History of SoFi Stadium in Timeline

SoFi Stadium is a large, multi-purpose stadium located in Inglewood, California, a suburb of Los Angeles. With a seating capacity of 70,240, it's situated on the former Hollywood Park Racetrack site, near the Kia Forum and Intuit Dome, and not far from Los Angeles International Airport. Its location makes it a prominent landmark in the area, easily accessible and a key venue for various events.

1938: Hollywood Park Race Course Opening

In 1938, the Hollywood Park thoroughbred race course opened and operated until its closure in December 2013. It stood on the site that would later become SoFi Stadium.

1960: Chargers Inaugural Season

In 1960, the Chargers played their inaugural season in Los Angeles.

1962: Dodgers and Angels Share Dodger Stadium

From 1962 to 1965, Dodger Stadium was shared by the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Los Angeles Angels of Major League Baseball (MLB). This era highlights a period of shared venues in Greater Los Angeles sports history.

1965: End of Dodgers and Angels Sharing Dodger Stadium

In 1965, the period of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Los Angeles Angels sharing Dodger Stadium concluded. This transition reflects the evolution of sports venue arrangements in the Greater Los Angeles area.

1970: NFL Merger

Since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger, SoFi Stadium is one of two stadiums currently shared by a pair of NFL teams. It is the first stadium complex outside of the New York metropolitan area to host two NFL teams concurrently.

1993: Previous Super Bowl in Los Angeles Area

In 1993, before Super Bowl LVI, the Los Angeles area had not hosted a Super Bowl since Super Bowl XXVII.

May 1995: NFL Approves Raiders Stadium Plan

In May 1995, NFL team owners approved a resolution supporting a plan to build a $200 million, privately funded stadium on Hollywood Park property for the Los Angeles Raiders. The approval on May 1995 was a step towards a stadium, but the deal fell through.

1995: NFL Studied Land for Raiders Proposal

In 1995, the NFL studied the area north of Hollywood Park for a potential stadium for the Raiders. The land study in 1995 eventually led to Stan Kroenke's purchase of the land in 2014.

October 1999: Departure of Lakers and Kings from Inglewood

In October 1999, the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Kings left The Forum for the Staples Center (now Crypto.com Arena) in Downtown Los Angeles.

1999: Lakers and Clippers Share Crypto.com Arena

From 1999 to 2024, Crypto.com Arena hosted both NBA teams, the Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers. It's one of the venues in Greater Los Angeles shared by more than one team from the same league.

2005: LA Galaxy and Chivas USA Share Dignity Health Sports Park

From 2005 to 2014, Dignity Health Sports Park was home to the LA Galaxy and the now-defunct Chivas USA from Major League Soccer (MLS). This venue represents one of the shared sports locations in the Greater Los Angeles area.

2012: Comparison to Bruce Springsteen Concert Run

In 2012, prior to the Permission to Dance on Stage—LA concerts, Bruce Springsteen had the highest-grossing concert engagement in North America.

December 2013: Hollywood Park Closes

In December 2013, Hollywood Park, known as Betfair Hollywood Park, was shut down for racing and training, marking the end of its use as a thoroughbred race course since 1938. This closure paved the way for the stadium's construction.

January 31, 2014: 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 north of the Hollywood Park site. The purchase in January 2014 led to speculation about a stadium or training facility for the Rams.

2014: End of Chivas USA Sharing Dignity Health Sports Park

In 2014, Chivas USA's shared occupancy of Dignity Health Sports Park ended, marking the conclusion of their time sharing the venue with the LA Galaxy. This reflects the changing landscape of sports venues in the Greater Los Angeles region.

2014: Demolition of Hollywood Park

In 2014, most of the Hollywood Park complex was demolished to make way for new construction. The demolition in 2014 prepared the site for the future SoFi Stadium development.

January 5, 2015: Partnership 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. The announcement on January 5, 2015, marked a major step towards building SoFi Stadium.

February 2015: Site Grading Begins

In early February 2015, the site was being graded in preparation for construction. The site grading in February 2015 prepared the area for the stadium's development.

