Inglewood Moves to Seize Land for SoFi Stadium Transit Hub Ahead of 2028 Olympics

Key Points:

•  Inglewood approved eminent domain proceedings on eight parcels to advance a new SoFi Stadium transit hub
•  Phase 1 centers on a Market Street mobility hub with bus bays, EV charging, parking, and pedestrian upgrades
•  The project aims for completion before the 2028 Summer Olympics after scrapping the original $1B people mover plan

Eminent Domain Clears Path for Transit Hub

The City of Inglewood is accelerating efforts to improve access to SoFi Stadium and the surrounding entertainment district. City Council members voted to initiate eminent domain proceedings on eight properties along Florence Avenue and Market Street near the Downtown Inglewood K Line Station. The targeted parcels would make way for a new Market Street mobility hub designed to handle both daily commuters and major event crowds.

What Phase 1 Includes

The reworked Inglewood Transit Connector replaces the previously proposed elevated people mover with a phased mobility hub strategy.

Phase 1 will deliver:
• Bus bays and dedicated bus lanes
• EV charging infrastructure
• A structured parking facility
• A pedestrian overcrossing to the K Line station
• Streetscape improvements such as sidewalks, landscaping, lighting, and storefront grants

Construction is expected to begin in 2026, with Phase 1 completion targeted before the 2028 Olympics.

Why the City Changed Course

The original elevated people mover concept lost momentum in 2024 after funding and political challenges derailed the roughly $1 billion plan. In response, city officials pivoted to a lower-cost, incremental approach that still addresses game-day congestion while improving everyday mobility. Dedicated bus routes would connect riders to the C Line at Hawthorne Lennox and the K Line in Downtown Inglewood, supported by bus priority lanes along La Brea Avenue, Hawthorne Boulevard, and Arbor Vitae Street. For property owners and developers, the shift reflects a pragmatic infrastructure strategy focused on near term execution rather than large-scale megaproject risk.

Real Estate Implications

Transit-oriented improvements typically drive long-term value appreciation, particularly in mixed-use corridors near major venues. However, eminent domain introduces short-term uncertainty for impacted owners and small businesses. The city has outlined relocation procedures and storefront improvement grants to mitigate disruption. With SoFi Stadium anchoring one of Southern California’s fastest-growing entertainment districts, enhanced transit connectivity could strengthen retail, hospitality, and multifamily fundamentals in the surrounding area.

Final Thoughts

Inglewood’s decision to move forward with land seizures signals urgency ahead of the 2028 Olympics. By prioritizing bus infrastructure, pedestrian upgrades, and structured parking over a costly rail system, the city is betting on flexibility and speed. If executed smoothly, the Market Street hub could reshape access to SoFi Stadium while reinforcing long-term real estate value in downtown Inglewood.