You’ve finally decided to pull the trigger on those tickets. Maybe it's for a Kings game during a heated playoff push, or perhaps you're finally going to see Ghost or Cardi B during their 2026 tours. You open the ticket app, and there it is: a chaotic bird's-eye view of a stadium that looks like a neon circuit board.
Navigating the seating chart for Golden 1 Arena is sort of an art form. If you just click the cheapest blue dot, you might end up staring at a giant concrete pillar or the back of a TV camera all night. Honestly, this place is one of the most high-tech arenas in the world, but even the "best" seats have quirks that can ruin your night if you aren't prepared.
The Secret Geometry of the 100 Level
Most people think "lower bowl is always better." It’s a safe bet, but it's not a universal truth. The 100 level at Golden 1 Center encompasses sections 101 through 126. If you’re here for basketball, you want the sidelines—specifically sections 107 and 120. These put you right at mid-court.
But here is where it gets weird.
If you are looking at sections 105, 109, 118, or 122, you’re in what I call the "Neck-Twister Zones." These sections face straight ahead toward the empty space of the arena floor, meaning you have to keep your head turned at a sharp 45-degree angle to actually see the hoop. After four quarters of that, you’re going to need a chiropractor.
For concerts, the game changes entirely. The stage is almost always at the end near sections 101 and 126. In this setup, 106 and 121 become the "Goldilocks" seats. You’re close enough to see the sweat on the singer's forehead, but you aren't so close that you lose the perspective of the light show.
Why Row Numbers Matter More Than Section Numbers
In the 100 level, rows are lettered. You’ll see rows AAA-CCC, then AA-GG, and finally A-Z.
- The "Splash Zone": Rows AAA-CCC are as close as you can get without being on the team bench.
- The Railing Trap: If you’re in Row A of many 100-level sections, you might have a glass railing right in your line of sight. Sometimes, Row D or E is actually a better "clear" view because you’re looking over the glass instead of through it.
The Club Seat Myth
Let’s talk about money. Club seats are located in the first ten rows of sideline sections 106-108 and 119-121. For Kings games, these are incredible. You get VIP entry, access to the Rush or Assembly lounges, and—the best part—in-seat wait service. No standing in line for 20 minutes for a lukewarm hot dog.
However, for a concert? Club seats are hit or miss. Because they are on the side, you’re getting a side-profile view of the stage. If the artist has a giant screen behind them, you might spend half the night looking at the edge of a monitor.
Pro Tip: If you want the luxury experience without the sideline price, look at the Loft level. These are basically "mini-suites" that sit between the 100 and 200 levels. They have their own communal tables and a way more relaxed vibe.
Surviving the 200 Level (The "Nosebleeds")
The 200 level is the bridge level. Sections 201 through 222. It’s high. Very high. But Golden 1 was designed with a steep rake, which means even the top row feels closer to the action than it would at the old Arco Arena.
There is a massive catch here, though.
If you are in the first few rows (A through G) of the sideline sections like 204 or 217, there is a high chance the glass safety wall will cut right through your view of the court. I've seen people spend $100 on these seats only to realize they have to sit perfectly upright or slouch like a gargoyle to see the basket.
Wait, what about the corners? Actually, the corners in the upper bowl are the secret "value" play. Sections 202, 215, or 221 often have better sightlines for the price because they are angled toward the center of the floor naturally. You don't get the "railing interference" as much as you do on the flat sidelines.
Accessible Seating and ADA Requirements
Golden 1 is actually pretty great about accessibility, but you have to know where to go. They have designated wheelchair and limited mobility spots in almost every price category.
- Elevators: You can find them near sections 104, 109, and 115 on the Plaza level.
- Service Hubs: If you need an Assistive Listening Device (ALD) or have sensory issues, head to Guest Services at Section 109.
- Sensory Room: There is a dedicated sensory room on the Event Level if the crowd noise gets to be too much. You just need to grab a sensory VIP badge from Guest Services.
Concert Layouts vs. Basketball Layouts
When you look at the seating chart for Golden 1 Arena, you have to check the event type first.
- Basketball: The court is the center of the world. Avoid the baselines (sections 113-115) unless you like looking through a plexiglass backboard.
- End-Stage Concert: This is the 90% case. The floor (F1-F3) is usually standing room or folding chairs. If you’re short, avoid the back of the floor. You won't see anything but the back of a tall guy's head.
- Monster Jam / WWE: These often use the "Center Stage" or "Open Floor" layout. In these cases, those 100-level baseline seats that suck for basketball are actually some of the best seats in the house because you're closer to the entry tunnels where the performers come out.
What Most People Get Wrong
The biggest mistake? Buying tickets in the "Michelob Ultra Club" (SRO) thinking you’re getting a seat. You aren’t. SRO stands for Standing Room Only. It’s basically a bar at the top of the arena. It’s a great vibe if you want to drink and socialize, but if you have bad knees or want to actually focus on the game, you’ll hate it.
Also, seat 1 is always on your right when you are looking down at the floor. If you’re buying a pair of seats and one is seat 1 and the other is seat 20, you aren't sitting together. You’re on opposite ends of the row.
How to Guarantee a Good View
Before you put in your credit card info, do these three things:
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- Check for "Limited View" tags: Ticketmaster is legally required to flag these, but the text is often tiny. If it says "obstructed," it usually means a sound pole or a camera bay is in your way.
- Use a "View From My Seat" tool: There are plenty of fan-run sites where people upload real photos from specific sections. Look for Section 209, Row Q—someone has likely posted a photo of the "lighting fixture" that blocks the view there.
- Verify the Stage: For 2026 shows like Nine Inch Nails or Journey, check if there is a "B-Stage" (a smaller stage in the middle of the floor). If there is, sections 110-117 suddenly become way more valuable than they usually are.
The seating chart for Golden 1 Arena is designed to be immersive, but "immersive" can quickly turn into "expensive disappointment" if you don't pick your section with intent. Stick to the interior corners for value, mid-court 100-levels for the "flex," and always, always avoid Row A in the 200s unless you like looking through glass.