History of SoFi Stadium in Timeline

SoFi Stadium is a multi-purpose domed stadium located in Inglewood, California, a suburb of Los Angeles. It's built on the former grounds of the Hollywood Park Racetrack and is situated near the Kia Forum and Intuit Dome. It serves as a major entertainment and sports venue in the Los Angeles metropolitan area.

1938: Hollywood Park race course Opened

In 1938, Hollywood Park race course was opened.

1960: Chargers Inaugural Season

In 1960, the Chargers played their inaugural season in Los Angeles, prior to their move to San Diego. In 2017, they returned to Los Angeles as the second tenant of the SoFi Stadium.

1993: Last Super Bowl in Los Angeles Area

In 1993, Super Bowl XXVII took place. It was the last Super Bowl to be played in the Los Angeles area until Super Bowl LVI was held in SoFi Stadium in 2022.

May 1995: NFL approved Raiders stadium plan which was later rejected

In May 1995, NFL team owners approved a resolution supporting a plan to build a stadium for the Los Angeles Raiders on Hollywood Park property. However, Raiders owner Al Davis rejected the deal.

1995: Land studied for Raiders stadium proposal

In 1995, the land that Stan Kroenke purchased on January 31, 2014, was studied by the NFL for the Raiders stadium 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 for the Staples Center (now Crypto.com Arena) in Downtown Los Angeles. The Rams' and the Chargers' move into SoFi Stadium marked the return of major professional sports to Inglewood since that event.

2012: Highest-Grossing Concert Engagement

In 2012, BTS's four concerts at SoFi Stadium grossed $33.3 million, making them the highest-grossing concert engagement in California, the second-largest in North America, and the highest-grossing run of concerts at a single venue since 2012.

December 2013: Hollywood Park race course shut down

In December 2013, Hollywood Park, a thoroughbred race course, was shut down for racing and training.

January 31, 2014: Stan Kroenke purchased 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, sparking speculation about a new stadium.

2014: Hollywood Park complex demolition commenced

In 2014, most of the Hollywood Park complex was demolished to make way for new construction.

January 5, 2015: Partnership announced to build stadium

On January 5, 2015, Stockbridge Capital Group and Kroenke Sports & Entertainment partnered to build a multi-purpose 70,240-seat stadium designed for the NFL, along with a performance arts venue.

February 2015: Site Grading in Preparation for Construction

In early February 2015, the site was being graded in preparation for the construction of SoFi Stadium.

February 19, 2015: Raiders and Chargers announce stadium proposal

On February 19, 2015, the Oakland Raiders and the San Diego Chargers announced plans for a stadium in Carson, creating a rival proposal to the Inglewood project. They spent the remainder of 2015 competing for the NFL's approval.

February 24, 2015: Inglewood City Council approved stadium plans

On February 24, 2015, the Inglewood City Council unanimously approved plans to combine the 60-acre plot with the Hollywood Park development and rezone the area for sports and entertainment.

December 2015: Developers cleared to begin stadium construction

In December 2015, developers were cleared to begin construction on the stadium as planned.

2015: NFL Franchise relocation forbidden for 2015 season

In 2015, the National Football League announced that no franchise relocation would be allowed for the 2015 season.

2015: Tax Break Request

In 2015, the developer of SoFi Stadium was seeking significant tax breaks from the city of Inglewood.

January 12, 2016: NFL approved Inglewood proposal and Rams' relocation

On January 12, 2016, the NFL approved the Inglewood proposal and the Rams' relocation back to Los Angeles, rejecting the rival proposal by a vote of 30-2.

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

On January 29, 2016, the Rams and the Chargers reached an agreement in principle to share SoFi Stadium, with both teams 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.

May 2016: Initial Super Bowl LV Award

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

July 14, 2016: Construction and architectural firms announced

On July 14, 2016, Turner Construction and AECOM Hunt were announced to oversee construction, and HKS, Inc. was announced as the architectural firm for the stadium.

October 2016: Hollywood Park Casino re-opened

In October 2016, the Hollywood Park Casino re-opened in a new building on the property, becoming the first establishment to open in the Hollywood Park development.

October 19, 2016: FAA approved drill rig

On October 19, 2016, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) determined that a 110-foot tall drill rig would not pose a hazard to air navigation and approved its use.

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 declined permits for cranes

On December 16, 2016, it was reported that the FAA declined to issue permits for cranes needed to build the structure due to concerns about the overall project and its risks to LAX.

December 23, 2016: FAA approved large construction cranes

On December 23, 2016, the FAA approved the large construction cranes needed to build the stadium.

2016: Remainder of Hollywood Park complex Demolished

In late 2016, the rest 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, making them the second tenant at SoFi Stadium.

