Parking at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento can vary in price depending on the event, day of the week, and parking location. The Golden 1 Center offers various parking garages and lots within walking distance to conveniently accommodate guests. Understanding the parking options and rates ahead of time allows visitors to plan their budget and arrive prepared.
Quick Overview of Parking Costs
In general, parking prices at Golden 1 Center range from $10-30 per vehicle on event days. The main parking garage attached to the arena charges $30 for event parking. Surface lots and garages farther from the arena drop to $20 or $15 per car. Certain weeknight games and events may have slightly discounted parking around $10-20 per vehicle. Parking rates fluctuate based on the expected attendance and profile of the event.
Detailed Parking Information at Golden 1 Center
The Golden 1 Center has a few parking options within a short walk of the arena for events:
Golden 1 Center Parking Garage
Attached directly to Golden 1 Center is the Golden 1 Center Parking Garage. This indoor covered parking structure provides the most convenient access into the arena. Parking rates in the Golden 1 Center Garage are:
- $30 Monday-Sunday for all Kings games, concerts, and major events
- $15 Monday-Friday for smaller scale daytime events
The Golden 1 Center Garage contains over 1,100 spaces on 5 levels. Given the prime location, spots here tend to fill up fastest. Arriving early is recommended for the best chance at a space, especially for popular major events.
Blue Diamond Almond Lot
The Blue Diamond Almond surface parking lot is located one block south of the Golden 1 Center at the corner of L Street and 7th Street. For most major ticketed events, parking rates at the Blue Diamond lot are:
- $20 for cars
- $40 for oversized vehicles
With over 500 spaces available, the Blue Diamond Almond lot provides the largest outside parking area near the arena. This uncovered lot is a bit farther from the entrances than the garage but offers easy pedestrian access. Parking attendants are on hand to collect payment and direct vehicles.
Tribeca at the Sawyer Garage
The Tribeca at the Sawyer Parking Garage is one block east of Golden 1 Center along 8th Street between L Street and Capitol Mall Drive. This 6-story structure contains over 1,600 parking spaces. Rates at the Tribeca Garage are:
- $20 for Kings games and major events
- $5 flat rate after 5pm on weekdays
Given the sizable capacity, ample parking tends to be available here even for crowded events. The Tribeca Garage puts you about a 4 block walk from Golden 1 Center.
Other Nearby Parking Lots and Garages
In addition to the main three parking options listed above, there are over 50 other parking lots and garages within a 0.5 mile radius of the Golden 1 Center in Downtown Sacramento. These additional parking facilities generally charge $15-20 for events and may offer discounted rates as low as $5-10 depending on the time and day.
Some of the other parking garages close to Golden 1 Center include:
- Hyatt Regency Sacramento Parking Garage
- McKee Parking Building
- Hilton Garden Inn Sacramento Parking
- La Valentina Garage
- Memorial Garage
Visitors should compare rates and availability between garages within walking distance to find the best parking option for each visit.
Getting the Best Parking Rates at Golden 1 Center
Here are some key tips for getting the most affordable parking when attending events at Golden 1 Center:
1. Book Advance Parking
Securing parking ahead of time guarantees your space and locks in prepaid rates. The venue offers online parking reservations through ParkWhiz which frequently offers discounted prepay rates at nearby garages.
2. Arrive Early For Discounted Pre-Event Parking
At some garages like Tribeca and Hyatt, pulling in 2-3 hours before an event time can lead to discounted “early bird” parking prices compared to peak event rates. However, arriving too early risks paying for unused time.
3. Consider Weeknight Events
Less premier events like Sunday-Thursday Kings games or minor concerts often have lower parking rates in the $10-20 range at arena garages and lots. Fridays and Saturdays see premium pricing.
4. Use Public Transit
Skip driving altogether by taking advantage of Sacramento Regional Transit light rail and bus lines that stop directly at Golden 1 Center. Use park and ride stations to catch the train downtown. Transit fares are just $2.50 each way.
5. Walk, Bike, or Scoot In
Downtown Sacramento is walkable and bikeable with parking areas farther out. Bike racks are available at entrances. Scooter rentals let you cover more ground.
6. Rideshare or Taxi
Using Lyft, Uber or cabs means avoiding parking altogether and being dropped at the door. Compare rideshare estimates versus parking costs.
7. Join a Carpool
Spreading the parking cost between multiple people makes it more affordable. Coordinate ahead of time with friends or via apps like NextDoor.
Parking Accessibility at Golden 1 Center
Golden 1 Center aims to provide accessible parking accommodations for guests requiring ADA spaces or assistance:
- ADA parking is available in each on-site parking facility
- Companion care drivers can receive free parking by showing credentials
- Guests can request wheelchair assistance between parking areas and entrances
- Contact the arena accessibility team with any questions or needs
Review parking area maps ahead of time to find ideal ADA parking spots to accommodate any disability issues. Allow extra time for any drop-offs, escorts, or entrance assistance required.
Overnight and RV Parking at Golden 1 Center
The Golden 1 Center parking facilities are intended for single-event use only. Overnight or RV parking is prohibited without special written authorization from management. Nearby parking garages may also restrict extended or oversized vehicle parking.
For large vehicles, contact the arena ahead of time for guidance on logistics and available accommodations. Options like the Sacramento Valley Station lot one mile away allow RV and overnight parking in some cases.
Conclusion
Understanding the parking landscape at the Golden 1 Center prepares visitors to make smart choices that maximize convenience and savings. While on-site arena parking provides the easiest direct access, value options under $20 are abundant in surrounding blocks. Comparison shopping online parking deals, leveraging cheap public transit, or pooling with others can lead to big savings on parking costs. With advance planning and flexible options to get downtown, guests can find parking that fits their needs and budget.