Video: 2014-15 CIF Boys Open Division Basketball ChampionshipThe California Interscholastic Federation's new home for its basketball championships is just a few miles away from its old one.
But it might as well be Shargri-La.
Roger L. Blake, the organization's Executive Director, said "no words" could express his gratitude to the Sacramento Kings organization for maintaining their commitment to the championships, which have been played at Sleep Train Arena — formerly ARCO Arena — since 1992.
Starting in 2017, the championships will be played at the new Golden 1 Center in downtown Sacramento. The contract is through 2018.
The Kings organization has hosted the tournament 19 of the past 25 years, starting in 1992. Golden 1 Center will be one of just a few NBA facilities to host high school basketball championships.
"There are no words that can adequately express our appreciation of the Kings organization and their commitment to education-based athletics," Blake said. "We are thrilled that our student-athletes, coaches, parents and fans will have the opportunity to experience this new, state-of-the-art, world-class arena."
The new arena, which will open for the Kings' 2016-17 season, seats 17,500 and is considered a centerpiece for Sacramento's downtown entertainment district.
The Kings have kept up its tradition to keep costs low for the CIF, which took two other Southern California bids for the new contract.
"It is an honor to continue to host student-athletes, coaches and educators from around the state as they compete at the highest level," said Kings President Chris Granger. "We're proud Sacramento and Golden 1 Center will be home to treasured memories and special experiences."
The 2017 championships are scheduled March 24-25 and the 2018 championships, March 23-24.
The new $507-million Golden 1 Center is currently under construction in downtown Sacramento and is scheduled to be ready for Sacramento Kings' 2016-17 season.
Photo by Todd Shurtleff