January 15, 2017: Chargers Option Deadline

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, after which the Oakland Raiders would have acquired the same option.

May 2017: Super Bowl Re-Award

In May 2017, due to the stadium's opening being delayed to 2020, the NFL chose to re-award Super Bowl LV (2021) to Raymond James Stadium in Tampa and award Super Bowl LVI to Los Angeles instead.

May 18, 2017: Stadium completion postponed

On May 18, 2017, developers announced that record rainfall in the area had postponed the stadium's completion and opening from 2019 to the 2020 NFL season.

August 8, 2017: LA Stadium Premiere Center opened

On August 8, 2017, the LA Stadium Premiere Center opened in Playa Vista, featuring displays and models showcasing the design and features of the new stadium.

November 1, 2017: 2023 College Football Playoff National Championship Hosting Announcement

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 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 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.

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 2026 tournament as one of sixteen venues.

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 formerly known as Champions Plaza was officially named American Airlines Plaza, with the airline becoming the first founding partner.

August 2019: Stadium 75 percent 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 Acquisition

On September 15, 2019, SoFi, a financial services company, acquired the naming rights to the new stadium in a 20-year deal valued at over $30 million per year, becoming an official partner of the Rams, the Chargers, and the surrounding entertainment district.

2019: Original Completion Date

SoFi Stadium was originally planned to open in 2019, but record rainfall delayed completion.

January 2020: Stadium construction update

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; no one was injured.

March 2020: Construction continued amidst COVID-19 pandemic

In March 2020, construction continued amidst the COVID-19 pandemic with social distancing and heightened health and safety standards.

May 2020: Additional Loan Approval

In May 2020, the NFL and team owners approved another $500 million in loans for SoFi Stadium.

June 5, 2020: Construction halted after worker death

On June 5, 2020, construction was temporarily halted after an ironworker fell to his death through a hole in the roof.

June 9, 2020: Construction resumed

On June 9, 2020, construction resumed on the facility everywhere but the roof, following a pause after a worker's death.

August 22, 2020: Rams held first practice at the stadium

On August 22, 2020, the Los Angeles Rams held their first practice at SoFi Stadium.

September 2020: Stadium Opened

In September 2020, SoFi Stadium officially opened with a capacity of 70,240, expandable to over 100,000. It became home to the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers of the NFL.

2020: Raiders Move to Las Vegas

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

2020: Summer Concert Cancellations

In 2020, originally announced summer concerts, including Taylor Swift's Lover Fest, Guns N' Roses' 2020 Tour, Kenny Chesney's Chillaxification Tour, Tim McGraw's Here on Earth Tour, and The Stadium Tour featuring Mötley Crüe and Def Leppard, were cancelled or postponed due to the pandemic.

2020: Stadium Opening Delayed

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

2020: New completion date announced

SoFi stadium's completion date was pushed back to 2020 due to heavy rainfall.

May 2, 2021: Vax Live: The Concert to Reunite the World

On May 2, 2021, SoFi Stadium hosted the filming of 'Vax Live: The Concert to Reunite the World,' a Global Citizen-organized concert special hosted by Selena Gomez and featuring performances by Jennifer Lopez, Eddie Vedder, the Foo Fighters, H.E.R., J Balvin, and the Duke of Sussex, which aimed to promote COVID-19 vaccination.

May 15, 2021: First athletic contest with spectators

On May 15, 2021, the first athletic contest with spectators was held at SoFi Stadium: LA Giltinis defeated Utah Warriors in a Major League Rugby match.

June 28, 2021: YouTube Theater Naming

On June 28, 2021, the performance venue within SoFi Stadium was officially named YouTube Theater.

September 8, 2021: NFL Opens New West Coast Campus

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. The campus, "NFL Los Angeles", features 20 conference rooms, five soundstages and an outdoor studio. NFL Media operates NFL Films, NFL Network, NFL RedZone, and the league's digital properties from the building.

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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 the stadium with fans in attendance.

October 4, 2021: First lightning delay in an 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: Possibility of delayed stadium opening

In 2020, Kevin Demoff acknowledged the possibility of a delayed stadium completion, with opening possibly in 2021, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

2021: WrestleMania 37 Hosting Deferral

In 2021, SoFi Stadium was originally slated to host WrestleMania 37, but its hosting was deferred to 2023 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

2021: Super Bowl LV Re-Awarded to Tampa

In 2021, Super Bowl LV was re-awarded to Raymond James Stadium in Tampa due to the delay in the opening of SoFi Stadium.

2021: Rams Win NFC Championship Game

In 2021, the Rams won the NFC Championship Game, securing their spot to play in Super Bowl LVI at their home stadium.

2021: Inaugural LA Bowl

In 2021, the inaugural edition of the LA Bowl (Art of Sport LA Bowl Hosted by Gronk) was played at SoFi Stadium, featuring Utah State defeating Oregon State 24–13.

