The Kings welcomed fans for the annual preseason event for the first time since 2019.
For the first time in two seasons, the Sacramento Kings welcomed people into Golden 1 Center for a preseason “Fan Fest.” Saturday’s festivities included an open practice with the team’s training camp roster, opportunities for young fans to interact on-court with players and everyone’s favorite: the rookie talent show.
Because of the landscape of last year’s season, Tyrese Haliburton missed out on the usual Fan Fest antics. But, in the spirit of his ‘Rookie 2.0’ philosophy, Hali made up for it by signing a rendition of Mario’s “Let Me Love You” that did not disappoint.
Kings guard @TyHaliburton22 serenades the audience at Fan Fest with his rendition of Mario’s smash hit “Let me love you.” pic.twitter.com/MgapcnGEgl
— Kevin John (@heykevinjohn) October 9, 2021
At training camping on Sunday, De’Aaron Fox commented on Haliburton’s vocal performance from yesterday afternoon, saying that Haliburton did a good job because he “had the best song selection” amongst the rest of the guys. Richaun Holmes went as far as to say Haliburton “stole the show” with this energy on the mic.
Kings back at practice, reflecting on yesterday’s fun fan fest in Sacramento, where Tyrese Haliburton’s singing performance was critiqued & even brought back memories of past dance-off’s for De’Aaron Fox. pic.twitter.com/doJtJK1MnF
— Sean Cunningham (@SeanCunningham) October 10, 2021
It wasn’t long ago that Fox was the one on rookie duty, reflecting on his own Fan Fest experience back in 2017. Fox opted for a classic “Crank That” while other rookies like Frank Mason and Justin Jackson were crowd pleasers. Who can forget that Justin “Michael” Jackson impression?
Along with the talent show, fans were able to take photos with the 2021 Summer League trophy sitting atop the concourse at Golden 1 Center. The #SummerKings were honored for their championship efforts led by Mitchell, Neemias Queta, Louis King and Chimezie Metu.
Fox said that having fans back in the stands was “refreshing.” Hopefully the familiarity of what this fan base brings to a roaring arena can continue to build on the successful preseason Sacramento has seen thus far.
The Kings will look to improve to 3-0 on their preseason Monday, when they host the Portland Trailblazers.