The Kings hold a uniquely important place in our city’s identity and civic pride. The 2025-26 season marks 10 years of the Golden 1 Center, but the Kings have been central to Sacramento’s story for over four decades.
1985: The Kings Move To Sacramento Helps Cultivate Pride & Identity
The NBA Board of Governors approved the move from Kansas City to Sacramento for the 1985-86 season, making the Kings officially ours. Over the years, their presence has given Sacramento a sense of place and distinction, proving that we’re not just a stop on I-5 or “that place where the government works.” The Kings put Sacramento on the national sports map and continue to boost our city’s visibility.
1994: The Kings Find Their Identity
The Kings reveal their new team colors, uniforms, and logo with Sacramento written proudly at the forefront. Marking an era of purple, silver, and black dominance for decades to come.
Early 2000’s: “Greatest Show On Court” Gives City A Team To Believe In
The Kings create moments that unite the entire region. Everyone remembers where they were during those early 2000s playoff runs – the thrilling, fast-paced basketball, the electric crowds, the cowbells (oh, the cowbells). The Greatest Show on Court was led by stars like Chris Webber, Mike Bibby, Doug Christie, and Peja Stojaković. The intense 2002 Western Conference Finals captivated the entire region, turning even casual observers into devoted fans.
2011-2013: The “Here We Stay” Movement Showed What Sacramento Can Do When We UNite
The movement demonstrated what’s possible when business leaders, elected officials, and everyday citizens unite around a common cause. When the city heard plans to relocate the Kings to Seattle, Sacramento responded with a resounding ‘absolutely not’ and as a result, we kept the Kings, built Golden 1 Center, and welcomed new ownership. It was a reminder of how deeply the Kings are woven into Sacramento’s sense of self. The Jacquelyn is part of that same spirit, the one that said “Here We Stay,” that invests in this city’s potential and refuses to see Sacramento as secondary to anywhere else.
2013: Championing Innovation: Vivek Ranadive Becomes Sacramento Kings Majority Owner
Under Vivek Ranadivé’s leadership, the Kings embraced a future-forward vision shaped by the first Indian-American NBA owner’s technological background. Rooted in Sacramento’s dynamic character, the organization redefined the fan experience through innovation, sustainability, and design – signaling the city’s place on the global stage. The Jacquelyn carries that vision forward, cultivating a community that celebrates Sacramento’s extraordinary diversity.
2016: The Golden 1 Center: Revitalized Downtown & Supports Local Excellence
Golden 1 Center is a point of civic pride, designed not only for basketball but a communal fireplace where people gather, connect, and share in the collective energy of the city. The arena showcases its commitment to supporting local food & craft beverage vendors from the region. According to Golden 1 Center, “Our executive chef and restaurant partners source 90% of their ingredients from a 150-mile radius of the arena.” This commitment exemplifies how Sacramento upholds its own and supports local excellence, the same spirit that lives on in the Jacquelyn – a gathering place built to foster connection and a strong sense of community by spotlighting local vintners, chefs, artists, and thought leaders.
2022-2023: Light The Beam: A Rallying Cry For Sacramento
The “Light the Beam” campaign, introduced in 2022, received national attention and became a symbol of pride and loyalty for Sacramento. Beyond a 300-watt purple laser beam shot into the sky after each win, the beam is a manifestation of what makes our city’s fanbase special – unwavering support and a shared identity. That rally extended as far as helping the Kings reach the playoffs in the 2022-23 season. Soon after, the organization was recognized with the NBA Team of the Year Award and NBA Innovation Award for their victory beam.
