The Clippers have made significant strides in recent years to shed a reputation as one of the least successful franchises in professional sports.

They took another Thursday, announcing they have purchased two acres of prime land where they plan to build a state-of-the-art practice facility.

"This is a great day for the Clippers," executive vice president Andy Roeser said at a news conference. "We couldn't be happier to have found this site. I just look at it as another step in the right direction for us.

"Before training camp, we'll be putting a shovel in the ground. We will open on Sept. 1, 2006."

Roeser said the $20 million project located 17 miles from the Staples Center and four miles from Los Angeles International Airport has been in the works for some time.