NBA Kings President Chris Granger said that the team's new arena "is 100 percent solar-powered," and uses "a cooling system that relies on recycled water," according to Ailene Voisin of the SACRAMENTO BEE. Details of Golden 1 Center and the surrounding development were revealed recently when Granger "served as primary tour guide" during a private event showing off the venue that "will seat 17,500 for basketball games but could expand for concerts." Of the four levels, the lower bowl "accounts for 36 rows and the most seats (10,000)." The next level "features 48 mini-suites designed to accommodate eight people each." The suite level "includes 34 suites that can house up to 25 people each." The upper bowl "has a capacity of 6,000, offers the cheap seats (starting at $12) and features a bar that extends around the building and provides unobstructed views of the court." One "unique aspect of the complex is a secondary stage that serves as an amphitheatre and outdoor plaza that can accommodate 5,000 to 10,000 patrons for concerts and other events." More than 13,000 parking spots "are within a half-mile of the complex, all three light rail lines converge at Seventh and K streets, and the train station is two blocks away." In terms of aesthetics, Granger cited Bankers Life Fieldhouse and Barclays Center "as models," as both arenas "reflect the charm and character of their communities." Granger: "This should be the place to go in Sacramento, irrespective of the arena. Farmers markets. Ice skating arena during the Christmas holidays. A jazz concert. While there is no question this is designed primarily for basketball, we’re very mindful of the concert element, which is one reason you can put a stage on either side of the building" (SACRAMENTO BEE, 8/23).
