While in town, the commissioner got a look at the future arena site at Downtown Plaza, courtesy of Mayor Kevin Johnson.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Incredible day for Sac! Just showed the Commissioner a birds eye view of the arena site. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23LLTK&amp;src=hash">#LLTK</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23ForeverPurple&amp;src=hash">#ForeverPurple</a> <a href="http://t.co/MFp003OHP6">pic.twitter.com/MFp003OHP6</a></p>&mdash; Kevin Johnson (@KJ_MayorJohnson) <a href="https://twitter.com/KJ_MayorJohnson/statuses/395666625937932288">October 30, 2013</a></blockquote>

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Stern liked what he saw.

Stern said he is in "regular communication" with Mayor Johnson and the Kings ownership group about the arena plans.

Stern became the commissioner of the NBA on Feb. 1, 1984, just before the Kings arrived in Sacramento, and he has been a staunch supporter of the team staying put over the last several years as numerous relocation threats surfaced. NBA Deputy Commissioner Adam Silver will take over for Stern on Feb. 1, 30 years after he took the job.

What does it mean to him that the team in staying in Sacramento?

"It means a lot to me that we were able to respond to this city, which responded so well to us," Stern told reporters on the "Purple Carpet" that was laid out in front of the security entrance of Sleep Train Arena at Wednesday's game.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>An incredible honor to present the key to the city to Commissioner Stern. Our entire region says thank you! <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23LLTK&amp;src=hash">#LLTK</a> <a href="http://t.co/rtmnZRqxgs">pic.twitter.com/rtmnZRqxgs</a></p>&mdash; Kevin Johnson (@KJ_MayorJohnson) <a href="https://twitter.com/KJ_MayorJohnson/statuses/395751389986426880">October 31, 2013</a></blockquote>

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Click here to check out some of the latest arena renderings. For the latest on other arena developments, including the efforts of downtownarena.org, click here.