Your Complete Guide to Catching a Sacramento Kings Game

Dust off those cowbells and get ready to light the beam - it's time to show off your Sixth Man pride! The Sacramento Kings - aka the Beam Team - are back on the court for the 2025-26 NBA season, and hometown pride is high in the Sacramento area.

Not sure what any of that lingo means? No worries. Whether you're new to Sacramento or new to basketball, we're here to help turn you into a diehard Kings fan and guide you through the basics of attending your very first game.

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.An eerie purple light began appearing in the skies around Sacramento in late 2022, coinciding with the Kings wins. It was later revealed that the Kings had installed powerful purple lasers atop the Golden 1 Center, which is ceremoniously lit after victories. 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.

Light the Beam in Sacramento County Homes

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

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 - backwards.

Golden 1 Center.Where the Sacramento Kings play. Also known as the arena, it is located 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.

When to Go to a Kings Game

The Sacramento Kings has their scheduleavailable online, which includes both home games and away games. Most home games begin at 7 p.m., but there are a few afternoon games scheduled on the weekends. Opening night of the regular season is Friday, Oct. 24, against the Utah Jazz, and the last home game is Friday, April 10, against the Golden State Warriors.

Score Your Dream Home in Placer County

That said, if they make it to the playoffs again this year (fingers crossed), more games will be added. It should be noted that the Kings also host special promotions and eventsthroughout the season, including an in-season tournament, Kids and Family Day, and LGBTQIA+ Pride Night, among many others.

How to Get Kings Tickets

Sacramento Kings tickets are available for purchase on their websiteor 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 - 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.

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 SacParkwebsite. There are also private lots and garages throughout the area. You can also download the Park Mobileapp, which allows you to find and pay for metered street parking (although you'll have to walk a bit - nearby street parking is hard to find on game days). Public transportation via Sacramento Regional Transitis encouraged, and there are often special routes for getting to the arena on game days. Rideshares and taxis are also an option.

Sixth-Man Style Homes in Yolo County

Live near Roseville? There's a Game Day Expressbus that will take you from downtown Roseville to downtown Sacramento.

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.

Punch Bowl Social. Known for its bowling, arcade, darts, and other games, Punch Bowl also has a full menu featuring elevated pub fare like burgers and tacos. They also have a full bar, plus a daily punch special.

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 vivacious view of the Golden 1 Center.

Tom's Watch Bar. This newly opened 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, such as Burger Loungeand Jimboy's Tacos, and The Bank, a gourmet food hall just a few blocks away.

Inside the arena are numerous eateriesas well. Being that Sacramento is the Farm-to-Fork Capital of the nation, it comes as no surprise that the majority of ingredients used at the Golden 1 Center come from within a 150-mile radius of Sacramento! Some options to consider are Café Bernardo, which serves burgers and fries; Centro Cocina Mexicana, which serves tacos; Petra Greek, which serves lamb and beef gyros; and Porchetta House, which serves porchetta sandwiches.

Slamson-Approved Homes in El Dorado County

You can find your share of typical game-day eats such as hot dogs and chicken tenders, as well as local wine and craft beer. Note that Golden 1 is a cashlessvenue, 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.
• 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.
• Leave the Big Bags at Home. 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 FAQsand a list of prohibited items.

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!

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 2024-25 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.