LIGHT THE BEAM: Why do the Sacramento Kings light a purple beam in their arena when they win?
Sacramento Kings' Purple Beam Tradition: A Symbol of Victory?
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The Sacramento Kings have a new way of celebrating their wins this season: a purple beam that lights up the night sky above their arena. The beam, which is powered by four lasers that create a bright purple hue, is visible from up to 35 miles away on a clear night and has become a source of pride and joy for the team and its fans.
But where did this idea come from and what does it mean for the Kings and the city of Sacramento?
The inspiration behind the beam
The beam was the brainchild of John Rinehart, the Kings’ president of business operations, who got the idea from a sign in the parking lot of the Los Angeles Angels’ stadium. The sign has a halo that illuminates when the Angels win a game, letting people know that their team was victorious.
Rinehart pitched the idea to Vivek Ranadive, the Kings’ owner, who loved it. Ranadive, who bought the team in 2013 and built the Golden 1 Center, wanted to create something unique and memorable for the fans. He also wanted to showcase the arena’s innovative features and sustainability.
“I just like the notion that this just goes into outer space,” Ranadive said in an interview with NBC Sports California. “It goes farther than the human eye can see. As a tech guy, having four lasers beaming into outer space is kind of cool.” “I want aliens to see it,” Ranadive jokingly added.
The beam was first introduced on Sept. 16, 2022, which is celebrated locally as 916 Day – a tribute to Sacramento’s original area code. However, it was not lit until Oct. 29, when the Kings won their first game of the season against the Miami Heat.
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The science behind the beam
The beam is not just a simple light show. It is a complex and sophisticated operation that involves six total Nu-Salt Laser Space Cannons – two blue, two red and two green – that focus together to make one bright purple laser beam, according to Jae Yong Suk, the associate director of the UC Davis California Lighting Technology Center.
The key is that it uses lasers and not LED lights, because lasers focus the light in one single direction. The operation uses 1,600 watts of power and is the brightest full-color laser set-up in the world.
The beam also complies with Federal Aviation Administration regulations and does not interfere with air traffic. It only lights up when the Kings win a game, whether at home or on the road. If the Kings are at home, a player will usually push the button to light the beam, though celebrities such as 50 Cent have also done it.
The impact of the beam
The beam has quickly become more than just a celebration. It has become a symbol of identity and culture for a franchise that has overcome adversity and challenges. It has become a way of connecting with the community and honoring its history and spirit and has become a way of shining a light on Sacramento and its potential.
The beam has also coincided with a remarkable turnaround for the team, which ended a 17-year playoff drought. The Kings are now one of the most exciting and competitive teams in the NBA, led by stars such as De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis.
The beam has also sparked a social media frenzy, with fans posting photos and videos of themselves with the beam or chanting “Light the beam!” at games or online. Some fans have even created their own rooftop beams to show their support.
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Ankush Singh
(616 Articles Published)