Sacramento Kings: Your Guide to Seeing Your First Live Game

It’s hard to believe, but autumn is already here. For basketball fans, that means just one thing: It’s Kings season!

 The Sacramento Kings are back on the court for the 2026-27 season beginning this week. The first game of the regular season is Oct. 23 against the Portland Trailblazers, with games continuing into April.

 Whether you’re a longtime fan, new to Sacramento, or new to basketball, there are some things you should know about attending a Sacramento Kings game. For starters, they play at the Golden 1 Center in Downtown Sacramento. Most games are held in the evenings, either 6 p.m. or 7 p.m., but there are a few afternoon games, typically on weekends or holidays. Games typically last around two hours, give or take.

 That said, if they make it to the playoffs (fingers crossed), more games will be added. It should be noted that the Kings also host special promotions and events throughout the season, including an in-season tournament, and special theme nights such as Native American Heritage Night and Lowrider Night. New this year is a series of family-centric theme nights, including Peanuts, Sesame Street, and Spongebob Squarepants.

 But first, some terminology you need to know:

 Cowbells. Being that Sacramento is unaffectionately known as a cow town to its much more “cosmopolitan” neighbors to the west and south, Kings fans have leaned into the moniker by ringing cowbells during games. You might even see a fan or two in a cow costume!

 Light the Beam. After a victory on the court, a purple laser beam extends from the top of the Golden 1 Center over the Sacramento sky. The beam is one of the most powerful color lasers in the world, stretching further than the eye can see. So far, in fact, that they needed permission from the FAA to light it. “Light the Beam,” naturally, became the unofficial war cry for the team.

 Beam Team. The nickname given to the Sacramento Kings is because of its glorious victory beam.

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 Sixth Man. In basketball, the sixth man refers to the first player coming off the bench as a substitute beyond the five starters. But for the Sacramento Kings, the term refers to the fans — the true Sixth Man. The No. 6 jersey has been retired from the Kings for this reason.

 Slamson. The official Sacramento Kings mascot, a larger-than-life lion (get it, king of the jungle?) who can often be found roller skating around the court, walking on stilts, and taking half-court shots vs. the backwards.

 Golden 1 Center. Where the Sacramento Kings play. Also known as the Arena, it is in downtown Sacramento, more specifically, DOCO, or Downtown Commons, a mixed-use entertainment, dining, and shopping complex. Golden 1 also hosts concerts and other events during the off season.

 How to Get Kings Tickets

Sacramento Kings tickets are available for purchase on their website or at the box office during games. Standard tickets range from under $30 to several hundred, depending on the seat and the game. Games against strong opponents from California, such as the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers, tend to be more expensive vs. the but they’re also more fun, as fans from away teams often make the trek to Sacramento to cheer them on.

 The Golden 1 Center has two main sections, an upper (200) and a lower (100). The upper section is much more affordable, but the lower offers better views. Seats along the sides of the court are pricier than those on the ends or corners.

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 Where to Park for Kings Games

There are numerous options for parking in the downtown area when attending a Sacramento Kings game. You can even purchase and reserve parking ahead of time via the SacPark website. There are also private lots and garages throughout the area. You can also download the Park Mobile app, which allows you to find and pay for metered street parking (although you’ll have to walk a bit vs. the nearby street parking is hard to find on game days). A popular spot is the Old Sacramento garage at 2nd and I streets; just walk through the tunnel and you’re in DOCO.

 Public transportation via Sacramento Regional Transit is encouraged, and there are often special routes for getting to the arena on game days. There’s a Game Day Express bus that will take you from downtown Roseville to downtown Sacramento. Rideshares and taxis are also an option.

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 Where to Eat & Drink

There are dozens of places to eat, both within and outside of the arena. If time permits, it’s fun to arrive early and eat at one of the nearby restaurants, then follow up later with a meal inside. Many local spots have game day specials and TVs broadcasting pre-game shows. The following are a few top picks. All are within walking distance of the Golden 1 Center.

• Sauced. This lively barbecue joint is just steps from the arena, and they have massive TVs lining the dining room, so you won’t miss any of the pregame action. The menu is down-home southern barbecue like brisket, ribs, and chicken. They also have a full bar.
• Yard House. The varied menu at this popular American eatery truly has something for everyone, from pizza and steaks to tacos and salads. They also have a full bar and serve more than 100 beers on tap!
• Polanco Cantina. This contemporary Mexican American hotspot features plenty of appetizers, meals, and Kings-themed drinks. The outside balcony overlooks DOCO and provides a great view of the Golden 1 Center.
• Tom’s Watch Bar. This sports bar is an ideal pre-game destination, with dozens of beers on tap, craft cocktails, and tons of stadium-sized screens playing sports games of all kinds. The energy of the bar on game days has no match!

Other nearby choices include casual spots within DOCO, including Hot Dog on a Stick, Burger Lounge, Panda Express, and Poke Ichii.

