SACRAMENTO, CA - Over 17,000 Kings fans and L.A. Lakers supporters packed into Power Balance Pavilion Monday night for the Kings' home opener.
According to Kings PR, the tickets for this game opener were in higher demand than others in recent years.
PHOTOS: Kings' fans, players ready for first game of season
"It's really an exciting time to get to be a Kings fan," one Kings Fan said. "We have a better team this year than we did last year."
"Just look at how many people are here right now," Kings Fan Andrew Nathan said. "It's sold out."
Monday night's game was full promise following the NBA lockout; Jimmer Fredette made his debut, the team unveiled their new retro black jerseys and the Kings played strong.
"Right now, it's about basketball and the NBA being back," Kings General Manager Geoff Petrie said. "A lot of people were concerned if that was going to happen."
The night came with the promise of keeping Kings after so many fans thought they lost the team last April.
"It's nice to see them back again," Season ticket holder Ed Goodrow said. "It's hard to lose something that's been in the community for 26 years."
The new season also renews hope for a new arena.
"We're playing for something bigger," Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson said. "We want to win on the court. But we also want to build a new facility. We want Sacramento to be the final resting place for the Kings."
Kings win Monday night may pave the way for a stronger arena effort, or simply remind residents how much they want their beloved team to stay.
"I was worried in the last three or four minutes, we only had a 10-11 point lead," Kings Fan Wayne Gannaway said. "They fought hard. It was a full crowd. It was wonderful. Go Kings!"
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