Before a sell-out crowd of 19.982 (of which at least half didn't show up!), the Kings began their hunt for the ever-illusive championship. And where better to start but against another strong contender, the Dallas Mavericks, who came oh so close to winning the whole ball of wax last season.

The Kings looked good, from our new season ticket seats.
Hey, you got to start somewhere! But we do miss good old Arco.
And we sure don't get the Maverick's Dancers - could they wear any less in this highly religious, conservative city?

But we do like the 300-400lb male dancers - the ManiAACs. Remember when the Kings tried this and they got booed off the floor and never returned?

All in all, we are going to have to grow into Mavs fans simply based on our living arrangements. But we still think the food, the crowd, the dancers, the giveaways, the press coverage and the general atmosphere is better at Arco. And for all the hype, you only notice it's a new (fairly new) arena because there are lots more private boxes - which pretty much only benefits the owners who can sell more corporate sponsorships.

Go Kings - and if you don't get it this year, go Mavs.

Gillian Parrillo
The Sacramento Executive