Apr 7, 2019; Sacramento, CA, USA; A Sacramento Kings fan rings a cowbell during a timeout in the fourth quarter of the game between the Sacramento Kings and the New Orleans Pelicans at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
Every fanbase has its own unique tradition. However, the iconic cowbells of Sacramento Kings fans won’t be welcome in the Warriors’ home arena.
This is the first postseason appearance for the Kings in nearly two decades so a lot of general NBA fans haven’t yet been introduced to their iconic cowbells. Many casual fans their first real glimpse (and listen) to the phenomenon when a viral video circulated Tuesday night of a Kings fan ringing his bell incessantly and aggressively right behind Warriors GM Bob Myers.
Why do Kings fans ring cowbells?
The tradition began with an insult from then-Lakers head coach Phil Jackson, who called Sacramento a “cow town.” The fans turned that shade into a source of pride and began bringing and ringing cowbells at every game.
However, they won’t be ringing them in San Francisco as their first-round series shifts to the Warriors’ home arena.
Warriors will make Kings fans ‘check’ their cowbells at Chase Center gates
Any Kings fan who arrives at the Warriors’ Chase Center with a cowbell will reportedly be directed to deliver it to an outdoor bag check location. They can then retrieve it there after the game is over.
The Warriors have every right to protect their home arena but this certainly sets the stage for some shenanigans. Keep your ears on tonight’s broadcast of Game 3 to see if any enterprising Kings fans are able to smuggle in a bell and get a few clangs off before they’re kicked out. Surely some obsessed Kings fan is going to figure out a way to circumvent security and do some trolling.
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