Today is a date which will live in infamy. No, Pearl Harbor wasn't bombed again and FDR is not declaring war on the Japanese, nor is it my intention to compare what I'm writing about to any act or declaration of war. But today, April 13th, 2011, is a date that will live in infamy for all Kings fans and possibly the city of Sacramento.
Tonight in all likelihood was the last professional NBA basketball game to be played in the city of Sacramento, a 116-108 overtime defeat at the hands of the Kings arch rival, the much hated Los Angeles Lakers. Baskets were made and points were scored, but that is not why the game was significant and sold out. Kings fans quickly sought out tickets to be a part of history, as the potential move to Anaheim becomes more and more of a reality with each passing day.
You may be wondering why as a die-hard Kings fan I was not at tonight’s home game, potentially the last Kings home game to be played in Sacramento. I will tell you this; it is because I am a die-hard Kings fan that I choose not to attend tonight’s game. I’ve had many great memories in Arco Arena (I refuse to call the building by its current name) watching and cheering on the Kings, that I will keep with me forever. Tonight, I didn’t want to be in that building. I consider myself a prideful man who can withstand all obstacle thrown his way, but tonight…tonight will be something that I know in my heart I just can’t bear. The hurt is too much, the pain too deep. It is a memory that I didn't want to live with me.
Born and raised in Sacramento, the Kings were always a part of my life. As a young child, the thrill of getting to go with my parents to a Kings game and cheering for then what was a mediocre team, would have definitely made my years list of great moments. As my sports appetite matured and the Kings progressively improved into a championship caliber team, the demand and need to satisfy that appetite grow more and more and the demand to attend as many home games as possible was a constant goal. If the Kings were playing, I had to be there. So did the rest of Sacramento, apparently. But on April 13th, 2011, the need to be at tonight's home game wouldn't have satisfied any need, but only add to agony.
It was always an underlining fear for most Kings fans that the Maloof family would eventually move the Kings out of Sacramento, with the destination most likely being Las Vegas. It was something that most Kings fan thought would never actually come to fruition. Well, it did. It's the place that we have come to fear the most.
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