As referenced in a recent FanShot, the Kings have unveiled a "Rowdy Rookies" program in which season ticket packages near the visiting team's bench will be heavily discounted next season. Good on the Kings for the program — the full details in the form of a Kings press release are after the jump.

But I will caution fans to not get this twisted with what Milwaukee has done with its excellent Squad 6 program. Those tickets aren't near the visitors' bench, but they are free, and they are rotated among a set crew of fans, and they come with the stipulation you wear team colors and cheer your tail off.

This "Rowdy Rookies" program is more or less a discounted ticket plan. It's a great discount on first glance, and cheers to that! But it's still a purchased ticket plan.

Again, full release after the jump.

Kings Create Limited-Time "Rowdy Rookies" Season Pass to Draft New Fans to Join the Ride with the Team’s New Draft Picks for the Entire 2010-11 Season

"Rowdy Rookies" season pass offers seat locations in a newly-created branded section near the visiting bench, and is specially-priced between $45-$55 per seat per game depending on what pick the Kings get in the 2010 NBA Draft

SACRAMENTO, CALIF., May 12, 2010 – In honor of the upcoming 2010 NBA Draft Lottery, the Kings created a limited-time "Rowdy Rookies" season pass to draft new Kings fans to join the ride with the team’s new draft picks for the entire 2010-11 season.

There are only a limited number of seats available in this special section, so fans are encouraged to purchase their "Rowdy Rookies" season pass today. As an added bonus, every purchaser receives an entry into the Kings Prize Lottery at the "NBA’s GREATEST Draft Lottery Party" plus access to an exclusive VIP seating area at the event.

The "NBA’s GREATEST Draft Lottery Party," taking place Tuesday, May 18 in Midtown Sacramento (on 18th Street between L and Capitol), is free to the public and starts at 4 p.m. The live ESPN telecast of the NBA Draft Lottery begins at 4:30 p.m. The Lottery will be shown on a giant outdoor screen for all fans to see, and the party will include prize giveaways, the Sacramento Kings Dance Team, the Sacramento Kings Breakers, special VIP guests and special offers from Midtown-area vendors.

Fans should call 888-91-KINGS to place an initial payment or learn more about the 2010-11 "Rowdy Rookies" season pass and the "NBA’s GREATEST Draft Lottery Party." This exclusive offer ends on May 18, 2010.