Golden 1 Center Guide
Entry, transit, rideshare, parking, and game-day logistics for Sacramento.
Last updated: 3/9/2026
Key logistics
| Bag policy | Bags larger than 8″ x 6″ x 1″ are prohibited. Small clutches and wallets meeting the size requirement are permitted and subject to security inspection. Medical bags necessary for health conditions are exempt from the size restriction but must undergo thorough X-ray screening and inspection. Parental bags for infants, including diaper bags, are allowed with additional screening, as are plastic bottles and formula. |
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| Doors open | For Sacramento Kings games, doors typically open 1.5 hours prior to tip-off. For most other events, doors open approximately one hour before the event start time. |
| Cashless? | Golden 1 Center is a cashless arena. Payments are accepted with all major credit cards (chip-enabled cards), tap-to-pay contactless transactions, or payment-enabled mobile or wearable devices. Cash-to-card kiosks are not available. |
| Rideshare zone | Recommended rideshare drop-off and pick-up locations include J Street between 3rd Street and 5th Street, I Street between 7th and 8th Street, and 4th Street between L Street and Capitol Mall. It is generally advised to be dropped off and picked up away from the immediate vicinity of the stadium. |
| Re-entry | Golden 1 Center has a strict 'no re-entry' policy during events. Guests needing to exit and re-enter due to personal emergencies or to return a prohibited item must first contact a Security Supervisor or Manager via Guest Services Stations to make necessary arrangements. |
| Transit | Public transportation options include Sacramento Regional Transit (SacRT) light rail and bus services, with multiple light rail stations located within one block of the arena. The Game Day Express offers non-stop service from Roseville. Yolobus operates during major events, and the Capitol Corridor train provides service from the San Francisco Bay Area. Bicycle parking and valet services are also available. |
Parking
It is recommended to purchase pre-paid parking passes online through the City of Sacramento's SacPark website. Parking garages associated with Golden 1 Center are scheduled to open two hours prior to the start of an event or tipoff.
Family & accessibility
- Strollers: Strollers are generally prohibited from entering the arena, but guests may check them in at Guest Services Stations located near Section 109 on the Plaza Level and Section 213 on the Bridge Level.
- Family perks: Family-friendly amenities include a Mamava Breastfeeding Pod at Section 211, nursing availability in Event Level lounges and First Aid Offices, and the allowance of baby bags, plastic bottles, and formula (within size limits). A sensory room and sensory bags are also available. Children under 24 months of age generally do not require a ticket if sitting on an adult's lap, though this may vary for some events.
Culture layer
- Signature food: The arena features local dining options such as Paragary's (farm-to-fork cuisine), Selland's Market Café (artisanal pizzas, salads, comfort food), and Centro Cocina Mexicana (authentic Mexican flavors). A wide selection of California craft beers and regional wines is also available.
- Local tradition: A distinctive fan tradition is the 'Beam,' where four purple lasers illuminate the sky following Sacramento Kings' home wins. For Kings games, cowbells are the only permitted noisemakers.
Verified places nearby
- Tom's Watch Bar414 K St., Suite 180, Sacramento, CA 95814 · Downtown Commons (DOCO)What to order: Elevated sports bar classics, chef-driven dishes, 50+ beers, signature 40 oz two-handed stein, and specialty cocktails.
- Capitol Garage1500 K Street, Sacramento, CA 95814 · Downtown SacramentoWhat to order: Variety of house baked goods, classic breakfasts, burgers, sandwiches, salads, and a full bar.