February 19, 2015: Raiders and Chargers Announce Stadium Plans

On February 19, 2015, the Oakland Raiders and the San Diego Chargers announced plans for a privately financed $1.85 billion stadium in Carson. The announcement on February 19, 2015, created a competing proposal for the Los Angeles market.

February 24, 2015: Inglewood City Council Approves Plans

On February 24, 2015, the Inglewood City Council 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. The approval on February 24, 2015, cleared the way for construction to begin.

December 2015: Planned Construction Start

In December 2015, developers were cleared to begin construction on the venue. The start of construction planned for December 2015 marked the beginning of the stadium's physical development.

2015: NFL Franchise Relocation Blocked

In 2015, the National Football League (NFL) announced that it would not allow any franchise relocation for the 2015 season. This decision in 2015 temporarily halted speculation about the Rams' future.

2015: Tax Breaks Sought

In 2015, the developer of SoFi Stadium was seeking significant tax breaks from Inglewood, despite the stadium being privately built.

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. The approval on January 12, 2016, secured the stadium's development and the Rams' return.

January 29, 2016: Agreement in Principle Between Rams and Chargers

On January 29, 2016, the Rams and the Chargers came to an agreement in principle to share SoFi Stadium, with each team contributing a $200 million stadium loan from the NFL and personal seat license fees to the construction costs and paying $1 per year in rent. Chargers would remain in San Diego for the 2016 NFL season.

May 2016: Initial Award of Super Bowl LV

In May 2016, SoFi Stadium was initially awarded Super Bowl LV (2021) at an NFL owners' meeting.

July 14, 2016: Construction Oversight Announced

On July 14, 2016, Turner Construction and AECOM Hunt were announced to oversee construction of the stadium, with HKS, Inc. designing the stadium. The announcement on July 14, 2016, formalized the construction and design teams.

October 2016: Hollywood Park Casino Re-Opens

In October 2016, the Hollywood Park Casino re-opened in a new building on the property. This marked the first establishment to open within the developing Hollywood Park master-planned neighborhood.

October 19, 2016: FAA Approves Equipment

On October 19, 2016, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) determined that a 110-foot tall LB 44 rotary drill rig would not pose a hazard to air navigation, approving the first piece of heavy equipment for construction. The FAA's approval on October 19, 2016, allowed construction to proceed.

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 the groundbreaking construction ceremony at the stadium site, featuring NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and Rams' owner Stan Kroenke. The ceremony on November 17, 2016, officially marked the start of construction.

December 16, 2016: FAA Declines Crane Permits

On December 16, 2016, the FAA declined to issue permits for cranes needed to build the structure, citing unresolved concerns with the overall project. The FAA's denial on December 16, 2016, caused delays in construction.

December 23, 2016: FAA Approves Construction Cranes

On December 23, 2016, the FAA approved the use of large construction cranes to build the stadium, resolving previous concerns. The FAA's approval on December 23, 2016, allowed construction to proceed without further delays.

2016: Demolition Completion

In late 2016, the remaining parts of the Hollywood Park complex were demolished after the Hollywood Park Casino moved to a new building. The demolition completion in 2016 finalized site preparations for the new stadium.

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 and returning to the market where they played their inaugural season.

January 15, 2017: Expiration of Chargers' 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 at that time.

May 2017: Re-awarding of Super Bowl LV

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 LVI to Los Angeles instead.

May 18, 2017: Stadium Opening Postponed

On May 18, 2017, developers announced that record rainfall in the area had postponed the stadium's completion and opening from 2019 until the 2020 NFL season. The delay announced on May 18, 2017, pushed back the stadium's opening.

August 8, 2017: LA Stadium Premiere Center Opens

On August 8, 2017, the LA Stadium Premiere Center opened in Playa Vista, featuring interactive multimedia displays and models showcasing the design and features of the new stadium. The opening on August 8, 2017, provided prospective buyers a preview of the stadium.

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: Debt Ceiling Increase

In March 2018, NFL internal 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 voted to approve this new debt ceiling at a meeting that same month.

March 2018: NFL Media 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. The announcement in March 2018 expanded the stadium's surrounding area.

June 13, 2018: American Bid 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 in 2026.

