.
May 2020: Additional Loans Approved
In May 2020, another $500 million in loans for SoFi Stadium was approved by the NFL and the owners, further increasing the total cost of the project.
June 5, 2020: Construction Halted After Worker Death
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 after a temporary halt due to a worker's death.
August 22, 2020: Rams held their first practice at the stadium
On August 22, 2020, the Rams held their first practice at SoFi Stadium, marking an important milestone in the stadium's operational readiness.
September 2020: Stadium Opening
In September 2020, SoFi Stadium opened as the home to the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers of the NFL and the annual LA Bowl in college football.
2020: Raiders Move to Allegiant Stadium
In 2020, after the Chargers exercised their option to move to Los Angeles, the Raiders moved to Las Vegas and began play at Allegiant Stadium.
2020: Summer concerts cancelled or postponed due to the pandemic
In 2020, all of the originally announced summer concerts at SoFi Stadium were cancelled or postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. These included Taylor Swift's Lover Fest, tours by Guns N' Roses, Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw, Mötley Crüe, and Def Leppard.
2020: Stadium Opening Delayed to 2020
In 2020, the opening of SoFi Stadium was delayed, leading to the re-awarding of Super Bowl LV to Tampa.
May 2, 2021: Vax Live: The Concert to Reunite the World
On May 2, 2021, SoFi Stadium hosted its first major event with spectators present, the filming of the Global Citizen-organized concert special Vax Live: The Concert to Reunite the World. Hosted by Selena Gomez, the concert featured performances by Jennifer Lopez, Eddie Vedder, the Foo Fighters, H.E.R., J Balvin, and the Duke of Sussex, all to promote COVID-19 vaccination.
May 15, 2021: First athletic contest with spectators
On May 15, 2021, SoFi Stadium hosted its first athletic contest with spectators present, a Major League Rugby match where LA Giltinis defeated Utah Warriors 38–27, with 4,880 spectators in attendance.
June 28, 2021: YouTube Theater Naming
On June 28, 2021, the performance venue within SoFi Stadium was officially named YouTube Theater. YouTube is based in San Bruno.
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 SoFi Stadium. Replacing a facility in Culver City, it consists of leased 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 in attendance
On September 12, 2021, the Los Angeles Rams hosted the Chicago Bears in the first NFL regular-season game at the stadium with fans in attendance. The Rams won the game 34–14 before a crowd of 70,445.
October 4, 2021: Lightning Delay During NFL Game
On October 4, 2021, the open sides of SoFi Stadium made it vulnerable to lightning delays, with the first such delay occurring during an NFL game between the Chargers and the Las Vegas Raiders.
2021: Inaugural LA Bowl
In 2021, SoFi Stadium hosted the inaugural edition of the LA Bowl (Art of Sport LA Bowl Hosted by Gronk), featuring Utah State defeating Oregon State 24–13.
2021: Original Date of Super Bowl LV
In 2021, SoFi Stadium was originally scheduled to host Super Bowl LV, but due to construction delays, the game was moved to Raymond James Stadium in Tampa.
2021: Hosting of WrestleMania 37 deferred
In 2021, SoFi Stadium's hosting of WrestleMania 37 was deferred to 2023 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
2021: Rams Win NFC Championship
In 2021, the Rams won the NFC Championship Game, making them only the second team to play a Super Bowl in their home stadium.
2021: NFL Media Unit Relocation Complete
In March 2018, the NFL announced that it would relocate its NFL Media unit from Culver City to a new facility neighboring the stadium in the Hollywood Park development. The new facility was completed in 2021.
2021: Possible Completion Date
In March 2020, Kevin Demoff suggested there was a possiblity its completion could be delayed until 2021 due to the pandemic.
February 13, 2022: SoFi Stadium Hosted Super Bowl LVI
On February 13, 2022, SoFi Stadium hosted Super Bowl LVI, the first Super Bowl played in the Los Angeles area since Super Bowl XXVII in 1993.
August 3, 2022: Club Friendly Doubleheader
On August 3, 2022, SoFi Stadium hosted a sold-out club friendly doubleheader between Major League Soccer clubs based in Los Angeles and 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 part of the Leagues Cup Showcase.
2022: First Stadium to Host Conference Championship and Super Bowl in Same Year
In 2022, SoFi Stadium became the first stadium to host a conference championship game and the Super Bowl in the same year. It also became the second stadium to see its main tenant win the Super Bowl, with the Rams' victory.
2022: Kenny Chesney, Mötley Crüe, and Def Leppard concerts
In 2022, SoFi Stadium finally hosted concerts by Kenny Chesney (Chillaxification Tour), Mötley Crüe, and Def Leppard (The Stadium Tour) after initial postponements due to the pandemic.
2022: Hosting Super Bowl LVI
In 2022, SoFi Stadium hosted Super Bowl LVI.
January 9, 2023: 2023 College Football Playoff National Championship
On January 9, 2023, SoFi Stadium hosted the 2023 College Football Playoff National Championship, where the Georgia Bulldogs defeated the TCU Horned Frogs 65–7. This victory was the largest margin of victory in a national championship game at the time.
April 29, 2023: First ever Monster Jam event
On April 29, 2023, SoFi Stadium hosted its first ever Monster Jam event, with Grave Digger winning the overall event championship.
July 16, 2023: 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup Final
On July 16, 2023, SoFi Stadium hosted the 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup final, where Mexico won 1–0 against Panama. This was the seventh final held in the Los Angeles area.
September 2023: Stan Kroenke threatens to pull hosting from SoFi Stadium.
