Sacramento city council unanimously votes to approve Railyards stadium plan
SACRAMENTO – Sacramento's city council on Tuesday unanimously voted to approve the term sheet for the proposed new soccer stadium and an entertainment center in town.
The proposed development in the downtown railyards will bring a new expandable 12,000-seat state-of-the-art outdoor multipurpose stadium that will serve as the home for Republic FC as well as other concerts and events. Also part of the plans is a new entertainment venue.
As a result of the vote, Sacramento Republic FC said it is one step closer to acquiring the proposed stadium site in the old downtown railyards from its current landowner. The approval of the term sheet is expected to accelerate the development.
Republic FC President and General Manager Todd Dunivant said the organization is excited to "begin building a new neighborhood for the Indomitable City."
"On behalf of the entire club and its fans, we're incredibly grateful for the support of the entire City Council and Mayor Darrell Steinberg as well as the diligent work of the City Manager Howard Chan and his staff," Dunivant said. "Tonight's vote is yet another important milestone in solidifying our new home."
Following the vote, Republic FC said, early next year, it will begin its pursuit of an aggressive construction timetable to open the new stadium in 2027. Details regarding construction partners and stadium design are expected to be released in the coming months.
As revealed last week, the city and Republic FC are partnering with the Wilton Rancheria to build a brand new soccer stadium on a 31-acre site east of 7th Street. Wilton Rancheria is the first Native American tribal nation to hold majority ownership of a men's professional sports team, the club announced.
During Tuesday's meeting, the city council said the development would create more than 1,600 jobs across the stadium, entertainment venue and surrounding infrastructure. Anywhere from 6,000 to 10,000 residential units could be built in the railyards.
The development would nearly double the size of downtown Sacramento.
"It is the biggest opportunity for this city and this downtown in over a decade," Mayor Darrell Steinberg shortly after kicking off the discussion on the development.
Officials say the Republic FC and city agreement is contingent on the club giving back, like hosting youth soccer camps in underserved neighborhoods. And when there's not an event, the plan is to keep the park and trails near the stadium open for the public.
