The monthly Rancho Cordova luncheon hosted by the Cordova Community Council and the Rancho Cordova Area Chamber of Commerce at City Hall, featured a presentation on Downtown DOVA. From left are, Shelly Blanchard, Charanjeet “Charlie” Kaur Tiwana-Purewal, Josh Wood, Vice Mayor Linda Budge and Diann Rogers. Photo by Ornella Rossi

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - A proposed mixed-use development anchored by a 7,500-seat arena could transform Rancho Cordova into a regional hub for sports, entertainment and housing, project leaders said during the city’s monthly community luncheon on April 17.

The event, hosted by the Cordova Community Council and the Rancho Cordova Area Chamber of Commerce at City Hall, featured a presentation on Downtown DOVA, also known as the Cordova City Center. The project has been described by organizers as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” to establish a central gathering place in the city.

“It’s a bold vision for Rancho Cordova that brings together entertainment, hospitality, housing, retail, dining and a public gathering place all in one new destination,” Chamber President Diann Rogers said in opening remarks.

The proposed development, located on Highway 50 and Sunrise Boulevard, would span approximately 28 acres and include a multiuse arena, residential units, hotels, retail space and parking structures. The arena itself is planned with a base capacity of 7,500 seats and up to 10,000 at full buildout, spread across four levels.

Project developers Charanjeet “Charlie” Kaur Tiwana-Purewal and Josh Wood took the time to answer questions from residents at the April 17 luncheon regarding the latest updates on the Downtown DOVA project. Photo by Ornella Rossi

Developers said the arena and surrounding plaza are expected to host more than 200 events annually, ranging from concerts and sporting events to graduations and community gatherings. The broader Downtown DOVA district is projected to draw approximately 7 million visitors each year, with the arena alone accounting for an estimated 3.49 million visitors annually.

Josh Wood, co-founder and CEO of KozPure Development, said the project is rooted in a long-standing need for a centralized community space.

“For those of us who live here, we all know it’s an amazing community,” Wood said. “But what we’re missing and what we’ve always been missing is that city center, that central gathering place. We’re excited to do that.”

Charanjeet “Charlie” Kaur Tiwana-Purewal, co-founder and president of KozPure Development, said the team aimed to provide more clarity on the project and gather community feedback.

A sold-out crowd gathered at the Cordova Community Council and Rancho Cordova Area Chamber of Commerce monthly luncheon, where residents turned out in force to hear the latest updates on the Downtown DOVA project. Photo by Ornella Rossi

The Rancho Cordova City Council unanimously approved an economic development agreement for the project in September 2025. Plans for the first phase include the arena and a public plaza, while future phases call for approximately 1,000 residential units, about 220,000 square feet of retail and commercial space and hotels totaling roughly 800 rooms.

Developers estimate the project could generate more than $4.5 billion in economic output, including $2.3 billion in labor income and create nearly 37,000 jobs over a 12-year period. Long-term tax revenue is projected to reach about $1.92 billion over 35 years, including federal, state and local contributions.

The site’s location was highlighted as a key advantage. Positioned at the intersection of Highway 50 and Sunrise Boulevard, the area sees more than 200,000 vehicles daily on Highway 50, along with an additional 132,000 on Sunrise Boulevard and 44,500 on Folsom Boulevard. Developers said planned freeway signage and visibility are expected to support the project’s regional draw.

The arena is expected to serve as home to a Major Arena Soccer League franchise, bringing professional arena soccer to Rancho Cordova. League officials earlier this year approved expansion teams for the Sacramento region as part of broader national growth.

During a question-and-answer session, residents raised concerns about comparisons to Sacramento’s Downtown Commons (DOCO), traffic management and potential uses of the arena.

In response to questions about activity levels in similar developments, Tiwana-Purewal emphasized the role of on-site housing.

“Residents help activate areas,” Tiwana-Purewal said. “Having over a thousand units means people are coming back home and helping create that activation.”

Wood added that local conditions could also shape the project’s success.

“Our city has a different stance on things like homelessness and cleanliness and safety,” he said. “We have a clean and safe environment. I think that’ll also be a big thing that will help us.”

Charanjeet “Charlie” Kaur Tiwana-Purewal, co-founder and president of KozPure Development (left) and Josh Wood, co-founder and CEO of KozPure Development (right) presented the latest updates on the Downtown DOVA project at the April 17 luncheon. Photo by Ornella Rossi

When asked about accommodating emerging sports, including women’s semi pro tackle football and flag football, developers said they are open to discussions about potential partnerships and future use of the arena.

Traffic concerns were also addressed, with Wood noting that mixed-use design and distributed parking could ease congestion.

“What we want is people to come hours before and stay hours after,” he said. “If everyone’s not coming and leaving at the same time, it makes a massive difference.”

Developers said they are working with nearby businesses on shared parking agreements and transportation strategies as planning continues.

For more information on the project visit https://dovanow.com/. 

The next Rancho Cordova community luncheon is scheduled for May 15 and will feature Sacramento County District Attorney Thien Ho. For more information and to purchase tickets visit https://www.cordovacouncil.org/rancho-cordova-luncheon.