INGLEWOOD : PERPETUAL CITY OF CHAMPIONS
Inglewood, California, stands as the undeniable crown jewel of professional sports in Los Angeles, both past and present. Its nickname, “The City of Champions,” transcends mere nostalgia; it is a reflection of the vibrant sports culture that thrives here today.
With two newly constructed professional sports arenas and plans to host the 2028 Olympic Games, Inglewood’s moniker is as relevant now as it was 53 years ago when the legendary Mayor Edward Vincent Jr. (on the mic) officially bestowed it upon the city at the Lakers’ triumphant 1972 NBA World Championship, when they defeated the New York Knicks at The Forum. Mayor Vincent’s proclamation captured the spirit of the moment, and the nickname has endured ever since.
Interestingly, Inglewood’s connection to sports predates most people’s memories who are currently alive today. In 1932, Los Angeles welcomed the Xth Olympiad, a significant event in its own right. Yet, the spotlight here shines on Inglewood, which bordered the site designated for the Olympic Village in Baldwin Hills – often referred to as Black Beverly Hills, and known as the future hometown of Lenny Kravitz and the setting for a BET reality show.
The Olympic Village, a groundbreaking complex featuring dormitories, dining halls, an open-air movie theater, and even a hospital, set a new standard for future Olympic facilities. The excitement and revenue generated by the 1932 Olympic Games not only put Los Angeles on the map but also elevated three other communities: Santa Monica, Long Beach, and Baldwin Hills, which borders Inglewood.
The buzz surrounding the Olympic Village was so palpable that in 1923, the International Olympic Committee awarded the tenth modern games to Los Angeles, the sole bidder for this prestigious event—largely due to the economic constraints of the Great Depression. Although fewer athletes participated compared to the 1928 Games in Amsterdam, L.A. drew a record audience eager to witness the pinnacle of sport.
Much of the Olympic festivities were centered around the oil fields on land baron Lucky Baldwin’s ranch, where oil was discovered just two years after his death. Baldwin Hills was selected to house the athletes because, at 427 feet above sea level, it was consistently 10 degrees cooler on average during July and August than other tested locations, making it an ideal spot for the Olympic experience. Its central location also provided convenient access to ocean events in Santa Monica and the track-and-field competitions at the new Coliseum downtown. (Only Los Alamitos, which hosted rowing events near the San Gabriel River, was outside L.A. County.)
Baldwin Hills and Inglewood had just received the golden ticket – getting the chance to be visited by people from around the globe. Many would undoubtedly choose to return home only to pack their things and return to the “tropical” lifestyle of Los Angeles. Land dealers, movie moguls, bankers and public officials had worked tirelessly to brand the city, planting more than 40,000 iconic palm trees that now grace our streets. Interestingly, these palm trees were not typical of the landscape prior to this transformation, although early Spansh settlers had planted some. Either way, the idea of thousands of trees literally changing the character of a place feels fitting for a city often dubbed “Tinseltown,” known for its cinematic allure.
However, not everything in Los Angeles was tinsel; the area has long been a powerhouse for diverse industries and sporting events. The L.A. Coliseum, constructed for the Xth Olympiad, was considered state-of-the-art when the 1932 Games commenced. The infusion of cash and facilities during such challenging economic times set Los Angeles on a meteoric trajectory, establishing it as a hub of world-class athletics that easily rivaled the established conferences and teams back East.
Over the next couple of decades, champions of a different kind—those from aviation and commerce—flocked to Inglewood, further enriching the city’s dynamic landscape. Yet, Inglewood’s legacy as a fertile ground for sports has proven to be enduring. By 1967, the Forum was built, serving as a venue for world-class teams until 1999 when Crypto Arena was built downtown.
Athletics has remained a constant thread in this micro-hub of cultural and technological flashpoints, showcasing the city’s commitment to sports and community engagement.
Inglewood’s rich history dates back to 1846, when the entire area was called Rancho Centinela it was originally known for an adobe ranch house built by a Mexican military family tasked with escorting the first Mexican residents to the area. Remarkably, this historic structure still stands today, a testament to Inglewood’s enduring legacy.
Amazingly, both prior Olympics produced medals for Inglewood’s native sons and a daughter. In 1932, three athletes with ties to Inglewood won medals at the Olympic Games: Hector Dyer, 4 x 100 meter relay, gold; George Jefferson, pole vault, bronze; Frank Booth, water polo, silver. All three men were graduates of Inglewood High School, while Booth was team captain at Stanford and Jefferson a student at UCLA.
And in 1984, Flo Hyman, led her women’s volleyball team to silver – beaten only by China in the final. Hyman was born in Inglewood and attended Morningside High School also in Ingewood.
Their achievements underscore the city’s deep-rooted connection to sports and its ability to nurture champions.
Today, Inglewood is once again at the forefront of sports venue development, thanks to the multi-year construction of state-of-the-art facilities such as SoFi Stadium and the Intuit Dome, alongside infrastructure improvements specifically designed for the 2028 Olympic Games. This marks the third time Inglewood will host events for the Olympics, solidifying its status as a significant player in the City of Angels.
Hosting three Olympic events within a century is a remarkable achievement, reflecting the city’s commitment to maintaining its infrastructure and professional sports presence. Inglewood’s leaders have worked diligently to keep the athletic spirit alive and thriving, ensuring that the city remains a vibrant hub for sports.
Despite the passage of time, many key events that shaped Inglewood’s identity occurred long before anyone alive today can remember. Fortunately, archival news articles have been digitized, allowing various stakeholders to preserve the rich history of the city and the many phases it has undergone—especially those who made Inglewood their home.
Further reading:
https://laist.com/news/climate-environment/palm-trees-los-angeles-history-mexican-fan-california-fan-canary-island-date
https://www.pbssocal.org/shows/lost-la/a-brief-history-of-palm-trees-in-southern-california
A Thriving Community
Beyond sports, Inglewood is a community that celebrates diversity and creativity. Its neighborhoods are filled with local businesses, parks, and cultural events that foster a strong sense of belonging. Residents enjoy a variety of dining options, entertainment venues, and community festivals that highlight the city’s unique character.
Keeping Inglewood Beautiful
At Dave’s Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning, we take pride in serving the Inglewood community. Our mission is to help keep homes and businesses looking their best. Our professional carpet cleaning and upholstery cleaning services are designed to enhance the beauty and comfort of your space. Whether you’re preparing for a community event, hosting friends and family, or just want to maintain a clean home, we’re here to help.
- Carpet Cleaning: Our expert team uses advanced techniques and eco-friendly products to remove stains, allergens, and odors, leaving your carpets fresh and revitalized.
- Upholstery Cleaning: We specialize in cleaning all types of upholstery, ensuring your furniture looks as good as new. Our gentle yet effective methods will protect your investment while enhancing the comfort of your home.
- Pet Stain Removal: We understand that pets are part of the family, but accidents happen. Our specialized pet stain removal services will eliminate odors and stains, restoring your home’s cleanliness.
Join the Inglewood Community
Whether you’re a long-time resident or new to the area, Inglewood welcomes you with open arms. At Dave’s Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning, we’re proud to be part of this thriving community. Let us help you maintain a clean, healthy, and beautiful living space.
Contact Us Today!
Ready to experience the difference? Reach out to us for a free quote or to schedule your carpet and upholstery cleaning service. Together, let’s keep Inglewood beautiful!
Give us a call for a quote today at (310) 230-3800 or e-mail us for a quick response. And be sure to have some photos ready of your treasured textiles so we can give you the most accurate quote possible!
