Golden 1 Center Parking Tips in Sacramento

The Sacramento Kings of the NBA play their home games at Golden 1 Center. If you are attending an upcoming event at this venue, use the parking guide below to plan your outing. 

This detailed Golden 1 Center parking tips guide offers detailed parking information, including:

• The best official Golden 1 Center parking lots
• Third-party parking lots near Golden 1 Center you can book in advance
• Areas to look for free parking in Sacramento
• Handicap parking solutions
• Public transit options for Sacramento Kings events
• Other valuable Golden 1 Center parking tips to save time and money

Knowing where you will park will make the whole experience more enjoyable. This guide should be a valuable resource in the process.

Official Golden 1 Center Parking Lots

At Golden 1 Center, you won’t find the type of official, attached parking garage you will see at other arenas around the country. With that said, there is ample parking in the immediate area, and much of it is available through the city parking website, SacPark. 

Main Parking Lots 

As mentioned above, there isn’t a “main” parking lot or garage at Golden 1 Center. However, you can head to the Reserve Sacramento Parking – SacPark to pick from a range of options in this part of the city.

Once on that site, you can look at the upcoming events at Golden 1 Center and pick the date you’ll attend. Then, you will see all available garages and can pick your favorite based on location and price. 

EV Parking at Golden 1 Center

There are some EV chargers scattered around this part of Sacramento, so it’s not out of the question to be able to charge your car while in the area for an event. However, remember that the city will be crowded when an event is scheduled, so chargers may be taken or hard to reach.

Rather than battling the crowds for a charger, plan on filling up your battery in advance so you can use any regular parking spot and enjoy the evening. 

Accessible Parking Spaces

Parking accessibility is going to depend on the specific garage you select. If you have someone in your party that needs to be dropped off closer to the venue before you head to a parking garage, that can be done at the end of 4th Street within the DOCO Mall. 

Third-Party Parking Options at Golden 1 Center

Plenty of excellent third-party parking options within a short walk of Golden 1 Center exist. You can use our SpotHero widget below to reserve a parking space at any of these locations so you are all set for your outing.

As you sort through the options, consider the garage at 728 J Street as one of the best bets. The pricing is sometimes under $20, yet it’s only a short walk across the streets to the gates.

You can get even closer by booking parking in the 555 Capitol Mall garage, but you’ll spend about $10 more in most cases. 

Free Parking at Golden 1 Center

It’s going to be difficult, and perhaps impossible, to find free parking for events at Golden 1 Center. Like all locations in the heart of a large city, parking spaces are hard to come by and almost always come with a price tag.

Unless you can find a spot well away from the arena with free street parking, you will want to plan on paying for your parking or using another type of transportation. 

Public Transportation to Golden 1 Center

SacRT Light Rail

SacRT Light Rail is the main public transportation system serving the Sacramento area, and it provides an efficient way to reach the Golden 1 Center. There are two lines that serve the Golden 1 Center area – the Gold Line and the Blue Line.

Both these lines have stops at the 7th & Capitol Station and the 8th & K Station, which are only a short walk away from the arena. If you’re coming from the suburbs or just want to avoid downtown traffic, you can park your car at one of the many free Park-and-Ride lots located along these lines and take the Light Rail for the rest of the way.

SacRT Light Rail operates seven days a week, with more frequent service during peak hours. Fares are reasonable, and discounted tickets are available for seniors, students, and people with disabilities.

Game Day Express Service

For Sacramento Kings games, SacRT operates the Game Day Express Service. This bus service starts from the Galleria at Roseville and travels directly to the Golden 1 Center, providing a convenient and stress-free way for fans in Roseville to reach the arena.

The round trip fare for this service is just $9, with a discount available for Roseville residents. It’s recommended to purchase tickets in advance through the SacRT mobile app, as it can speed up boarding.

SacRT Buses

In addition to the Light Rail, SacRT also operates a network of bus routes that serve the Golden 1 Center. Bus lines 11, 15, and 30 are some of the many lines that have stops near the arena. As with the Light Rail, it’s advisable to check the schedule and plan your trip in advance.

Biking and Rideshare

Sacramento is known for its bike-friendly streets, and biking can be a great option to reach the Golden 1 Center, especially if you’re located nearby. There are ample bike racks available near the arena for secure parking.

Ridesharing to Golden 1 Center

Another great way to get to Golden 1 Center is to use a rideshare service to avoid driving altogether. A few spots around the arena have been designated for rideshare pick-ups and drop-offs, including:

• the corner of 4th and J Streets
• the corner of 5th and J Street
• 4th Street between L Street and Capitol Mall

Golden 1 Center Events

It’s not only basketball games that take place at Golden 1 Center throughout the year. Use the table below to find event tickets you would like to attend.

Bars and Restaurants near Golden 1 Center 

Visitors to Golden 1 Center looking for food or drinks before going into an event will have plenty of appealing options to consider around the area. A walk through the district around the venue will reveal many choices, ranging from upscale dining rooms to casual, affordable fare. 

One popular place worth thinking about before a basketball game is Yard House. This sports bar is just a short walk from the gates and is sure to have plenty of fans bringing a great atmosphere before a game.

Downtown Commons, otherwise known as DOCO, houses this restaurant, and many other establishments are nearby. 

Golden 1 Center Parking Tips for a Great Outing

Attending an event at an NBA arena should be a relaxing, enjoyable experience. However, traffic and transportation issues sometimes get in the way and turn the outing into a nightmare.  

Let’s review some basic parking and travel tips to ensure that doesn’t happen to you at Golden 1 Center.

Arrive Early and Beat Traffic

Sacramento doesn’t have the brutal traffic conditions common in nearby San Francisco, but it can still get congested in and around town. Plan your day to get to the arena early and secure parking before it gets crazy. 

Check to see when the gates will open, and you can arrive early to enjoy as much time inside the facility as possible. 

Know What You Can Bring

Golden 1 Center has specific policies regarding what can and can’t come into the building, like all other stadiums. Check these rules in advance so you don’t have to leave things in the car. 

Remember Where You Parked!

There are plenty of parking spaces available in the area around Golden 1 Center. With such a massive parking area to cover, you don’t want to be searching for your vehicle at the end of the day. Consider snapping a quick picture of your car’s location on your phone so you can get back to it easily. 

Take Security Measures

You should always consider safety when parking for an event at a popular arena. Be sure to lock your vehicle as a starting point and remove anything valuable from the car or truck before leaving home. You might want to park in a well-lit area for more security.

Have a Backup Plan

Unless you have purchased a parking pass in advance, it’s a good idea to have at least a few parking options in mind when you head out. That way, if your first option is full or otherwise unavailable, you won’t have to scramble to figure out where to go next.

Conclusion

In conclusion, attending an event at the Golden 1 Center can be a seamless and enjoyable experience with the help of this comprehensive parking guide. By utilizing the detailed information provided, including official parking options, third-party alternatives, accessible spaces, public transit choices, and essential tips, you can navigate parking and transportation concerns with ease.

Arriving early to beat potential traffic, being mindful of allowed items, keeping track of your parking spot, ensuring security measures, and having a backup plan are all key factors in making your outing to the Golden 1 Center stress-free.

Whether you’re there for an NBA game or another event, following these parking tips will enhance your overall visit and allow you to focus on the excitement within the arena.

Frequently Asked Questions for Parking at Golden 1 Center (FAQs)