In September 2023, Stan Kroenke threatened to pull hosting from SoFi Stadium until a dispute regarding revenue sharing between him and FIFA could be resolved.
October 13, 2023: First High School Football Game
On October 13, 2023, SoFi Stadium hosted its first high school football game between Downey rivals Warren High School and Downey High School. Warren defeated Downey 28–21, and the winner was invited to the 2023 LA Bowl. 18,000 people attended.
2023: Hosting College Football Playoff National Championship and CONCACAF Gold Cup final and WrestleMania 39
In 2023, SoFi Stadium hosted the College Football Playoff National Championship, WrestleMania 39, and the CONCACAF Gold Cup final.
2023: Taylor Swift's The Eras Tour
In 2023, Taylor Swift concluded the U.S. leg of her "The Eras Tour" at SoFi Stadium.
2023: SoFi Stadium hosted WrestleMania 39
On April 1 and 2, 2023, SoFi Stadium hosted WrestleMania 39, the 2023 edition of WWE's flagship professional wrestling event WrestleMania. It was the highest-grossing event in WWE history, with a reported gate of $21.6 million and a combined attendance of 161,892 fans over both nights.
January 2024: SoFi Stadium to host matches
In January 2024, it was confirmed that SoFi Stadium would still be hosting matches.
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 will host eight matches: five group stage matches, two Round of 32 matches and a quarterfinals match.
May 4, 2024: City Year Los Angeles Spring Break Fundraiser
On May 4, 2024, SoFi Stadium hosted the City Year Los Angeles Spring Break Fundraiser, featuring a performance by John Legend.
May 18, 2024: Host to Monster Jam World Finals 23
On May 18, 2024, SoFi Stadium hosted Monster Jam World Finals 23.
October 25, 2024: High School Game: Garfield vs Roosevelt
On October 25, 2024, SoFi Stadium hosted another high school game between East Los Angeles rivals Garfield High School and Roosevelt High School. Garfield defeated Roosevelt 38–28, with 15,000 in attendance.
2024: Crypto.com Arena Hosts NBA Teams
From 1999 to 2024, Crypto.com Arena hosted both of Los Angeles' NBA teams, the Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers.
2024: Hosting Matches During 2024 Copa América
In 2024, SoFi Stadium hosted two matches during the Copa América tournament.
2024: Stadium to host swimming events for the Olympics.
In 2024, SoFi Stadium is planned to host swimming events with a seating configuration for 38,000 spectators, making it the largest swimming venue in Olympic history.
February 1, 2025: Honda Battle of the Bands
On February 1, 2025, SoFi Stadium hosted the Honda Battle of the Bands, the first time this event was held on the West Coast.
May 17, 2025: Monster Jam returned to the stadium
On May 17, 2025, Monster Jam returned to SoFi Stadium.
2025: Hosting CONCACAF Gold Cup
SoFi Stadium is set to host matches during the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
June 12, 2026: SoFi Stadium to host US opening match in 2026 World Cup
On June 12, 2026, SoFi Stadium is scheduled to host the opening match for the United States as part of the 2026 World Cup.
June 25, 2026: SoFi Stadium to host US third match in 2026 World Cup
On June 25, 2026, SoFi Stadium is scheduled to host the third group match for the United States in the 2026 World Cup.
2026: SoFi Stadium to Host Matches During 2026 FIFA World Cup
In 2026, SoFi Stadium will host multiple matches during the FIFA World Cup as one of sixteen venues selected for the tournament.
2026: Stadium Renamed for 2026 FIFA World Cup
In 2026, for the FIFA World Cup, SoFi Stadium will be temporarily renamed "Los Angeles Stadium" to comply with FIFA's policy on corporate-sponsored names.
2026: Hosting FIFA World Cup Matches
SoFi Stadium is scheduled to host eight matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
February 14, 2027: SoFi Stadium to Host Super Bowl LXI
On February 14, 2027, SoFi Stadium will host Super Bowl LXI, marking its second Super Bowl.
2027: Hosting CONCACAF Nations League Finals
In 2027, SoFi Stadium will host the CONCACAF Nations League Finals.
2027: Inglewood Transit Connector planned to open in 2027.
In 2027, the Inglewood Transit Connector, an automated people mover line, was planned to open, connecting the Downtown Inglewood K Line station with SoFi Stadium, the Forum, and the Intuit Dome.
2027: Hosting 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 is scheduled to host the opening and closing ceremonies of the Summer Olympics and Paralympics.
2028: Stadium Renamed for 2028 Summer Olympics
In 2028, SoFi Stadium will be temporarily renamed for the duration of the Summer Olympics, in accordance with sponsorship policies.
2028: Inglewood Transit Connector planned to open one year prior to the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
In 2028, The Inglewood Transit Connector would be operated by the city, in conjunction with Metro, and was planned to open one year prior to the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
2028: Hosting Summer Olympics Events
SoFi Stadium is scheduled to host the opening ceremony and swimming events for the 2028 Summer Olympics.
2030: People mover expected to open for revenue service until early 2030.
In 2030, The Federal Transit Administration reports that the people mover would not be expected to open for revenue service until early 2030. The project was ultimately cancelled due to lack of support from all parties.
2031: Los Angeles considered for hosting matches during the 2031 Men's Rugby World Cup.
In 2031, Los Angeles is amongst the cities being considered for hosting matches during the Men's Rugby World Cup.
2033: Los Angeles considered for hosting matches during the 2033 Women's Rugby World Cup.
In 2033, Los Angeles is amongst the cities being considered for hosting matches during the Women's Rugby World Cup.
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