Can Cruise Ships Help Boost Sacramento's Hotel Space For NBA All-Star Game Bid?

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — Will it float? The idea of using a cruise ship to attract the NBA All-Star game to Sacramento is in the works.

It was an electric night for the Kings and their fans at the Golden 1 Center on Thursday night.

While the team is focused on the here and now, city officials and top executives are planning for the future.

"Just an incredible state of the art entertainment palace," said Adam Silver, the NBA Commissioner, while speaking with a reporter during Thursday's game.

Looking ahead to a dream event for any NBA city, Silver told reporters when it comes to the All Star game, he's determined to bring one to Sacramento.

"The NBA told us, if we build a new facility, you're going to get an All-Star game." Said Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson, "so at some point we're going to make it happen."

As we reported Thursday, documents show the Kings are pushing for the 2020 game. They're collaborating with the City of West Sacramento to potentially charter a cruise ship to the port to provide needed hotel space.

The port is 35 feet deep and is 70 nautical miles from the Golden Gate Bridge.

At working capacity, the Port of West Sacramento can hold four vessels. Industry experts tell us that's plenty of room for a cruise ship.

"It is possible," said Stewart Chiron, the CEO of Cruiseguy.com.

Chiron is an industry expert. He says there is more to the plan than just floating a boat up the channel, there are costs.

"You're talking millions of dollars," said Chiron, "but you're not going to be able to build a hotel that fast and get it out of there when you're done with it."

Chiron says there are other things to consider when a cruise ship is docked.

"The biggest hang up is going to be security issues, can they meet the Department of Homeland Security requirements," said Chiron.

Sacramento is about 3,000 hotel rooms short of NBA requirements. A cruise ship could close the gap.

"They could have 1,500 to 2,000 rooms on these ships," said Chiron.

Still years away from the event, the pros and cons, options and possibilities are still being explored.

The West Sacramento City Manager and Port Commission declined to comment on the details on Friday saying they've been asked to direct all questions to the Kings Organization. The Kings told us no one was available today.