Wilton Rancheria and Sacramento Republic FC plan to build a 20,000-seat soccer stadium in downtown Sacramento, significantly expanding an earlier proposal and deepening the tribe’s investment in professional sports and mixed-use development.
The project, called Republic Stadium at The Railyards, is scheduled to open in 2028 and will anchor a broader redevelopment effort on a 31-acre site in Sacramento’s downtown railyards district. Wilton Rancheria said the project marks the first time a tribal nation will own both a professional soccer club and stadium.
The expanded project nearly triples the stadium’s original estimated cost. Sacramento Republic initially unveiled plans in 2025 for a 12,000-seat venue estimated at $175 million. The redesigned stadium is now expected to cost about $450 million, according to media reports.
The tribe and club said strong ticket demand prompted them to abandon a phased expansion approach and build the larger venue immediately. Sacramento Republic received 10,000 season-ticket deposits after the initial announcement, according to Sports Business Journal.
“With this stadium, Wilton Rancheria is reclaiming our space and matching the ambition of the region,” Wilton Rancheria Chairman Jesus Tarango said in a statement.
The soccer-first venue will include a canopy covering all seats, safe-standing supporter sections, premium seating and a flexible layout capable of hosting up to 27,000 attendees for concerts and other events.
The stadium is expected to anchor a larger mixed-use development that includes retail, hotel, housing and other community amenities. Wilton Rancheria Chief Operating Officer Chris Franklin described the project as a “catalytic investment” for downtown Sacramento.
Franklin also framed the project as part of a broader tribal investment strategy beyond gaming.
“We, as tribes, collectively spend close to $100 million in sports sponsorships,” Franklin told Sports Business Journal. “I wanted to see this paradigm shift from sponsorship — how do we get into the equity game?”
Wilton Rancheria’s investment follows the growth of Sky River Casino, which opened near Sacramento in 2022 and helped finance the tribe’s expansion into sports ownership and real estate development.
About The Author
Brian Edwards is associate publisher and associate editor of Tribal Business News and Native News Online. He is a longtime publisher, editor, business reporter and serial entrepreneur.
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