TEMECULA – In an exciting prelude to the 2024-25 NBA season, the Los Angeles Clippers hosted an open practice at the Pechanga Indian Reservation in Temecula on Wednesday, Oct. 8. This exclusive event was part of a growing partnership between the Clippers and Pechanga Resort Casino. Earlier this year, Pechanga Resort Casino emerged as a founding partner of the Clippers’ new arena, Intuit Dome, and became the team’s exclusive tribal casino.
The Clippers’ practice, held just two weeks before the NBA season’s start, allowed fans to witness some of the world’s top basketball talents, including stars like Norman Powell, Nicolas Batum, and James Harden. The event was open to the public, offering a rare glimpse into the team’s preparation for the upcoming season, following their first-place finish in the Pacific Division and participation in the Western Conference playoffs last season.
Pechanga Resort Casino, one of California’s premier gaming destinations, provides a unique setting for such high-profile events. Located 88 miles southeast of Los Angeles and less than 60 miles north of San Diego, the resort boasts a 200,000-square-foot gaming floor with 5,500 slot machines and over 150 table games. The resort complex also features a variety of dining options, live entertainment, and a luxurious 25,000-square-foot spa. Guests can enjoy its impressive swimming pool, which spans the size of five football fields, and unwind in its 1,100 rooms and guest suites.
The Clippers’ new home, the Intuit Dome, is set to become a landmark in the sports and entertainment landscape, with a seating capacity of 18,000. For the first time since 1984, the Clippers will have a dedicated home arena. Previously, the team shared facilities with the Lakers and, before that, the Anaheim Ducks of the NHL.
Ken Perez, President of Pechanga Development Corporation, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We are excited to partner and support the Clippers as they open their new home, Intuit Dome. This partnership expands the Pechanga brand and presence in Southern California sports and entertainment while making our communities better and stronger.”
The collaboration between the Clippers and Pechanga Band of Indians extends beyond sports. In June, the two partners made a joint contribution of laptops and educational supplies to the Career Center at Ortega High School in Lake Elsinore, underscoring their commitment to supporting local communities in California.
Los Angeles Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue fields questions from the media during an open practice shootaround at the Pechanga Recreation Center. Valley News/Andrez Imaging
The synergy between Pechanga Resort Casino and the Clippers is not only about enhancing the game-day experience but also about fostering community growth and development. Fans visiting Pechanga can look forward to enjoying behind-the-scenes experiences with the Clippers, gaining insight into the team’s strategies and preparations.
As the Clippers gear up for the new season in their state-of-the-art Intuit Dome, the partnership with Pechanga promises to bring exciting opportunities and memorable experiences for both fans and the local community. With Pechanga’s signage now prominently featured in the new arena, this alliance signifies a powerful step forward in the integration of sports and entertainment in Southern California.
The Clippers’ first home preseason game was against the Mavericks on Monday, Oct. 14, and their first regular season game will be against Devin Booker and the Phoenix Suns on October 23rd.
JP Raineri
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