Photos by David Hegler, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14
Adventist Health Arena
248 W Fremont St
Stockton, CA 95203
Year Opened: 2005 Capacity: 12,000
Welcome to Adventist Health Arena
On the edge of the San Joaquin River rests two sports facilities that are the crown jewels of Stockton, California: Banner Island Ballpark and Adventist Health Arena. Today, we will focus our attention on the vast arena.
Having broken ground in April 2004, Stockton Arena first opened its doors on December 2, 2005. It immediately began hosting events such as the 2009 Stockton Showcase which pitted the University of California-Berkeley Golden Bears basketball team against the hometown University of Pacific Tigers. In September 2014, Stockton Arena hosted the San Jose Sharks as they battled the Vancouver Canucks in a split-squad exhibition game. The Sharks won 5-3.
While all of these events helped expose Stockton Arena to the public, its greatest claim to fame is its tenants. Since it first opened, Adventist Health Arena (renamed in 2023) has served as landlord of the California Cougars (MISL, 2005-2011), Stockton Thunder (ECHL, 2005-2015), Stockton Lightning (AF2, 2006-2009), Stockton Wolves (2011), California Eagles (AIF, 2012) and Stockton Heat (AHL, 2015-2022) before welcoming the NBA G-League’s newest team, the Stockton Kings, in 2018.
The Stockton Kings began as the Reno Bighorns in 2008 and have always been associated with the Sacramento Kings. The Bighorns won three Pacific Division championships in 2011, 2016 and 2018, but never the outright D-League title. Ever since moving to Stockton, the Kings have won three divisional titles of their own, the most recent being in 2024. However, their magical run ended in a crushing 114-107 loss to the Oklahoma City Blue in the Conference Finals.
Food & Beverage 3
There is one location of food for each level of the arena’s two levels. Each location brings all that you would expect of any arena. Chicken tenders basket ($13.50), hot dog ($10.20), pepperoni pizza ($8.25), cheese pizza ($7.75), pork sliders ($6), pretzel ($7.50), popcorn ($7.75), nachos ($7.50) and Dippin’ Dots ($6.20) make for a well-rounded menu. The food itself is well cared for and there are lots of cashiers to make the line move quicker.
Atmosphere 3
Standing tall amidst the muck of a poorly kept neighborhood rises Adventist Health Arena. Once inside, you are greeted by friendly ushers and watch with wonder as one of the larger arenas in the NBA’s G-League envelops you. The end line bleachers are practically endless and the video board is a sleek wrap-around with a small camera stationed dead center on the bottom to provide both the referees and fans unique angles of replays.
Neighborhood 1
The surrounding neighborhood is one of the worst that I have ever seen. In fact, I probably shouldn’t have been so cheap and parked my car just blocks away. The area is unkept and looks like it could be a magnet for criminal activity.
Still, there are some perks. The arena lies alongside the San Joaquin River and next to the Stockton Ports’ Banner Island Ballpark. Just across the river stands the Weber Point Events Center.
Despite the horrors of the surrounding neighborhood, Stockton is filled with wonderful restaurants. These include Saigon Bowl Noodle House, Nash + Tender Stockton, Cast Iron Trading Co, FED and Dream Ice Cream Parlor.
If you are looking for a place to sleep for the night, the University Plaza Waterfront Hotel is right next to the arena.
Fans 3
With a capacity of 12,000, Adventist Health Arena is a massive venue for an NBA G-League team. As a result, the fans feel sparse within its walls, but make no mistake, this is a passionate group. Throughout the game, you can hear cowbells clang just like you would at a Sacramento Kings game.
The arena is at its loudest during the t-shirt toss. It feels like the crowd is twice as big.
Access 3
Parking is just $15 at Adventist Health Arena but there is just one entrance. There are several bus stops all along W Fremont Street and an Uber driver should have no trouble dropping you off or picking you up. There is also a bag check and metal detector, but the line goes quickly.
Return on Investment 5
With ticket prices ranging from $23 to $79, this is a relatively cheap place to watch a game. No need to worry for lumbar support in the cheap seats as every seat in the arena has a back and a thin layer of padding. With parking being just $15 and the food being at reasonable prices, it’s worth your time and money to go to a game at Adventist Health Arena.
Extras 4
Easily the best extra of Adventist Health Arena is the “Stockton Hall of Fame” that adorns its expansive wall. While there are merchants selling products in front of that area, but you can still walk along while reading the biographies of so many that have brought pride to the city of Stockton.
A large expo section overlooks the arena from the end line opposite the one with the vast empty bleachers. That particular day, the Kings were prioritizing sneakers, but other local merchants were selling clothes and bags as well. One can walk around that area while watching the game without the need of a television screen.
Just below the expo section is a kids section where children can shoot balls at inflatable baskets and play around. At the end of the game, fans could get autographs from their favorite players at the team store. Its a neat way to keep fans engaged.
Final Thoughts
With cowbells clanging and an energetic crowd, the place truly feels like a low-grade NBA experience. So brave the bad surrounding neighborhood and come on down to Stockton where the Kings are sure to put on a good show and you, the fan, will feel like a million bucks.
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