Golden 1 Center
Construction began on the 29th of October 2014 for the new arena that would replace ARCO Arena. The Sacramento City Council voted approval of public financing and other terms on the 20th of May 2014. An ownership group led by Vivek Ranadivé purchased the majority stake in the team from the Maloof family to keep the franchise in Sacramento. The city agreed to partner with the Kings to build a new arena by 2016. Turner Construction served as the construction manager for the project. They were known locally for building Terminal B at Sacramento International Airport. The estimated cost was $391 million when first proposed by the previous owners in 2012. The final construction costs increased to $534.6 million due to changes in seating configuration. These changes moved hundreds of seats closer to the basketball court.
The arena reflects Northern California fabric through regionally sourced materials like glass and recycled aluminum. Precast concrete used sand from San Benito and rocks of Sierra limestone. A rooftop solar array installed by Solar Power Inc. cost $2.5 million. This system generates up to 1.2 megawatts of power. It is augmented by an 11 megawatt solar field nearby operated by SMUD. The facility earned LEED Platinum certification in late September 2016. All wood used meets FSC-certified standards for responsible forest management. Local artists Phil America and Gale Hart contributed permanent artworks alongside Jeff Koons. A unique fan tradition began in 2022 involving four massive purple-lit laser beams. These beams light up whenever the Kings win a game either home or away.
Panasonic Corp. of North America developed the main videoboard hanging over center court. The screen measures longer than the basketball court below it. It consumes more than 100 kilowatts of power during operation. Two video screens welcome fans at the main entrance facing the public plaza. Six hundred HD displays broadcast games to fans in concourses, clubs, and suites. Over 400 feet of LED ribbon boards were installed throughout the arena bowl. Comcast provided fully redundant transport facilities with two 100-gigabit ethernet dedicated internet circuits. Free Wi-Fi connections are 17,000 times faster than average home networks. The network can handle more than 225,000 posts on Instagram every second. A rooftop platform uses light pipes programmed by local artists to convey events visually.
Sacramento-based Golden 1 Credit Union acquired naming rights on the 16th of June 2015. The deal spans twenty years at a total cost of $120 million. This averages out to an annual value of $6 million per year. It stands as one of the largest naming rights deals for single-tenant NBA arenas. The City of Sacramento financed its contribution through bond sales totaling $212 million. Parking and economic development funds contributed another $11 million. The Kings themselves contributed approximately $284 million toward construction. Thirty-four luxury suites were sold to include all events year-round. Suite partners access three exclusive clubs on the premium level including skyboxes overlooking the concourse.
Paul McCartney held his first concert there on the 4th of October 2016 during his One on One tour. WWE hosted No Mercy in 2016 and Hell in a Cell in 2019. AEW held their post-Revolution Dynamite episode on the 8th of March 2023. UFC on Fox: VanZant vs. Waterson took place the 17th of December 2016 marking the first MMA event. Professional Bull Riders have held an annual Built Ford Tough Series since 2017. The Sacramento Kings began using the arena for the 2016, 2017 NBA season. Their first regular-season game occurred the 27th of October 2016 against San Antonio Spurs. The NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament rounds happened in 2017 and again in 2023. Winter 2020 legislative sessions of California State Legislature were conducted inside due to pandemic restrictions.
An estimated 10 to 15 percent of visitors walk bike or take public transportation to events. More than 13,500 parking spaces exist within half a mile of the venue. Five light rail stations from Sacramento Regional Transit are nearby including 8th & K station. The closest station is also known as St. Rose of Lima Park Station. Sacramento Valley Station at 4th and I Streets offers Amtrak trains and bus service. The arena sits partially on the site of former Downtown Plaza shopping center. It forms part of Downtown Commons which includes a $250 million mixed-use tower. The street leading to the front door bears the name David J. Stern Walk honoring the former NBA Commissioner.
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Common questions
When did construction begin on the Golden 1 Center?
Construction began on the 29th of October 2014 for the new arena that would replace ARCO Arena. The Sacramento City Council voted approval of public financing and other terms on the 20th of May 2014.
How much did it cost to build the Golden 1 Center?
The estimated cost was $391 million when first proposed by the previous owners in 2012. The final construction costs increased to $534.6 million due to changes in seating configuration.
Who owns the naming rights to the Golden 1 Center?
Sacramento-based Golden 1 Credit Union acquired naming rights on the 16th of June 2015. The deal spans twenty years at a total cost of $120 million.
What major events have taken place at the Golden 1 Center?
Paul McCartney held his first concert there on the 4th of October 2016 during his One on One tour. WWE hosted No Mercy in 2016 and Hell in a Cell in 2019 while AEW held their post-Revolution Dynamite episode on the 8th of March 2023.
Where is the Golden 1 Center located relative to public transit options?
Five light rail stations from Sacramento Regional Transit are nearby including 8th & K station. The closest station is also known as St. Rose of Lima Park Station and Sacramento Valley Station offers Amtrak trains and bus service.