Sacramento will soon have a new soccer stadium, the result of a nearly decade-long effort involving the city, Sacramento Republic FC, and Downtown Railyard Venture. Mayor Darrell Steinberg announced the tentative deal in front of a large crowd in front of City Hall on Nov. 7. The City Council unanimously approved the agreement Nov. 12.

“Our journey began eight years ago—today is a powerful testament to our commitment to creating a more vibrant and thriving Sacramento,” Steinberg told the crowd.

In a landmark move, Wilton Rancheria, the owners of the newly opened Sky River Casino in Elk Grove and Sacramento County’s only federally recognized tribe, has become the majority owner of Sacramento Republic FC, which competes in the USL Championship. Wilton Rancheria becomes the first Native American tribe to hold majority ownership in a men’s professional sports franchise.

Wilton Rancheria Chairman Jesus Tarango Jr. emphasized the historical significance of the moment. “The opportunity to drive a project of such scale and importance on land where our ancestors once walked is deeply meaningful,” he said. “This is not only a chance to honor our history and uplift our community, but also to envision a future where we are an integral part of Sacramento’s past and future.”

With Wilton Rancheria now as the majority owner, Republic FC has invested more than $200 million in the stadium’s construction.

The 12,000-seat stadium is part of a broader $321 million development plan to revitalize Sacramento’s iconic Railyards. This latest effort builds on a history of ambitious development plans for the 244-acre site that have faced numerous setbacks over the past 10 years. Once a bustling hub for the Southern Pacific Railroad, the Railyards became one of the nation’s largest urban infill projects after falling into disuse in the 1970s.

Several high-profile development plans for the Railyards have been proposed but ultimately fell through. In 2015, an ambitious plan aimed to transform the area with a Major League Soccer stadium, mixed-use housing, and a Kaiser Permanente medical center. However, these plans faced significant challenges. MLS initially awarded Sacramento a conditional franchise in 2019, only for the primary investor to back out in 2021 due to financing issues. The planned medical center was delayed several times, with Kaiser scaling down its involvement due to rising costs.

Other plans, including proposals for hotels, residential developments, and retail spaces, faced additional setbacks related to environmental cleanup costs and economic conditions that slowed progress. The delays and changes frustrated Sacramento residents and city leaders eager to see the Railyards revitalized.

Downtown Railyard Venture now takes on the task of fulfilling the long-standing vision, which includes a 3,600-seat live entertainment venue in the historic Central Shops, an area central to the original Railyards operations. The project aims to finally bring life to the Railyards by creating a vibrant, mixed-use neighborhood that enhances Sacramento’s downtown.

The project includes other community benefits, such as digital billboards within the Railyard, free youth clinics, community fields, tickets for local residents, volunteer hours, and public access to facilities.

The city will use $14 million in existing economic development funds to enhance the Sacramento Valley Station, which will support the project and provide essential infrastructure.

“These developments represent more than just economic growth. It’s about building a better place for everyone, with expanded opportunities for housing, entertainment, and commercial activity,” Steinberg said. “I’m grateful to our partners and everyone who has been part of this transformative journey.”

Republic FC has long aimed to improve Heart Health Park at Cal Expo, built in 2014 for just $3 million. “This has been a long and winding road. I’m so happy for our incredibly patient supporters and the city as a whole,” said Kevin Nagle, Republic FC’s managing partner. “My sincere thanks to Wilton Rancheria, the mayor, and all involved in bringing this to fruition. Now, let’s get to work.”

The stadium and entertainment venue are expected to create 910 jobs, with additional infrastructure generating 360 more jobs.

“The Railyards are on track to become Sacramento’s most dynamic mixed-use development project in our region’s history,” said Denton Kelley, president and CEO of Downtown Railyard Venture.

The stadium is scheduled for completion in late 2026, with the entertainment venue opening in 2027.