 Inside the arena are numerous eateries as well. Being that Sacramento is the Farm-to-Fork Capital of the nation, it comes as no surprise that many of the ingredients used at the Golden 1 Center come from within a 150-mile radius of Sacramento. Some options to consider are Star Ginger, which has build-your-own rice bowls; Smokehouse BBQ, which has brisket and ribs; and Selland’s, a local favorite for pizzas and sandwiches.

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 You can also find your share of typical gameday eats such as hot dogs and chicken tenders, as well as local wine and craft beer. Note that Golden 1 is a cashless venue, so you’ll need to use credit cards or electronic payments to purchase concessions.

 Insider Tips 

• Arrive early. And by early, we mean several hours early. Make a day of it by shopping and eating in the downtown area to avoid the traffic and parking headaches. Doors open two hours before tip-off, and you can sometimes catch the players warming up.
• Leave early. Want to avoid traffic on the way home? Sneak out of the game a bit early to avoid the rush (we realize this is a hard choice when it’s head-to-head during the last minutes of the fourth quarter, but sometimes it’s worth it).
• Back into your parking spot. Not only do you get out quicker when it’s time to go, but it’s much safer when there are crowds, especially with children.
• Travel light. The Golden 1 Center doesn’t allow backpacks or any bag larger than 8” by 6” by 1”. Travel light to avoid surprises at the door. Read more Golden 1 Center FAQs and a list of prohibited items.
• Head upstairs for food. Concession stand lines at the Plaza Level can be notoriously long. Skip the crowds and head upstairs, where lines are usually shorter.
• Fill up on popcorn. If you buy a large popcorn at one of several kiosks, you get free refills!
• Pick up free swag. If you or your kids are first timers, visit the First Game kiosk at Section 124 for free Kings souvenirs.
• Leave the cash at home. Did we mention the Golden 1 Center is entirely cashless? Credit cards and tap-to-pay are accepted at all concession stands.

 We hope you have a fun experience seeing the Sacramento Kings in action this season. Grab those tickets now and be a part of the hometown pride!

Sacramento Kings 2026-27 Home Games

• Oct. 23 vs. the Portland Trail Blazers
• Oct. 25 vs. the Memphis Grizzlies
• Nov. 4 vs. the Los Angeles Lakers
• Nov. 6 vs. the San Antonio Spurs
• Nov. 8 vs. the Miami Heat
• Nov. 10 vs. the Orlando Magic
• Nov. 13 vs. the Portland Trail Blazers
• Nov. 15 vs. the Oklahoma City Thunder
• Nov. 18 vs. the Phoenix Suns
• Nov. 21 vs. the Boston Celtics
• Nov. 23 vs. the San Antonio Spurs
• Nov. 29 vs. the Minnesota Timberwolves
• Nov. 30 vs. the New Orleans Pelicans
• Dec. 13 vs. the New Orleans Pelicans
• Dec. 23 vs. the Dallas Mavericks
• Dec. 27 vs. the Utah Jazz
• Dec. 29 vs. the Philadelphia 76ers
• Dec. 31 vs. the Brooklyn Nets
• Jan. 5 vs. the Detroit Pistons
• Jan. 7 vs. the Chicago Bulls
• Jan. 8 vs. the New York Knicks
• Jan. 10 vs. the Charlotte Hornets
• Jan. 14 vs. the Los Angeles Clippers
• Jan. 19 vs. the Los Angeles Lakers
• Jan. 20 vs. the Milwaukee Bucks
• Feb. 4 vs. the Minnesota Timberwolves
• Feb. 6 vs. the Phoenix Suns
• Feb. 7 vs. the Houston Rockets
• Feb. 17 vs. the Indiana Pacers
• Mar. 2 vs. the Washington Wizards
• Mar. 4 vs. the Oklahoma City Thunder
• Mar. 6 vs. the Los Angeles Clippers
• Mar. 8 vs. the Denver Nuggets
• Mar. 10 vs. the Golden State Warriors
• Mar. 14 vs. the Cleveland Cavaliers
• Mar. 24 vs. the Atlanta Hawks
• Mar. 27 vs. the Toronto Raptors
• Mar. 29 vs. the Denver Nuggets
• Apr. 4 vs. the Golden State Warriors
• Apr. 9 vs. the Dallas Mavericks
  

Frequently Asked Questions

Who coaches the Sacramento Kings? Former Kings player Doug Christie has been head coach of the Sacramento Kings since December of 2024. He played in the NBA for 15 seasons, including the Kings from 2000-05.

 How many times have the Sacramento Kings made the playoffs? As of the 2025-26 season, the Kings have made the playoffs 30 times. This includes their time under previous names (including the Rochester Royals and Kansas City Kings).

 What is the Pacific Division of the NBA? The Pacific Division is one of the three divisions in the Western Conference of the NBA. Five teams comprise the division: the Golden State Warriors, the Los Angeles Clippers, the Los Angeles Lakers, the Phoenix Suns, and the Sacramento Kings.

 What is so special about the Golden 1 Center at DOCO? Opened in 2016, this thriving venue hosts sports, concerts, and more! It’s the first NBA arena to be powered entirely by solar energy, earning itself LEED Platinum certification. It provides an open-air design, features groundbreaking architecture and engineering, and boasts advanced technology throughout.