June 26, 2018: Stadium Topped Out

On June 26, 2018, the new stadium was ceremonially topped out, marking a milestone in its construction. The topping out on June 26, 2018, signified progress in the stadium's development.

August 6, 2019: American Airlines Plaza Naming

On August 6, 2019, the covered open space formerly known as Champions Plaza was officially named American Airlines Plaza, as American Airlines was named the first founding partner.

August 2019: Stadium 75% Complete

As of August 2019, Rams chief operating officer Kevin Demoff stated that the stadium was 75 percent complete. The stadium's progress in August 2019 indicated nearing completion.

September 15, 2019: SoFi Naming Rights Deal

On September 15, 2019, SoFi, a financial services company, acquired the naming rights to the new stadium under a 20-year deal valued at over $30 million per year.

2019: Original Completion Date

In 2019, SoFi Stadium was originally scheduled to be completed and opened but the opening was postponed to the 2020 NFL season due to record rainfall.

January 2020: Stadium 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. The completion status in January 2020 indicated further progress towards the stadium's opening.

February 2020: Crane Collapse

In February 2020, a large crane collapsed at the stadium site, though no one was injured. The incident in February 2020 raised safety concerns but did not cause injuries.

March 2020: Construction Continues Amid Pandemic

In March 2020, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and stay-at-home orders issued by the California state government, construction continued with social distancing and heightened health and safety standards. The continuation of construction in March 2020 was due to its status as a critical infrastructure project.

May 2020: Additional Loans Approved

In May 2020, an additional $500 million in loans was approved by the NFL and the owners for SoFi Stadium.

June 5, 2020: Construction Halted After 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. The incident on June 5, 2020, led to a temporary halt in construction.

June 9, 2020: Construction Resumes

On June 9, 2020, construction on the facility resumed everywhere but the roof, following a temporary halt due to a worker's death. The resumption of construction on June 9, 2020, allowed the project to continue.

August 22, 2020: Rams First Practice

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. This fixed-roof stadium became the home of the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers of the NFL, marking a significant milestone in its development.

2020: New Completion Date

In 2020, SoFi stadium was rescheduled to be completed, after being delayed due to record rainfall.

2020: Raiders Move to Las Vegas

In 2020, after the Chargers exercised their option to relocate to Los Angeles, the Raiders moved to Las Vegas and began play at Allegiant Stadium.

2020: Summer Concerts Cancelled or Postponed

In 2020, due to the pandemic, all of the originally announced summer concerts at SoFi Stadium were cancelled or postponed. This included Taylor Swift's Lover Fest, and tours by Guns N' Roses, Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw, Mötley Crüe, and Def Leppard.

2020: SoFi Stadium Opening Delayed

In 2020, the opening of SoFi Stadium was delayed, leading to the re-awarding of Super Bowl LV.

May 2, 2021: 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. The event aimed to promote COVID-19 vaccination.

May 15, 2021: LA Giltinis vs Utah Warriors

On May 15, 2021, SoFi Stadium hosted its first athletic contest with spectators. The LA Giltinis defeated the Utah Warriors in a Major League Rugby match, with 4,880 spectators in attendance.

June 28, 2021: YouTube Theater Naming

On June 28, 2021, the performance venue at SoFi Stadium 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 SoFi Stadium. Replacing a facility in Culver City, the campus includes leased office space and a studio, and houses NFL Media operations.

September 12, 2021: Rams vs Bears Regular Season Game

On September 12, 2021, the Los Angeles Rams hosted the Chicago Bears for the first NFL regular-season game at the stadium with fans in attendance. The Rams won the game 34-14, with a crowd of 70,445.

October 4, 2021: First Lightning Delay

On October 4, 2021, SoFi Stadium experienced its first lightning delay during an NFL game between the Chargers and the Las Vegas Raiders. This demonstrates that despite having a roof, the open sides make it vulnerable to weather-related interruptions.

2021: Inaugural LA Bowl

In 2021, SoFi Stadium hosted the inaugural edition of the LA Bowl, featuring Utah State defeating Oregon State 24–13.

