Golden 1 Center is the downtown arena in Sacramento and the home of the Sacramento Kings. It hosts NBA games, touring concerts, family shows such as Disney On Ice, and events like Monster Jam. The building is known for its modern design and solar power, and the plaza outside holds public art you can see without a ticket. Go for a game or a show, or walk the plaza on a visit without tickets.
Architecture and sustainability
The arena opened in fall 2016 at a cost of about $500 million. It is LEED-certified and was built with local materials. The building runs on solar power, and five-story airplane hangar doors can swing open to let in the Delta breeze and help cool the space.
The Sports Business Journal named it the 2017 Sports Facility of the Year, citing its farm-to-fork concessions, solar-powered design and technology. The exterior is worth a look before you go in, even if you have no ticket.
The plaza and its public art
The plaza around the arena has eateries and shops, and it is the place to see the public art. Jeff Koons's Coloring Book #4 is a bold, flashy sculpture. Gale Hart's installation is ten giant dart sculptures. Bill Fontana contributed a soundscape that fills the plaza.
The art is free to see and does not require a ticket to the arena.
The Kings and the events
The Sacramento Kings have called Sacramento home for about thirty years. The team traces its history to 1923, when it began as the Rochester Seagrams. It later played in Cincinnati, Kansas City and Omaha before arriving in Sacramento.
The arena hosts over 40 home games a season. Its touring acts have included Kanye, Lady Gaga, Elton John, Jimmy Buffett and Justin Timberlake. Check the event calendar before you travel, since the lineup changes from season to season.
Food and concessions
The arena's food program sources 90 percent of its ingredients from within 150 miles. Concession stands line the walkway around the seating bowl, so you will usually find one close to your section. Staff are friendly and helpful, and the restrooms are kept clean.
The food is priced at arena levels, so plan your budget before you arrive.
Getting in and around
The arena is within walking distance of Old Sacramento. The Kimpton Sawyer Hotel stands next to it, and visiting NBA teams often stay there. Wheelchair accessible seating, entrances, restrooms and parking are available, and there is a changing table for families.
For game and concert nights, leave extra time for security and plan your parking before you leave.
Perguntas frequentes
Do I need a ticket to see the public art?
No. The public art on the plaza can be seen even without a ticket to an event.
How many seats does the arena have?
The arena has about 19,000 seats for events.
Is parking easy?
Paid garages, paid street spots and free street parking are all in the area. Parking prices may change on event nights, so check before you park.
Is the arena wheelchair accessible?
Yes. It has wheelchair accessible seating, entrances, restrooms and a parking lot.
