Republic FC is preparing to submit the final plans for the construction of a new 12,000-seat soccer stadium in the downtown Railyards district of Sacramento. The project could enter the construction phase as early as this summer, marking a major step forward in the city’s long-standing efforts to create a modern sports and entertainment district.

Momentum is building

The plans will be presented to the Sacramento City Council on June 10. If approved, construction could begin within a few months, with completion scheduled for spring 2027. The stadium is part of a broader $321 million complex that will also include a hotel, a renovated concert venue in the historic Paint Shop building, as well as residential and retail space. The stadium alone is expected to cost $217 million—$175 million of which will be privately funded by Republic FC, with the city contributing $42 million through the Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District.

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© Sacramento Republic FC, HNTB

The project gained momentum last fall when the Wilton Rancheria tribe acquired a majority stake in Republic FC from Kevin Nagle. It is the first Native American tribe in the U.S. to hold a controlling interest in a professional sports team. Wilton Rancheria, which owns the Sky River Casino in Elk Grove, will be the stadium’s main sponsor and financial backer. We’ve been working nonstop since November when the council approved the initial term sheet. It may look calm on the surface, but underneath we’re paddling like crazy—like ducks, said Todd Dunivant, President and General Manager of Republic FC. The stadium is planned for a 14-acre site north of downtown, near the future intersection of 8th Street and Railyards Boulevard. The land is owned by Downtown Railyard Venture.

This is the most advanced stage the stadium project has reached since 2021, when investor Rob Burkle pulled out after Sacramento had been awarded a Major League Soccer (MLS) expansion franchise in 2019. Although Republic FC currently plays in the second-tier USL Championship, the new stadium will be designed for potential expansion to 20,000 seats to meet MLS requirements in case of a future bid.

© Sacramento Republic FC, HNTB

New renderings coming soon

Dunivant expressed confidence that the city council will approve the plan of Railyards Stadium, noting that the initial term sheet passed unanimously (8–0) last November. Republic FC also announced that it has hired the Machete Group to oversee construction. The architectural design will be led by MANICA and House & Robertson Architects. MANICA has previously worked on high-profile venues such as Chase Center in San Francisco and Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. Machete Group was involved in the development of Golden 1 Center for the Sacramento Kings. House & Robertson has contributed to projects like Sacramento International Airport.

Updated renderings of the stadium are expected to be unveiled ahead of the June city council vote. The design will incorporate feedback from fans—Republic FC received approximately 3,000 suggestions regarding features they would like to see in the new venue. We can’t wait to show the world what we’ve been working on, Dunivant said. It’s going to be a major upgrade for Sacramento. This city has never seen a venue like this.