The Sacramento City Council voted to approve a financing plan for a new arena in the city's downtown, ensuring that the Kings will remain in town for at least 30 more years. The arena is slated to open in time for the 2015-16 season, with construction targeted to begin in the spring of 2013.
Sacramento Kings Arena Approved By City, Slated To Open In 2015
Just a year ago, the Maloof family, owners of the Kings, appeared ready to move the club to Anaheim, even going so far as to put together a lease agreement to play in the Honda Center. But Kevin Johnson, Sacramento’s mayor and a former All-Star point guard, convinced NBA commissioner David Stern to hear his city’s case. After several extensions on the Maloofs’ deadline to file for relocation while the league office and relocation committee investigated Sacramento’s potential and blueprint for a new facility, the team announced it would remain in Sacramento for the 2011-12 season, assuming that a lockout didn’t kill it.
The city announced a deal with the Kings and the NBA last week, and presented that agreement to the City Council for approval. On Tuesday, the council voted 7-2 in favor.
For more on the Kings, visit Sactown Royalty, which is in the mood to celebrate.
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