‘Loyal to your soil’: Fans celebrate Sacramento Kings at annual Fan Fest

(FOX40.COM) -- Grab your snacks, your dancing shoes and your Sacramento spirit, because Wednesday night at the Golden 1 Center, fans across the region joined together for the Sacramento Kings' annual Fan Fest and open practice.

While many community members were there to celebrate basketball, this special event puts the fans in the spotlight.

"I haven't been to a Kings game in years," a fan, James, said. "I want to come figure out who the new team is now."

Seas of purple took over the night as fans united under one roof to showcase their pride and dedication.

"You have to be loyal to your soil," one fan told FOX40. "You're in Sacramento. You've got to represent your city. You've got to stay loyal no matter what -- light the beam!"

FOX40 asked fans what they are most excited for this season and what they love most about the Kings and Fan Fest.

"The game," one fan said. "Zach LaVine, the game ... definitely the game. The excitement for the city, the game, the amazing dancers. It's just always lit. It's a good time."

"My favorite thing about the Sacramento Kings is when we light the beam," another fan screamed out.

Some fans said other elements of the team stood out the most.

"The color purple," one fan said when asked what she loves most about the team.

And for James, the sport itself is the focal point of Wednesday's event.

"Basketball, I love basketball," James said regarding his loyalty to the team.

"I'm excited to see everybody play, all the new players [to begin]," a fan named Susan said alongside her family. "We want to see the dance off, gotta love it, them dancing. I want to see what the new players' moves are."

From names on jerseys to entertainment on the courts, this fan fest was about supporting your team.

Fans like Ryder Gillespie said the Kings have a special place in their hearts.

"I've kind of started picking up basketball because of the Kings," Gillespie said. "It's been great. I've been a fan ever since I was a kid, so, I come out here every year and it's just really fun."

Some fans are new, others have been here since before Slamson and the color purple.

"If you're going to be true, be true to it," James said. "I was here since ARCO, so I've been a fan for that many years."

Attendees enjoyed free snacks, discounted merch and a chance to support Sutter Health patients, all while smiling with one another and building up their anticipation for the new season ahead.

"The fans are great," Gillespie said. "It's great out here. I love all the new faces, everything."

The Kings first regular season game against the Los Angeles Clippers kicks off next Wednesday.