Republic FC submits new stadium plans. When will construction begin in Sacramento?
Republic FC is preparing to submit finalized plans for a 12,000-seat stadium in Sacramento’s downtown Railyards, a move that could begin construction this summer and mark a major milestone in the city’s long pursuit of a modern sports and entertainment district.
The plans will go before the Sacramento City Council on June 10. If approved, the project would break ground within months, with completion targeted for spring 2027.
“This is a big step and we’ve got a hard deadline of June 10 for that city council date, which we’re really excited about,” Republic FC President and General Manager Todd Dunivant said in an interview. “That will kickstart everything.”
The stadium is part of a $321 million entertainment district envisioned to include a hotel, a renovated concert venue at the historic Paint Shop, and housing and retail space. The team previously estimated the stadium’s cost at $217 million, with Republic FC privately funding $175 million. The city would contribute $42 million for infrastructure through an Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District.
The stadium project gained momentum last fall when the Wilton Rancheria tribe purchased a majority stake in the team from owner Kevin Nagle, becoming the first Native American tribe to hold a controlling interest in a U.S. professional sports team. The tribe also owns the Sky River Casino in Elk Grove and will be the primary financial backer.
“We’ve been working nonstop since last November when council approved the term sheet,” Dunivant said. “The work hasn’t stopped. We use the duck analogy. Up above the surface, it looks calm. But underneath we’re paddling pretty furiously.”
If approved, the stadium would rise on a 14-acre site north of downtown, near the future intersection of 8th Street and Railyards Boulevard. The land is currently owned by Downtown Railyard Venture.
The long-awaited new stadium is the closest to fruition its been since 2021 when investor Rob Burkle backed out of the agreement after Sacramento was awarded an MLS expansion team in 2019. Republic FC, which competes in the second-tier USL Championship, intends to design the stadium for potential expansion to 20,000 seats, meeting MLS requirements if Sacramento receives a future expansion bid.
Dunivant said he was confident the project will get the city’s nod after the initial term sheet was approved 8-0 in November.
“We continue to keep them in the loop,” Dunivant said of city leaders. “This time around, we’re able to have much more collaboration with the council in order to move things forward.”
The team also announced it hired the Machete Group to oversee construction, with MANICA and House & Robertson Architects leading the design. MANICA’s past projects include the Chase Center in San Francisco, Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas and stadium designs for NFL teams in Chicago, Nashville and Kansas City. Machete Group previously worked on Golden 1 Center for the Sacramento Kings. House & Robertson has worked on non-sports projects, including Sacramento International Airport.
“They’re best in class,” Dunivant said. “That design, as it always does, continues to evolve and is something we’ll continue to work on.”
While design plans including blueprints have been submitted to the city for review, Dunivant said updated renderings of how the stadium will look are expected soon.
Dunivant said the club asked for feedback from fans on what they hoped the new stadium would have. The team received some 3,000 submissions.
“We can’t wait to share with the world what we’re working on,” Dunivant said. “It’s going to be such an upgrade for Sacramento. It’s going to be a venue this region has not had.”
This story was originally published May 21, 2025 at 12:45 PM.
