Protest outside Sacramento Kings arena after Stephon Clark shooting delays NBA game

USA TODAY Sports

Show Caption Hide Caption Video shows police killing an unarmed black man Sacramento police released a body cam video of the fatal shooting of an unarmed black man they believed had a gun. He was carrying his cell phone.

A protest outside the Sacramento Kings' home arena — Golden 1 Center — kept thousands of fans from entering the building to watch the game against the Atlanta Hawks on Thursday night.

People were protesting Sunday's police shooting of unarmed Stephon Clark, a 22-year-old black man who was killed in his grandmother's backyard after a foot pursuit.

Protesters locked arms to form a chain around the arena, holding signs and chanting. They also had rallied outside city hall and the Sacramento Police Station earlier in the day, leading to a march that eventually shut down I-5 at the height of rush hour. Some continued on to Golden 1 Center.

The Hawks and Kings took the court for warm-ups, and a later tip time of 7:23 p.m. local time (the game was originally scheduled for 7 p.m.) was announced. The game tipped off with a few fans trickling into the arena and sitting in the lower bowl.

PHOTOS: Protests over Stephon Clark shooting shut down Kings' arena

The doors to the stadium were locked and the Kings later released a statement that read:

"Tonight's game began with a delay. Due to law enforcement being unable to ensure ticketed fans could safely enter the arena, the arena remains closed and we ask fans outside to travel home. We will issue further information soon regarding a refund."

The Kings did not consult with city officials as protesters began to surround Golden 1 Center or on the decision to play the game, a person in the mayor's office with knowledge of the situation told USA TODAY Sports. The person requested anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the subject.

Protesters now locking arms forming human chain to keep fans from entering game at Golden One Center. pic.twitter.com/2Zp6cqFKp7 — stevelarge (@largesteven) March 23, 2018

i don’t think the rest the kings fans outside are getting in anytime soon #StephonClark pic.twitter.com/nA4hhBybFO — Kris Hooks (@Captain_Hooks) March 23, 2018

A birds-eye view of the protest for #StephonClark outside the @Golden1Center. Fans have been told the game is delayed but many think it wil be canceled. pic.twitter.com/KSFOOECZmZ — Frances Wang (@FrancesWangTV) March 23, 2018

People carried signs that read "Black Lives Matter" and "Stephon Clark," among others. They also chanted Clark's name, some with raised fists, as fans waited in queue to try to gain entry.

The Sacramento Police Department tweeted that no more fans would be admitted.

Those who did make it inside were offered free snacks and non-alcoholic drinks.

A spokesperson with the Sacramento Police Department confirmed with USA TODAY Sports that it was the Kings' decision to lock the spectator doors. The doors stayed closed throughout the game.

Police said no arrests had been made related to the protests in or around the arena as of 8:15 p.m. local time.

After the game, a Sacramento win, the Kings released a statement saying fans who bought tickets through the team or through Ticketmaster would receive a full refund. Kings owner Vivek Ranadivé then addressed the crowd.

Contributing: Jeff Zillgitt, A.J. Perez, Michael Singer