From left are Republic FC President and General Manager Todd Dunivant, Republic FC Managing Partner Kevin Nagle, Wilton Rancheria Chairman Jesus Tarango, City of Sacramento Mayor Kevin McCarty and Wilton Rancheria Chief Operating Officer Chris Franklin. They are at the Aug. 18 groundbreaking event for the club’s new stadium in the Railyards. Photo courtesy of Sacramento Republic FC

SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - Wilton Rancheria and Sacramento Republic FC marked the beginning of construction on Republic FC Stadium at the Railyards with a groundbreaking ceremony on Aug. 18.

The ceremony celebrated the tribe's return to its ancestral lands along the banks of the Sacramento and American rivers, 67 years after its federal recognition was stripped from the nation by the California Rancheria Act. Now that Wilton Rancheria and Republic FC have acquired the land in The Railyards, site preparation will begin in the coming days and fans can take the first step in locking in their place for the club's inaugural season in its new home. 

"The Rancheria Act tried to erase us but, on its anniversary, we are breaking ground on a future that ensures our sovereignty, our name, and our story will endure," said Wilton Rancheria Chairman Jesus Tarango. "This is not our groundbreaking; this is our homecoming."

Said Managing Partner Kevin Nagle, "Our path has not been easy. But just like our city, just like our tribal partners, we've kept moving forward. And now, together, we are breaking ground on the future. In 2027, when the first ball is kicked here in The Railyards, it will be more than the start of a match. It will be the next chapter in an ongoing story of resilience."

Wilton Rancheria Chief Operating Officer Chris Franklin speaks at the Sacramento Republic FC groundbreaking on Aug. 18 at the Railyards. Photo courtesy of Sacramento Republic FC

For a first look at the stadium design developments and to learn more about placing a deposit for the 2027 season, fans can visit RepublicStadium.com. A flythrough video will show off the stadium’s unique elements, including a Supporters' Plaza, the rooftop club with views back to the city's skyline, the park-like eastern concourse, open-air public-market and beer-garden inspired culinary options, entry plazas and a close look at the West tower that will feature a variety of new premium seating options. 

Starting at just $9.16, four deposit levels are available to give fans priority access to season tickets for the inaugural season at the new stadium. From a safe-standing supporters section ($9.16), general seating in the East and Southern neighborhoods ($25) to all new premium seats ($50) and private luxury suites ($500) with ultimate comfort and unmatched views, there are options for every budget and every type of fan. Only one deposit is required to secure your seat selection priority for the new stadium.

Each deposit will include a donation to help the club construct more free-to-play mini-soccer courts around the region. Since 2019, the club has built 12 new safe spaces throughout the community and donations will support the next court opening later this year and the many more to follow.  

The groundbreaking comes after years of collaboration and commitment between Wilton Rancheria, Republic FC and the broader Sacramento community. Pre-construction work is already underway, including grading and utility preparation. In addition, bidding has begun on key project elements, with Turner Construction serving as the general contractor. Local contractors, trades, and suppliers interested in participating in the project are encouraged to visit Turner Construction's website for more information. 

Republic Stadium is expected to open in 2027 and will serve as the permanent home for Republic FC, as well as be a premier venue for concerts, cultural festivals and community events.