High demand for Sacramento Kings playoff tickets drives up prices on resale market
Sacramento Kings fans eager to witness their team’s first playoff appearance in 17 years are shelling out big bucks for tickets to the team’s first-round series against the Golden State Warriors. The high demand is sending ticket prices soaring on the resale market, with some fans reportedly paying upwards of $600 for a seat at the Golden 1 Center.
Despite there being more tickets available in Sacramento for some games in the series, the highest resale prices are coming from those within the city. According to Stubhub data, resale tickets for Game 1 in Sacramento cost an average of $600, while resale tickets for Game 3 in San Francisco cost an average of $272. While the difference in available tickets may explain some of the price disparity, it does not fully account for it.
A spokesperson from Stubhub attributes the high ticket prices to a fervent fan base that has waited almost two decades for a chance to see their team play in the postseason. “The demand for Kings playoff tickets is at an all-time high,” said Jill Krimmel, head of communications at StubHub. “I believe that it’s driven by several factors, including the team’s entry into the playoffs after 17 years, which has energized and galvanized their fan base.”
Dissecting The Golden State Warriors’ keys to victory over Sacramento Kings
While Sacramento Kings fans may be paying top dollar for playoff tickets, their team faces a tough challenge against a skilled and experienced Golden State Warriors squad. If they are to come out on top in this first-round series, several factors could play crucial roles.
As evidenced by their league-high supersonic pace of play, turnovers have been the primary Achilles heel for Sacramento all season long. The Warriors must limit their turnovers if they hope to prevent the Kings from converting fast breaks into efficient buckets.
The Kings’ offensive system has been tough for many teams to stop, which makes defense without fouling crucial for the Warriors. A good offensive strategy is imperative for the Warriors stepping up their game too, they have to play unselfishly and make the best play.
Further, the Warriors have Andrew Wiggins back in the mix after an extended absence, and Gary Payton II has re-joined the team. The combination will boost their defensive capabilities, making it harder for the Kings to score from the outset of this series.
For Golden State, avoiding tight games is vital. Down-to-the-wire clashes have not favored them over recent weeks, and they have performed poorly on away games throughout their last few matches. In contrast, Sacramento has proven to be a clutch team in tight games. The stakes are high but can Golden State replicate its past playoff successes?
NBA playoffs return to Sacramento
For 17 years, the Sacramento Kings have been waiting for their chance to return to the NBA playoffs. That wait ended last week when the Kings secured a spot in this season’s tournament.
Almost two decades may seem like a long time for current NBA fans to wait between playoff appearances, but for those rooted in Sacramento Kings fandom pre-2004/05 season it was an excruciatingly long time. Nonetheless, it is hard to deny that basketball is rising again in California’s capital city.
On Sunday May 22nd at Golden 1 Center it was apparent just how much locals were looking forward to one of the biggest home games of their history. It is expected that the energy from their 17,608 rowdy fans will give Sacramento an edge over Golden State Warriors in what promises to be a close-fought match.
Although defense appeared shaky earlier in the regular season but with Wiggins back improved and with Payton by his side at center, the Warriors have a better chance of ending their season on a positive note. Also, the total score of the game has been set at 238.5, which is the highest of the weekend’s games, and that creating an unprecedented level of excitement among fans.
Defending against a team like Sacramento will be no easy task for Golden State, but if they can step up their game and avoid turnovers while keeping Sacramento’s offense under control, they may well advance to the next round of the playoffs.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
