Here is an architectural rendering of the new Sacramento Republic FC stadium to be built in the historic Sacramento Railyards district. Photo courtesy of Sacramento Republic FC

SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - A project that was on life support had some much-needed life injected into it on Tuesday, Nov. 12, when the Sacramento City Council voted unanimously to approve the framework for a $321 million downtown railyards soccer stadium and entertainment venue. A long-awaited development needed to provide a permanent home for the Sacramento Republic Football Club (FC).

According to the information provided by council staff in support of the proposal, the projects being approved include a soccer stadium with supporting infrastructure occupying approximately 31 acres, as well as a new 3600-seat live entertainment venue that would occupy existing historic buildings in the railyard.

The agreement, albeit non-binding, does include information regarding project costs, economic impact and anticipated public and private funding sources. The estimated $321 million price tag breaks down to, $175 million for the new stadium, $56 million for the new live entertainment venue and $90 million for associated infrastructure. The projects altogether are expected to generate more than 1,500 jobs for the Sacramento region. The agreement includes a provision by which the city would waive reimbursement for municipal services for off-site police, fire, emergency medical services, traffic control and code enforcement for stadium events for up to a maximum of $300,000 per year for a ten-year period.

The official press release from the city indicates the new stadium will be supported and privately financed by the Wilton Rancheria Tribe which became majority owners of Sacramento Republic FC on Nov. 7. The press release includes a quote from Mayor Darrel Steinberg on the importance of the council’s vote.

“We are breaking barriers and making history here in Sacramento,” said Mayor Steinberg. “Wilton Rancheria is the first tribe to own a professional men’s sports team in North America, and the projects in The Railyards will double the size of the central business district—what an incredible opportunity! This is the foundation for something beautiful today that will become even more beautiful in the years and decades to come.”

In a Nov. 7 press conference, in advance of the Nov. 12 council vote, city officials joined together with representatives of Sacramento Republic FC, Downtown Railyards Venture LLC and Wilton rancheria Tribe members to celebrate the new energy being pumped into the soccer stadium/railyard development. At the press conference, Wilton Rancheria Chairman Jesus Tarango commented on the importance of the project.

“I am deeply proud to witness this moment, which stands as a profound testament to the resilience and determination of the people of Wilton Rancheria,” said Chairman Tarango. “In just over a decade, our Tribe has transformed from landless to becoming a significant economic force in the region. The opportunity to drive a project of such scale and importance, on land where our ancestors once walked, is deeply meaningful. This is not only a chance to honor our history and uplift our community, but also to envision a future where we are not only part of Sacramento’s past, but an integral part of its future as well.”

According to the city, the stadium project is scheduled for completion by late 2026, and the entertainment venue by 2027.