2021: New NFL Media facility completed

In 2021, the new NFL Media facility neighboring SoFi stadium was completed.

February 13, 2022: Super Bowl LVI

SoFi Stadium hosted Super Bowl LVI on February 13, 2022, marking the first Super Bowl to be 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 the Los Angeles Galaxy and Chivas Guadalajara (2–0), and Los Angeles FC and Club America (penalty shootout loss), as part of the Leagues Cup Showcase.

2022: Kenny Chesney Chillaxification Tour

In 2022, Kenny Chesney performed at SoFi Stadium as part of his Chillaxification Tour.

2022: The Stadium Tour

In 2022, Mötley Crüe and Def Leppard performed at SoFi Stadium as part of The Stadium Tour.

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; the Rams won the 2021 NFC Championship Game and later the Super Bowl LVI.

2022: Hosted 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, resulting in 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 event championship.

July 16, 2023: 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup Final

On July 16, 2023, SoFi Stadium hosted the 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup final, marking the seventh final held in the Los Angeles area. Mexico won 1–0 against Panama.

September 2023: Revenue Sharing Dispute

In September 2023, Stan Kroenke threatened to pull hosting from SoFi Stadium for the 2026 FIFA World Cup until a dispute regarding revenue sharing between him and FIFA could be resolved.

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.

2023: WrestleMania 39

In 2023, SoFi Stadium hosted WrestleMania 39 on April 1 and 2, which was the highest-grossing event in WWE history, with a reported gate of $21.6 million and a combined attendance of 161,892 fans.

2023: Hosted College Football Playoff National Championship and WrestleMania 39

In 2023, SoFi Stadium hosted the College Football Playoff National Championship, and 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.

January 2024: Confirmation of Hosting 2026 FIFA World Cup Matches

In January 2024, it was confirmed that SoFi Stadium would still be hosting matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite a previous dispute regarding revenue sharing.

February 4, 2024: SoFi Stadium to Host US 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.

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: Monster Jam World Finals 23 Announcement

In May 2023, it was announced that SoFi Stadium would host Monster Jam World Finals 23 on May 18, 2024.

October 18, 2024: Servite vs. St. John Bosco High School Game

On October 18, 2024, Servite faced St. John Bosco at SoFi Stadium, with St. John Bosco defeating 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 between East Los Angeles rivals Garfield High School and Roosevelt High School, with 15,000 watching Garfield defeat Roosevelt 38–28.

2024: Copa América Matches

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

2024: Cancellation of the Inglewood Transit Connector project

In 2024, the Inglewood Transit Connector project, a 1.6-mile (2.6 km) automated people mover intended to link the Downtown Inglewood station with the Hollywood Park area, was cancelled.

2024: Host of swimming events at the Olympics

In 2024, the stadium will host swimming events with a planned configuration seating 38,000 spectators, making it the largest swimming venue in Olympic history. The pool will be constructed prior to the opening ceremony. The stadium sent a team to review how Lucas Oil Stadium successfully installed the pool to host the 2024 US Olympic swimming trials.

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 Return

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

2025: 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup & Nations League Finals

In 2025, SoFi Stadium will host matches during the CONCACAF Gold Cup and the CONCACAF Nations League Finals.

June 12, 2026: SoFi Stadium to Host US Opening Match in 2026 FIFA World Cup

On June 12, 2026, SoFi Stadium is scheduled to host the opening match for the United States in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

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

On June 25, 2026, SoFi Stadium is scheduled to host the third group match for the United States in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

2026: Temporary Name Change for 2026 FIFA World Cup

For the 2026 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

In 2026, SoFi Stadium is scheduled to host eight matches during the FIFA World Cup.

2026: SoFi Stadium to Host 2026 FIFA World Cup Matches

SoFi Stadium is one of sixteen venues set to host matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. It is one of eleven US venues being used and is one of two venues in California which will host matches.

February 14, 2027: Super Bowl LXI

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

2027: Scheduled to host Super Bowl LXI

In 2027, SoFi Stadium is scheduled to host Super Bowl LXI.

2027: 2027 CONCACAF Nations League Finals

In 2027, SoFi Stadium will host the CONCACAF Nations League Finals.

2028: Temporary Name Change for 2028 Summer Olympics

For the 2028 Summer Olympics, SoFi Stadium will be temporarily renamed to "2028 Stadium" for the duration of the Games.

2028: Scheduled to host 2028 Summer Olympics opening ceremony and swimming events

In 2028, SoFi Stadium is scheduled to host the opening ceremony and swimming events for the Summer Olympics.

2028: Host of 2028 Summer Olympics and Paralympics ceremonies

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