Groundbreaking for New Soccer Stadium in Sacramento
With the iconic Sacramento skyline providing a picturesque backdrop, the Wilton Rancheria held the official groundbreaking ceremony for a new $175 million soccer stadium located in the Railyards, near the intersection of North B and 7th Street. The event was marked by enthusiastic support from tribal leaders, team representatives, and elected city officials.
Chris Franklin, the chief operating officer of Wilton Rancheria, reflected on the journey: “At the time, it felt like a whisper in a roomful of doubt.” Managing Partner Kevin Nagle acknowledged the perseverance of both the team and the community in reaching this milestone. He remarked, “Today is a culmination of 12 years of hard work, and honestly, we’ve faced more refusals than we can count over the decade.”
Significance of Ownership
The key difference this time is that the tribe officially owns the land where the stadium will be erected, marking a significant milestone. The team anticipates commencing its inaugural season as early as 2027.
Todd Dunivant, president and general manager of Sacramento Republic FC, noted, “This journey hasn’t been straightforward. Valuable achievements seldom are.” He emphasized the collective effort that made this event possible.
A Historic Date
The date of the groundbreaking, August 18, carries significant historical weight. On this day in 1958, the California Rancheria Termination Act was enacted, stripping Wilton Rancheria and 40 other tribal nations of their federal recognition. “The beauty of this moment is that we are just getting started,” stated Wilton Rancheria Chairman Jesus Tarango.
Design Reveal for the Railyards Stadium
In conjunction with the groundbreaking, Sacramento Republic FC unveiled new flyover videos and images from design architect MANICA, showcasing the final design elements of the new stadium. These renderings include a “safe-standing” supporters section, a rooftop club, a park-like eastern concourse, and a public market, along with various seating options.
Early Access for Fans
The Republic is offering fans early access to seating in the new stadium. Season ticket holders for 2026 will have priority in selecting their seats, while other fans can place deposits for future seating. The deposits will vary based on seating choice, starting at $9.16 for a spot in the supporters section, $25 for general seating, $50 for premium seating, and $500 for a luxury suite.
