[9] The publicly owned arena is part of a business and entertainment district called Downtown Commons (DoCo), which includes a $250 million 16-story mixed-use tower.

Suite partners have access to three exclusive clubs on the premium level including two skyboxes that overlook the concourse and have a direct view of the outside.

[13] The Kings decided to name the street leading to the front door of the arena in honor of former NBA Commissioner David Stern, whose persistent, decades-long efforts helped keep the franchise in Sacramento.

[5][17] Golden 1 Center reflects the fabric of Northern California by utilizing regionally sourced materials that range from glass to recycled aluminum to potentially precast concrete, composed of sand from San Benito and rocks of Sierra limestone that reflect the colors of the region.

Additionally, Golden 1 Center utilizes only FSC-certified wood, an international standard of quality and responsible forest management.

Installing solar power is part of the Sacramento Kings ownership's goal to have its new sports and entertainment center be the most technologically advanced arena in the country, and that includes being efficient and using renewable energy.

For the season, 4 massive, purple-lit laser beams were installed in the grand entrance of the arena, meant to be lit everytime the Kings garnered a victory, either at home or away.

Developed in partnership with Panasonic Corp. of North America, it consumes more than 6,100 square feet (570 m2) and is currently the second largest screens in the NBA.

In addition to the main scoreboard, two 25-foot (7.6 m) tall video screens welcome fans as they walk through the arena's main entrance facing the public plaza, and another 600 HD displays broadcast the game to fans gathered in concourses, clubs and suites, Over 1,500 feet (460 m) of LED ribbon boards were installed throughout the arena bowl.

On December 17, 2016, UFC on Fox: VanZant vs. Waterson took place at Golden 1 Center and marked the first MMA event held within the arena.

[32] Since 2017, the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) have held an annual Built Ford Tough Series event at Golden 1 Center.

[35] The winter 2020 legislative session of the California State Legislature was conducted at Golden 1 Center to facilitate social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic.