The time that doors open at the Golden 1 Center for concerts can vary depending on the show. Here is a quick overview of typical door opening times:
General Door Opening Times
For most concerts at Golden 1 Center, doors will open 1-2 hours prior to the scheduled start time of the performance. This gives concertgoers time to enter the venue, find their seats, visit concessions stands, and get settled in before the show starts.
Main Act Door Open Times
If the main performing artist is the first act scheduled, doors will generally open 1 hour before the printed start time. For example, if the tickets say 7pm, doors would open at 6pm in this case. This allows the main act fans to enter with enough time to get to their seats and be ready for the headliner.
Opening Acts Door Open Times
If there are one or more opening acts on the bill before the headliner, doors will usually open 2 hours prior to the main act’s start time. The extra time allows fans to enter and catch some or all of the opening sets before the primary performer goes on stage.
VIP and Early Entry
In addition to general admission door opening times, most concerts at Golden 1 Center also offer early entry options for certain groups of fans:
VIP Packages
Purchasing a VIP ticket package for a show will often allow early entry into the venue, typically 1 hour before general admission. This gives VIPs first access to merch stands, bars, and sometimes a private VIP lounge area.
Fan Club Presales
If the performing artist has an official fan club that offered presale ticket access, fan club members with presale tickets may get entry about 30 minutes before general doors. This rewards loyal fans with early admission.
Suite Holders
Those with suites at Golden 1 Center can enter the venue earlier than standard ticket holders, usually 2 hours before the general doors. This allows suite guests time to get settled in their exclusive spaces before the crowds arrive.
Doors Open for Other Events
In addition to concerts, Golden 1 Center hosts many other entertainment events throughout the year. Door opening times for these other happenings may follow slightly different schedules.
Sporting Events
For Sacramento Kings NBA games and other sporting contests, doors usually open 1 hour prior to the scheduled start time. This allows fans to enter, find seats, visit concessions, and be ready for tip-off or the opening whistle.
Family Shows
For family oriented events like Disney on Ice, doors tend to open 30-60 minutes before show time to accommodate the large numbers of families with small children.
Comedy Shows
For stand-up comedy performances without an opening act, doors typically open 1 hour beforehand so the audience can get to their seats promptly to enjoy the full headlining set.
How Early Should You Arrive?
To ensure you get into the venue smoothly and have time to get settled before the show starts, it’s recommended to plan to arrive at least 30-45 minutes prior to the printed door opening time on your ticket.
This helps account for lines at parking garages, lines at entrance gates, picking up tickets at will call, clearing security checks, finding your seat location, visiting restrooms, and grabbing refreshments. Arriving 30-45 minutes before doors leads to less stress and missing less of the event.
Golden 1 Center Door Open Time Summary
Here is a quick summary of standard door opening times for different events at Golden 1 Center:
Event Type | Standard Door Open Time |
---|---|
Main Act Concert | 1 hour before showtime |
Concert with Opener | 2 hours before headliner |
VIP Ticket Holders | 1 hour before general admission |
Fan Club Presale | 30 minutes before general admission |
Suite Holders | 2 hours before general admission |
Sporting Events | 1 hour before scheduled start |
Family Shows | 30-60 minutes before start time |
Comedy Shows | 1 hour before showtime |
The key is to check your specific event ticket for the printed start time, and plan to arrive 30-45 minutes before the doors open time listed on the venue website or your email confirmation.
This will help ensure you get into Golden 1 Center smoothly and don’t miss any of the highly-anticipated entertainment happening inside!
Frequently Asked Questions
How early should I line up to enter?
It’s recommended to arrive at Golden 1 Center 30-45 minutes before the listed door opening time for your event. This helps ensure you are inside in time for the start of the show and accounts for any lines or delays getting into the venue.
Do I need to bring my printed ticket?
Printed paper tickets are not always required, but it’s highly recommended to bring yours just in case. The barcode on the ticket will need to be scanned for entry whether printed or digital on your phone.
Can I exit and re-enter during the event?
Golden 1 Center has a no re-entry policy once you exit the venue. Make sure to have everything you need before heading to your seat, as you will be unable to re-enter once outside.
Are bags allowed inside?
Bags up to 14″ x 14″ x 6″ are permitted after inspection at Golden 1 Center entrances. Larger bags will need to be checked at the lobby coat check or left outside the venue.
What is nearby to visit before entering?
Downtown Sacramento around Golden 1 Center has shops, restaurants, cafes, art galleries, and bars to enjoy in the surrounding blocks before entering the venue at door time.
Conclusion
Golden 1 Center offers world-class entertainment in the heart of downtown Sacramento. Arriving 30-45 minutes early based on the door time listed on your ticket will allow smooth entry to any event at this premier venue.
Knowing standard door opening practices at Golden 1 Center helps fans plan their arrival and gain the full experience from the moment those doors first open.
With top-notch concerts, NBA games, family shows, comedy acts, and more, there is always something exciting happening inside. Get there early to make the most of your experience at Sacramento’s premier indoor arena.