2021: WrestleMania 37 Hosting Deferred

In 2021, SoFi Stadium was originally slated to host WrestleMania 37, but its hosting was deferred to 2023 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This change in plans was a direct result of the global health crisis.

2021: Super Bowl LV Relocation

In 2021, Super Bowl LV was relocated to Raymond James Stadium in Tampa due to delays in the opening of SoFi Stadium.

2021: Rams Win NFC Championship

In 2021, the Rams winning the NFC Championship Game allowed them to play in the Super Bowl at their home stadium in 2022.

2021: NFL Media Facility Completed

In 2021, the new 200,000-square-foot NFL Media facility neighboring the stadium in the Hollywood Park development was completed. The completion in 2021 enhanced the stadium's media capabilities.

2021: Potential Completion

In 2021, the stadium and the Raiders' stadium were expected to be amazing when they are finished and when they begin play, whether that is in July, August, or September.

February 13, 2022: Super Bowl LVI

On February 13, 2022, SoFi Stadium hosted Super Bowl LVI, marking the first Super Bowl 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 Major League Soccer clubs (Los Angeles Galaxy and Los Angeles FC) and Liga MX clubs (Chivas Guadalajara and Club America). 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: Kenny Chesney and Motley Crue/Def Leppard perform at SoFi Stadium

In 2022, Kenny Chesney, Motley Crue, and Def Leppard performed at SoFi Stadium.

2022: Conference Championship and Super Bowl

In 2022, SoFi Stadium became the first stadium to host a conference championship game and the Super Bowl in the same year. The Rams won the NFC Championship Game.

2022: Host of Super Bowl LVI

In 2022, SoFi Stadium hosted Super Bowl LVI. The Super Bowl being held at the stadium was a major event for the venue, showcasing its capabilities to host large-scale events.

January 9, 2023: 2023 College Football Playoff National Championship

On January 9, 2023, SoFi Stadium hosted the 2023 College Football Playoff National Championship between the Georgia Bulldogs and TCU Horned Frogs. Georgia won 65–7, setting a record for the largest margin of victory in a national championship game.

April 29, 2023: First Monster Jam Event

On April 29, 2023, SoFi Stadium hosted its first-ever Monster Jam event, with Grave Digger winning the overall 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: Revenue Dispute Threatens World Cup Hosting

In September 2023, Stan Kroenke threatened to pull hosting duties from SoFi Stadium for the World Cup due to a dispute with FIFA regarding revenue sharing. This put the stadium's involvement in the 2026 World Cup in jeopardy until the dispute was resolved.

October 13, 2023: First High School Football Game

On October 13, 2023, SoFi Stadium hosted its first high school football game between Warren High School and Downey High School, with Warren defeating Downey 28–21 in front of 18,000 people.

2023: Host of College Football Playoff National Championship, WrestleMania 39, and CONCACAF Gold Cup final

In 2023, SoFi Stadium hosted the College Football Playoff National Championship, WrestleMania 39, and the CONCACAF Gold Cup final. Hosting these events in 2023 marked a year of diverse sporting events.

2023: Taylor Swift's The Eras Tour

In 2023, Taylor Swift concluded the U.S. leg of The Eras Tour at SoFi Stadium.

2023: SoFi Stadium Hosts WrestleMania 39

On April 1 and 2, 2023, SoFi Stadium hosted WrestleMania 39, WWE's flagship professional wrestling event. The event was the highest-grossing in WWE history, with a reported gate of $21.6 million and a combined attendance of 161,892 fans.

January 2024: SoFi Stadium Confirmed to Host World Cup Matches

In January 2024, it was confirmed that SoFi Stadium would still host matches for the 2026 World Cup, resolving the dispute from September 2023 regarding revenue sharing between Stan Kroenke and FIFA. This ensured the stadium's participation in the upcoming tournament.

February 4, 2024: SoFi Stadium to Host 2026 World Cup Opening Match

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. The stadium is scheduled to host eight matches in total, including 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, with a performance by John Legend.

May 18, 2024: Monster Jam World Finals 23 Announcement

In May 2024, it was announced that SoFi Stadium would host Monster Jam World Finals 23 on May 18, 2024.

