Republic FC expects huge crowd in return to Hughes Stadium for 10-year anniversary match
Sacramento Republic FC will return to its original home to celebrate its 10-year anniversary.
The club announced Wednesday it will host a match against Orange County SC on Aug. 26 at Sacramento City College’s Hughes Stadium, the first place Republic FC called home in its inaugural season in 2014. The stadium holds upwards of 20,000 fans while the team’s current home, Heart Health Park, seats about 11,500.
The Republic hopes to draw a sellout crowd marking its biggest since moving away from Hughes Stadium in 2014. The team will give out 10,000 commemorative shirts and honor former Republic FC players before the opening kick.
“Republic FC has risen to great heights because of the support of our incredible fans and community, from the first games at Hughes Stadium to every match day this season,” owner Kevin Nagle said in a statement. “We’re excited to celebrate ten seasons, with a special match where it all started for us. It will be another thrilling experience with 20,000 fans cheering for the Indomitable City and Indomitable Club.”
Republic FC first joined the United Soccer League (USL) as an expansion team in 2014. It’s first match at Hughes Stadium drew 20,231, which nearly doubled the league’s previous attendance record (10,697) at the time. Sacramento went on to win a USL championship to cap its opening season.
Republic FC through the first 11 weeks of the season has been the USL’s best team. It sits first in the Western Conference table with 24 points while its 7-1-3 record is best among the 24 teams in either conference. Sacramento was the last remaining unbeaten team in league play before falling last week, 1-0, on the road in Orange County. The team rebounded from that loss with a 3-1 victory over Interstate-80 rival Oakland Roots on Saturday.
Season ticket holders will be able to purchase tickets for the Aug. 26 match Wednesday via Ticketmaster. Presale tickets will be available to the general public at 10 a.m. Friday, June 2 with tickets starting at $10. Remaining tickets will be available June 5.
