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Kings' new arena to have 23 all-gender restrooms

Kyle Terada-US PRESSWIRE / Reuters

The Golden 1 Center, the Kings' new arena in downtown in Sacramento, will feature 23 all-gender restrooms when the facility opens to the public on Oct. 1.

It is believed to be the first major professional sports venue to do so.

"The Sacramento Kings are leading not only the NBA, but sports worldwide in building the first arena to ensure transgender fans are fully respected and welcomed," Rick Zbur, executive director of Equality California, said in a statement.

Constructed at a cost of $557 million, the Golden 1 Center replaces the Kings' longtime suburban home, Sleep Train Arena.

"We set out to build the most connected and forward-thinking arena in the world because we wanted to ensure the very best fan experience for everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity," Kings owner Vivek Ranadive said.

In July, the NBA removed this season's All-Star weekend from Charlotte as a result of the state of North Carolina's controversial HB2 law. While perhaps overstated within the broader sense of the legislation - which many have criticized as top-to-bottom homophobic - one of the central planks is an ordinance that forces transgendered peoples to use the bathroom corresponding with their sex at birth.

The Kings play their first game in the new digs Oct. 10 against Israeli squad Maccabi Haifa, and host their regular-season home opener on Oct. 27 against the San Antonio Spurs.

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