The United Soccer League (USL) Championship team – the Sacramento Republic FC’s – new privately-funded Railyards Stadium in Sacramento, California (US) took another major step forward recently as the Sacramento City Council unanimously passed the approved term sheet (a non-binding preliminary agreement that outlines the key terms and conditions of a potential investment or business transaction) 9-0 moving the project toward its construction phase.
‘USL’ stated that the $175 million stadium will be 100 percent privately-financed and will anchor a 31-acre mixed-use district aimed to be a home for the entire community. The 17-acre stadium site will introduce new seating experiences for every fan including the safe-standing supporters’ sections and the family zones as well as a variety of premium experiences new to the Sacramento soccer fans.
Tampa (US)-based the United Soccer League (USL) is an organizer of various professional and amateur soccer leagues in the United States league system.
The Sacramento Republic FC is an American professional soccer team based in Sacramento, California (US) that competes in the Western Conference of the USL Championship, the second level in US soccer.
The Heart Health Park is a sports venue located on the grounds of Cal Expo in Sacramento, California, United States. The soccer-specific stadium has a capacity of 11,569 and includes a full-sized (120 x 80 yard) soccer field. The Heart Health Park is the current home of the Sacramento Republic FC soccer team.
The Republic FC Stadium at The Railyards, also known as simply the Republic FC Stadium, is a planned 12,000-seat soccer-specific stadium to be built in Sacramento, California (US) that could be expanded to accommodate up to 21,000. It will serve as the home of the Sacramento Republic FC.
‘USL’ quoted the Republic FC President and General Manager Todd Dunivant as stating, “Sacramento has big ambitions and so does our club. This is the culmination of years of hard work for so many and we’re ready to deliver the stadium that our City and the fans deserve. We are so proud of the opportunities this project is going to provide for this region on and off the field.”
Following the passage of the approved term sheet the Republic FC announced recently that it had selected the Turner Construction Company, one of United States premier builders, as the lead builder for the stadium in downtown Sacramento which remains on schedule to open for the 2027 season. The current stadium plan would feature a 12,000-capacity with the possibility for expansion to a 20,000-capacity venue in the future.
New York (US)-based the Turner Construction Company is an international construction services company and is a leading builder in diverse and numerous market segments. The company has earned recognition for undertaking large, complex projects, fostering innovation, embracing emerging technologies, and making a difference for their clients, their employees and the community.
Added Dunivant, “This project has deep roots and bold ambition. Turner’s partnership ensures that our vision for a community-first stadium becomes a reality and with lasting benefits for Sacramento. Their experience in building incredible sports venues combined with their deep understanding of our region makes them the ideal collaborator to bring our new home to life.”
The stadium site is a historic location for the club and the community. Wilton Rancheria (a Federally recognized Native American tribe of Miwok people based in Northern California) – the first indigenous nation to be a majority owner of a men’s professional team – are the original stewards of the region and called the land home for centuries. By constructing a stadium on their ancestral lands in the site now known as The Railyards the tribal nation will create a space for the community to come together like they once did on the confluence of Sacramento’s rivers and be directly involved in the development of the future of the City. The site also holds historical ties to connecting the United States. The Railyards, one of the largest infill projects in the United States, were once the center of Sacramento’s economy – its first innovation district – and the Western terminus of the Transcontinental Railroad.
In addition to serving as the Republic FC’s home for soccer the venue will be capable of hosting a wide variety of sports and events including concerts, festivals, community gatherings, and other large-scale events that add to Sacramento’s growing entertainment calendar.
Exulted Drake Costa, Vice-President and General Manager, Turner Construction Company, “What an incredible moment to pause and celebrate what this project means in forward progress and lasting impact for the community we live and work in. With a clear alignment in our collective core values we are excited for what this project means for Sacramento, beyond the build. We are proud to join with Wilton Rancheria and the Republic FC to build a stadium that’s grounded in community, rooted in history and built for the future of Sacramento.”
Turner and the Republic FC have already begun collaborating on creating community benefits aimed above and beyond the original scope set forward. Through the partnership the Railyards Stadium project is projected to create over 1,200 construction jobs resulting in over $240 million in economic impact from construction alone.
The addition of Turner marks a key milestone for the project which continues to move forward on schedule. The groundbreaking is set for late Summer 2025 with the season ticket memberships and the premium seating options launching later this year. The stadium is scheduled to open in 2027 adding nearly 40 additional large events to the City’s entertainment calendar.
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