ARCO Arena

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

The arena's legacy is tied to its intimate feel and unique configuration—ice shows and hockey ran perpendicular to the basketball court, with retractable sideline seating allowing for an international standard ice rink. It hosted LeBron James' NBA regular-season debut on October 29, 2003, where he scored 25 points for the Cleveland Cavaliers in a loss to the Kings. The arena set a Guinness World Record for loudest sports roar at 126 decibels on November 15, 2013. The last Kings home game was on April 9, 2016, a 114–112 win against the Oklahoma City Thunder, with Rajon Rondo hitting two free throws with one second left. The final ticketed event was the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus on September 19, 2016, which had also opened the original ARCO Arena I in 1985 with a Sacramento State basketball game.

In Their Own Story

The hardwood gleamed under the harsh arena lights as Chris Webber dribbled up the court, the sound of sneakers squeaking echoing off the high ceiling. Thousands of fans, clad in purple and gold, rose to their feet in unison, a sea of noise that seemed to shake the very foundation of downtown Sacramento. As the clock ticked down on a tied game, the collective breath of the city held still, waiting for the next move that could define another chapter in this arena's storied history.

Reader's Guide

The culture at ARCO Arena was defined by an unwavering loyalty and a unique sense of community among supporters. Fans would arrive hours early to soak in the pre-game atmosphere, often gathering around the concourse displays featuring historical photos of the franchise's journey. A key tradition was the 'Kings' roar,' a specific vocal rhythm that erupted during defensive stops or after big plays, creating an intimidating environment for visiting teams. This noise was not just cheering; it was a unified expression of hope and resilience. The arena also fostered a deep connection between players and fans, with many legends acknowledging the crowd's energy as a crucial 'sixth man.' Even in defeat, the supporters remained steadfast, celebrating the effort rather than demanding perfection. This spirit transformed ARCO from a simple venue into a spiritual home for Sacramento sports.

Did You Know?

• The arena was constructed at a cost of just $40 million, the lowest of any venue in the NBA.
• LeBron James made his NBA regular-season debut at the arena on October 29, 2003, scoring 25 points.
• The arena set a Guinness World Record for loudest sports roar at 126 decibels on November 15, 2013.
• The last ticketed event was the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus on September 19, 2016, which had also opened the original ARCO Arena I in 1985 with a Sacramento State basketball game.
• In April 2020, the arena was converted into a temporary hospital in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Origins and Architectural Constraints

Constructed in 1988 at a cost of $40 million, the lowest of any NBA venue, ARCO Arena was located in a once-isolated area on the expanding northern outskirts of Sacramento. It was the smallest arena in the NBA with a seating capacity of 17,317, 30 luxury suites, and 412 club seats. The arena was never intended to be a long-term facility—being a relic of the 1980s, it lacked digital signage, spacious locker rooms, and wide concourses. NCAA cited that the arena was not adequate for college basketball, prompting plans for a new facility. The configuration for ice shows and ice hockey ran perpendicular to the basketball court, with retractable sideline seating allowing for an international standard ice rink.

Naming Rights and Commercial Evolution

The original namesake sponsor was ARCO, a Los Angeles–based independent oil and gas company now a brand owned by Marathon Petroleum. On March 19, 2007, the Maloof brothers announced a multi-year extension of the naming rights. ARCO's sponsorship ran out in February 2011. The arena was renamed Power Balance Pavilion on March 1, 2011, for its new sponsor, Power Balance, a manufacturer of sports wristbands. On October 15, 2012, the arena assumed its final name when The Sleep Train purchased the naming rights. Sleep Train was a chain of mattress retailers based in Rocklin, California, then a subsidiary of Mattress Firm. On March 19, 2022, the Sacramento Kings hosted the final event, reverting to the original ARCO Arena name for a free farewell event.

Defining Moments and Cultural Impact

LeBron James made his NBA regular-season debut at the arena on October 29, 2003, scoring 25 points for the Cleveland Cavaliers in a loss to the Kings. The arena hosted nearly 200 spectator events each year, including concerts by Britney Spears and Linkin Park. It was home to the Sacramento Attack of the Arena Football League in 1992, the WNBA's Sacramento Monarchs until they folded in 2009, and the Sacramento River Rats of Roller Hockey International. The arena hosted WWE events including the 1993 Royal Rumble, Judgment Day 2001, and The Bash in 2009. It also hosted four UFC events: UFC 65, UFC 73, UFC on Fox: Johnson vs. Benavidez 2, and UFC 177. The last Kings home game was on April 9, 2016, a 114–112 win against the Oklahoma City Thunder, with Rudy Gay scoring the final points on two free throws.

Demolition and Future Redevelopment

After the Kings left, the arena still hosted occasional events such as conferences and swap meets. Jehovah's Witnesses used the arena for an extended stay in 2019. In April 2020, state health officials announced the arena would be converted into a temporary hospital in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In June 2021, the Sacramento Kings and the City of Sacramento announced the site had been donated to California Northstate University for a medical school and hospital. On March 19, 2022, the Kings hosted a free farewell event reverting to the ARCO Arena name. Demolition began on August 9, 2022, and was completed in October 2022. The site is still open to the public, though mostly abandoned; the parking lot remains the site of the Sacramento Antique Faire.