Hector Amezcua / hamezcua@sacbee.com

Empty seats abound as fans watch the Kings play the Portland Trail Blazers last week at Sleep Train Arena. The Kings' stumbling start and resentment toward the team's owners have contributed to growing frustration among Kings fans. Sacramento's home attendance is the worst in the league this year.

Poll

Why aren't you going to Kings games this season?
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Leading Off: Many more Kings fans are staying away

Published: Thursday, Nov. 29, 2012 - 12:00 am | Page 1C
Last Modified: Thursday, Nov. 29, 2012 - 5:06 pm

Many more Kings fans are staying away

Reading time, two minutes …

• The Kings' announced attendance of 10,741 for Tuesday's game against Minnesota at Sleep Train Arena seemed like a stretch, especially to those watching on TV. There were plenty of empty seats in the lower level and wide stretches of the upper level were empty. The Kings are last in the NBA in announced home attendance, averaging 12,574 for nine games, 72 percent of capacity. Interestingly, they lead the league in road attendance, averaging 19,166 for five games.

• One of the few bright spots for Kings fans is knowing the Lakers are struggling, too – for a change. But struggling is relative: The Lakers are 7-8 after losing to the Pacers on Tuesday, but they are expected to continue to improve under new coach Mike D'Antoni, especially when point guard Steve Nash returns in a week or so. Kings fans would be dancing in the streets of North Natomas if their team was 7-8.

• Our friend Maury is touting the Sacramento State men's basketball team, now 5-1 after beating Dominican 77-68 on Tuesday at the Nest. We'll know a lot more about how good the Hornets are Saturday when they play at Arizona State, attempting to start a season 6-1 for the first time in school history. Check out the game on the Pac-12 Network at 5:30 p.m. The Hornets' next home game is Dec. 19 against Montana State.

Today's poll

Why aren't you going to Kings games this season?

• The team is lame.

• The Maloofs turn me off.

• It's too expensive.

• I'm still going.

Vote above or leave your comments in the comment field, or, go to www.sacbee.com/sports

Wednesday's results

Which player should be voted into baseball's Hall of Fame?

• Barry Bonds: 17%

• Roger Clemens: 4%

• Both: 36%

• Neither: 42%

Total votes: 245

© Copyright The Sacramento Bee. All rights reserved.

Read more articles by Tom Couzens



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