Sacramento Kings Tip Off 2026-27 Season with Opening Night presented by Sutter Health

October 21, 2026

CVV News

The Sacramento Kings will tip off the 2026-27 regular season on Friday, October 23, when the team hosts the Portland Trail Blazers at Golden 1 Center for Opening Night presented by Sutter Health. Festivities will begin with a pregame celebration in Downtown Commons (DOCO) presented by Sutter Health and continue throughout the evening with special entertainment, fan giveaways, a tribute to legendary former Kings Head Coach Rick Adelman, the unveiling of the 2026-27 Community Starting 5 presented by Quick Quack Car Wash and a halftime performance by fan-favorite Red Panda.

“Opening Night is always a special opportunity to bring our fans and community together to celebrate the start of a new season of Kings basketball,” said Sacramento Kings President of Business Operations John Rinehart. “As we celebrate 10 years of Golden 1 Center, we’re excited to honor the people and moments that have shaped the past decade while creating new memories and experiences that reflect the passion and pride of Sacramento.”

Pregame Party on the Plaza presented by Sutter Health

Beginning at 4:30 p.m., fans are invited to kick off Opening Night festivities with a Party on the Plaza in DOCO and at Mómti Pavilion by Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians outside Golden 1 Center. The celebration will feature live DJ music, performances by Kings entertainment teams and special activities presented by Sutter Health, including a professional basketball dribbler.

Fans can also shop the latest Kings merchandise at the new Kings Official Team Store in DOCO, which will open ahead of Opening Night.

Opening Night Giveaways and Entertainment

Doors to Golden 1 Center will open at 5:30 p.m. All fans in attendance will receive a complimentary Kings schedule magnet and Opening Night T-shirt presented by Sutter Health. Upon entering the arena, fans can capture the excitement with an immersive 360-degree photo experience featuring a purple throne and Kings-themed backdrop presented by Sutter Health.

Throughout the evening, the Kings will celebrate the team’s legacy and commitment to the Sacramento community. The organization will honor legendary former Kings Head Coach Rick Adelman with a special video tribute recognizing his lasting impact on the franchise.

The Kings will also unveil the 2026-27 Community Starting 5 presented by Quick Quack Car Wash, recognizing five local nonprofit organizations for their meaningful contributions to the Sacramento region. This season’s Community Starting 5 organizations are:

Neighborhood Wellness Foundation  
Sacramento Ballet
Sacramento Youth Center
Women’s Empowerment
Women Veterans Giving
At halftime, fan-favorite Red Panda, known around the world for her signature unicycle and bowl-balancing act, will return to Golden 1 Center for a special Opening Night performance.

Kings Introduce Collectible Player Cup Series

New for the 2026-27 season, the Kings will debut a collectible souvenir soda cup series at Golden 1 Center, giving fans another way to celebrate their favorite players. Every Kings player will be featured throughout the season, with limited quantities of cups available for purchase at home games. The series launches on Opening Night with rookie Darius Acuff Jr. featured on the first cup. Learn more at Kings.com/Cups.