Sacramento Kings fans can get an early look at the retooled 2026-27 roster on Wednesday, when the team hosts its annual Fan Fest and open practice at Golden 1 Center. Doors open for free admission from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., with tickets required but no cost to attend, and fans will get an early look at the roster as the team takes the court in front of a hometown crowd.
According to KCRA, the event features Kings players and coaches, entertainment team performances, fan activities and special concession offers, including complimentary hot dogs and popcorn and chances to sample new menu items. Fans can also grab discounts on concessions and Kings merchandise, and free tickets are available at kings.com/fanfest. The open practice includes skills challenges and the team's annual rookie talent show, giving the newest additions to the roster a chance to show some personality beyond the stat sheet.
Among those newcomers is Darius Acuff Jr., the No. 7 pick and a projected starting point guard who played at Arkansas. He joins a roster general manager Scott Perry has reshaped; Ben Simmons has also joined Sacramento.
Perry's Chalk Talk and the Christie Culture Shift
Perry, hired in April 2025 after six years running the New York Knicks' front office, is scheduled to host a chalk talk for fans at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, KCRA reports. Per Sactown Sports, Perry has framed his approach to the rebuild around roster evaluation and building a culture centered on defensive work rate. Doug Christie is the Kings' head coach.
Beyond basketball, Fan Fest leans into its community angle. Fans can visit a Sutter Health station to make Kings-themed bracelets and write letters of encouragement to patients, the station's report notes. Sutter Health, the event's presenting sponsor, rolled out its Fan Fest promotion during Sacramento's 916 Day celebration on September 16, tying the team to one of the region's signature local traditions.
Parking, Access and the Bigger Picture
For fans driving downtown, KCRA notes that the DOCO West parking garage at 325 L Street offers event parking for a flat $5 fee.
Kings emcee Scott Freshour joined KCRA 3 on Wednesday morning to preview the event.
What Comes Next for the Kings
Fans who miss Wednesday's event or want another chance to see the team will have a second opportunity Saturday, when the Kings hold a suburban season tip-off at Westfield Galleria in Roseville from 2 to 4:30 p.m., featuring player appearances and mascot Slamson the Lion, per the Galleria's event listing. The regular season tips off shortly after.
The roster overhaul comes after the Kings opened the 2024–25 season with a narrow loss to the Timberwolves, a tight season-opening defeat Hoodline covered in 2024. Fan Fest offers Sacramento supporters an early look at the roster and a chance to consider whether this version of the Kings can turn the page on recent seasons.
