Sacramento Republic FC Final Move to Republic Stadium at the Railyards

Image Courtesy of Manica Architecture

The Sacramento Republic FC is on the brink of a transformative chapter in its history, as the team prepares to unveil its state-of-the-art stadium at the Railyards. This new home promises to not only enhance the matchday experience for fans but also solidify the Republic's presence in the heart of Sacramento.

As the team seeks to elevate its status in the competitive landscape of Major League Soccer, the Railyards stadium will serve as a beacon of community engagement, innovation, and sportsmanship, reflecting the vibrant spirit of the city. With cutting-edge design and a commitment to sustainability, this venue is set to become a pivotal landmark for both soccer enthusiasts and the broader Sacramento community.

In a press release, Jesus Tarango, Chairman of Wilton Rancheria, addressed the fans:

“Welcome Home, Sacramento

For years, you have shown what Sacramento is capable of. You've filled the stands, stood shoulder to shoulder at Sacramento's Historic Hughes Stadium and the bleachers of Heart Health Park, and you've carried this Club forward with a belief that never wavered.

Today, I'm proud to share that Republic Stadium will be built as a 20,000+ seat, soccer-first venue-the largest professional sports and entertainment venue in the region-delivering the full vision from day one.

On behalf of Wilton Rancheria, I want to take a moment to reflect on what this means for this Club and for the region.

In such a short time since restoring our federal recognition, Wilton Rancheria has gone from being terminated and landless to one of the largest investors and developers helping shape the future of this region. We have reclaimed land. We have invested in our people and our community. And now, we are building something that will belong to Sacramento, and to the Tribe, forever.

Before this was the Railyards, it was a place of gathering, at the confluence of the rivers, where cultures and communities came together. In many ways, that's still true today. Wilton Rancheria sits at the confluence of Sacramento's history and its future.

The railroads once forced our people from their homes. Today, we're proud to create a home once again for all of Sacramento.

This is just the beginning, and we want you with us every step of the way. 

Follow the journey at 20KStadium.com as we make progress on something that belongs to all of us."

In gratitude,

Jesus Tarango

Chairman, Wilton Rancheria

Image Courtesy of Manica Architecture

The Wilton Rancheria

Wilton Rancheria is a federally recognized Native American tribe consisting of the Miwok people, located in Northern California. It was established from the Wilton Rancheria Miwok and the Me-Wuk Indian Community of Wilton Rancheria, regaining its federal recognition in 2009. The tribe has over 1,000 enrolled members, with a large percentage living in Southern Sacramento County.

The designated area, or rancheria, spans 38.5 acres in the Sacramento Valley, near Elk Grove, within the community of Wilton. This land was placed in trust for the tribe by the Department of the Interior's Bureau of Indian Affairs, as the tribe initially had no land.

In November 2024, the Tribe acquired a majority ownership stake in Sacramento Republic FC, marking the first time a Native American Nation has held majority ownership of a men's professional sports team.

The Beginning 

Photo of Papa Murphy’s Park by Ryan Norris, Stadium Journey

(Ryan Norris, Stadium Journey) Sacramento Republic FC was founded in 2012 and began play in the United Soccer League in 2014, winning the championship that very first year. While the pitch was constructed on the other side of the American River at the Cal Expo, the Republic played their first few home games at Hughes Stadium on the campus of Sacramento City College.

Papa Murphy’s Park is located at the Cal Expo, whose main function is to host the annual California State Fair. Because of this, there are remnants of past fairs throughout the area. Bonney Field was built in 2014, and after just one successful season, it was expanded by nearly 4,000 seats to its current capacity of 11,442. [Where the Sacramento Republic FC played in 2015.]

The Breakdown — of Republic Stadium at the Railyards

Image Courtesy of Manica Architecture

Over 20 different seating products offering diverse fan experiences, from safe-standing supporters’ sections to a new West premium tower.

Built with the fans at the center of the design, seats will be as close as league rules allow, the five-story seating bowl will create a wall of fans that surrounds the pitch so fans are on top of the action, and twin videoboards that are among the biggest in soccer-first facilities.

A dynamic concourse experience featuring a vibrant Supporters Yard and an East Concourse food market with signature, locally inspired food and beverage offerings - plus convenient grab-and-go options so you never miss a minute of the action. More than 3,000 square feet of retail space, stocked with the latest Republic gear to represent the club on match days and beyond.

Largest outdoor professional sports and entertainment venue in the Sacramento region: 14 acres, over 500,000 square feet, capacity of 20,000+ for soccer and select sporting events. Capable of hosting top-performing acts and tours with an expanded event capacity of 27,000 for entertainment and special events.

The Future — A Fitting Home for the Republic

From their humble origins springs forth a thrilling renaissance, from old fairgrounds to a magnificent Major League Soccer stadium. This new stadium will anchor a multi-billion dollar investment into Downtown Sacramento that will create a new neighborhood – retail, hotel, housing, and additional community amenities. This should be the future home of the Sacramento Republic FC for many years to come and a destination for any fan.