Sacramento Kings Return to the Playoffs after 17 Years Brings Excitement and Security Concerns

Fans Show Their Excitement for the Return of Playoff Basketball to Sacramento

The Sacramento Kings are back in the playoffs after a 17-year drought, and fans are thrilled. The team finished the 2022-23 season with the third-best record in the Western Conference, securing their spot in the playoffs. Cody Barbour, a die-hard Kings fan who flew in from out of state for the playoff game, believes that the team’s success represents the success of Sacramento. “We’ve been waiting for this moment for so long,” he said. “It’s like a dream come true.”

Sacramento Prepares for Huge Influx of People During Playoff Games

The city of Sacramento is expecting a huge influx of people during the playoff games, and businesses and law enforcement agencies are preparing for it. The businesses in the downtown area are gearing up for an influx of fans, but there are also concerns about safety. Tina Lee-Vogt, the city’s nighttime economy manager, is working on a strategic plan to ensure a safe and vibrant nightlife.

Preplayoff Game Rally at DOCO

The Sacramento Kings hosted a preplayoff game rally in DOCO, where fans gathered with cowbells and “Beam Team” T-shirts. The event was a celebration of the team’s success and a nod to their tradition of cowbells.

Coach Mike Brown Turns the Team Around

Coach Mike Brown has done a fantastic job turning around the Kings’ fortunes this season. With his leadership, the team has become one of the top contenders in the NBA.

Parking Plans and Safety Tips for Fans

Fans are encouraged to have a parking plan and to be aware of road closures and pedestrian safety. Parking in city-owned garages can be reserved ahead of time, but spaces are going fast. Street parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis, but with special event meter rates. Kings fans can ride the light rail for free on game day.

Sacramento Kings Tradition of Cowbells

The tradition of cowbells at Kings home games dates back to when former Lakers head coach Phil Jackson called Sacramento a “cow town”, and fans responded by bringing cowbells to home games. Thousands of fans ringing cowbells can make for a very loud and distracting arena, but cowbells are still allowed at Kings home games. To celebrate this unique tradition, the Kings even installed a bell in their practice facility to reward players.

Security Plan for Kings Playoff Game

The Sacramento Police Department has been preparing a security plan for the playoffs for some time, and they are doubling their staffing for the game. The officers will be both on foot and in vehicles, and their real-time crime center will also be in operation. Lee-Vogt has facilitated conversations between businesses and law enforcement to come up with solutions to the problems they face.

In conclusion, the return of playoff basketball to Sacramento is exciting news for fans who have been waiting patiently for 17 years. But with the excitement comes concerns about parking, safety, and security. The city of Sacramento is taking steps to ensure that everyone who comes downtown for the playoff games can enjoy the festivities safely and responsibly.

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