If you’ve been to a Kings game in Sacramento, your ears have been attacked with the bell-ringing by the home fans. The cowbell is a very unique item the Sacramento faithful bring with them to every home game that has earned them the nickname, the “Cowbell Kingdom”.
The tradition began in 2002 when the Sacramento Kings were facing the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference Finals. During the series, Phil Jackson, the Lakers’ former head coach, was quoted calling Sacramento a “cow town” with “semi-civilized” fans.
The fans responded by bringing cowbells to every home game during the series, which at the time had an impact on the opposing team.