Sports and Recreation
Sports thrive in the Sacramento Region, due in large part to the climate, environment, and local support. The people of the Sacramento Region are proud to have three professional sports teams and an assortment of college
teams. In 1985, Sacramento acquired its first professional sports team, the National Basketball Association’s (NBA) Sacramento Kings. In 1997, Sacramento became host to the Monarchs, a team in the newly formed Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). The AAA Minor League baseball team, the Sacramento River Cats, started play in 2000 at Raley Field, one of the nicest
minor league baseball stadiums in the United States. The recently built $30 million stadium has over 11,000 seats and 37 luxury suites.
Recreation also thrives in the Sacramento Region. The American River Parkway offers 5,000 acres of recreation area along both sides of the river for 30 miles. Access to bike trails, white water rafting, hiking and fishing is available at many points along the American River, from Folsom to Downtown Sacramento. Dozens of parks, some developed and others left in their natural state, are located throughout the Region. Baseball and softball diamonds, soccer fields, basketball and volleyball courts, over 45 golf courses, tennis courts, and swimming pools
are available for sports enthusiasts.
Snow-skiing and snowboarding are popular winter pasttimes of residents from the Sacramento Region. Most major ski resorts in the Sierra Nevada mountain range are within a two hour drive of downtown Sacramento. These include, but are not limited to, Squaw Valley, Northstar-at-Tahoe, Sugar Bowl, Boreal, Alpine Meadows, Heavenly, Homewood, Kirkwood, and Soda Springs.
Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy the many fishing and hunting options available in the Region. The Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta has over 1,000 miles of waterways, and the Delta is well known for its catfish, bass, and giant sturgeon fishing. In addition, the Sacramento River offers some of the finest salmon and large striped bass fishing. Varieties of game include grouse, duck, pheasant, dove,
turkey and deer.
The Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, the Sacramento Zoological Gardens, and the various botanical gardens and arboretums in the Sacramento Region are of
interest to naturalists. The Delta has a unique mix of plant, aquatic, mammal, and bird life, and can be easily accessed by road and boat so many of the isolated
ecosystems can be enjoyed.
The Sacramento Zoo, located in William Land Park, is home to more than 600 animals, including exotic mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians from around the world. The Zoo’s collection represents 150 species, 30 of which are endangered or threatened. The Zoo’s mission is to inspire appreciation, understanding and respect for all living things through stimulating education
and innovative species management programs. Situated on 14 acres of lush botanical gardens, the Sacramento Zoo is rated as one of the best small zoos in the country.