October 25, 2024: Garfield vs Roosevelt High School Game

On October 25, 2024, SoFi Stadium hosted a high school football game between East Los Angeles rivals Garfield High School and Roosevelt High School. Garfield defeated Roosevelt 38–28, with 15,000 in attendance.

2024: End of Shared Arena for Lakers and Clippers

In 2024, Crypto.com Arena's time hosting both the Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers came to an end. This venue was one of the shared arenas in Greater Los Angeles for teams from the same league.

2024: 2024 Copa América Matches

In 2024, SoFi Stadium hosted two matches during the Copa América tournament.

2024: Stadium planning swimming events

In 2024, a team from SoFi stadium reviewed how Lucas Oil Stadium successfully installed the pool to host the US Olympic swimming trials as part of their planning for hosting swimming events.

February 1, 2025: Honda Battle of the Bands

On February 1, 2025, SoFi Stadium hosted the Honda Battle of the Bands, the first on the West Coast.

May 17, 2025: Monster Jam Returns

Monster Jam returned to SoFi Stadium on May 17, 2025.

2025: Future CONCACAF Events

In 2025, SoFi Stadium is scheduled to host the CONCACAF Gold Cup and the CONCACAF Nations League Finals.

June 12, 2026: SoFi Stadium to Host US Opener for 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. This event is part of a larger schedule where the stadium will host eight matches, including group stage, Round of 32, and a quarterfinal.

June 25, 2026: SoFi Stadium to Host US Third Group Match for World Cup

On June 25, 2026, SoFi Stadium is scheduled to host the third group match for the United States as part of the 2026 World Cup. This event is part of a larger schedule where the stadium will host eight matches, including group stage, Round of 32, and a quarterfinal.

2026: SoFi Stadium to Host 2026 FIFA World Cup Matches

In 2026, SoFi Stadium will host multiple matches during the FIFA World Cup as part of the Canada–Mexico–United States bid. The stadium is one of two venues in California selected to host matches.

2026: Temporary Renaming for 2026 FIFA World Cup

In 2026, for the FIFA World Cup, SoFi Stadium will be temporarily renamed to "Los Angeles Stadium" to comply with FIFA's policy on corporate-sponsored names.

2026: Scheduled to host FIFA World Cup matches

SoFi Stadium is scheduled to host eight matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The stadium's selection to host these matches in 2026 highlights its international recognition.

February 14, 2027: Super Bowl LXI

SoFi Stadium will host Super Bowl LXI on February 14, 2027, marking its second Super Bowl.

2027: 2027 CONCACAF Nations League Finals

In 2027, SoFi Stadium is scheduled to host the CONCACAF Nations League Finals.

2027: Inglewood Transit Connector Planned Opening

In 2027, the Inglewood Transit Connector, an automated people mover line connecting the Downtown Inglewood K Line station with SoFi Stadium, the Forum, and the Intuit Dome, was initially planned to open.

2027: Scheduled to host Super Bowl LXI

SoFi Stadium is scheduled to host Super Bowl LXI in 2027. The announcement of hosting another Super Bowl in 2027 reinforces its reputation as a premier sports venue.

2028: Scheduled to host 2028 Summer Olympics

In 2028, SoFi Stadium is scheduled to host the opening ceremony and swimming events for the Summer Olympics. The stadium being selected for the 2028 Summer Olympics is a major recognition of its capabilities.

2028: Temporary Renaming for 2028 Summer Olympics

In 2028, SoFi Stadium will be temporarily renamed for the duration of the Summer Olympics.

2028: SoFi Stadium to Host 2028 Olympics Ceremonies

In 2028, SoFi Stadium will host the opening and closing ceremonies of the Summer Olympics and Paralympics. Organizers have proposed a split format for the Olympics that would also incorporate the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

2028: Inglewood Transit Connector Project

In 2028, the Inglewood Transit Connector was intended to be operational, one year prior to the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

2030: Inglewood Transit Connector Opening Delayed

In early 2030, the Federal Transit Administration reported that the Inglewood Transit Connector would not be expected to open for revenue service until this time. The project was ultimately cancelled due to lack of support from all parties.