Plans Submitted for Republic FC’s Future Home in Sacramento’s Railyards
Sacramento Republic FC’s long-anticipated stadium project in The Railyards has entered a new phase of development. With updated designs, a new team of architectural and development partners, and a projected 2027 opening, the club is positioning the stadium not only as a permanent home for professional soccer but as a transformative anchor in one of the nation’s largest urban infill developments.
The stadium project is planned in two distinct phases. The first phase includes a 12,000-seat venue designed for professional soccer and community events, with integrated plazas, club and suite levels, and all the core infrastructure needed for opening day. Phase two would expand the stadium’s capacity up to 20,000 and add premium seating and broadcast infrastructure.
The timeline for phase two has not been finalized, but recent developments within U.S. soccer could help clarify its trajectory. Sacramento Republic FC is widely expected to join the newly announced USL Division One, a sanctioned Division I league set to begin play around 2027–2028. Current U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF) standards for Division I require a minimum stadium capacity of 15,000, hinting that Republic FC may need to activate phase two sooner than later to meet league criteria.
A Community-First, Expansion-Ready Stadium
The stadium will feature four primary levels—field, concourse, club, and suite/press— designed to accommodate professional soccer, concerts, international matches, and community events. According to the application, the field level will include VIP access, player and team facilities, premium lounges, and operational infrastructure. The concourse and club levels will offer large open and conditioned spaces for concessions, restrooms, and viewing platforms, while the suite level will initially include nine luxury suites and press boxes. Public-facing plazas at each corner of the stadium—including a supporters’ plaza to the north—will activate the surrounding area year-round. Retail kiosks, ticketing booths, seasonal events, cultural programming, and even outdoor concert capacity are all planned features. Large screens and speaker systems in these plazas would allow fans to experience the matchday atmosphere even without a ticket.
A Phased Approach to Growth
The project is structured in two major construction phases, with a focus on flexibility, scalability, and long-term sustainability.
Phase One, currently slated for completion in early 2027, includes:
A 12,000-seat stadium with full operational and matchday infrastructure
Four functioning levels: field, concourse, club, and suite/press
Nine premium suites, including an owner’s suite
Plazas and public gathering spaces for retail, cultural events, and fan engagement
Amenities for media, teams, and fans including lounges, concessions, and support facilities
Initial concourse infrastructure and a partial roof design
This phase gives the club a right-sized, efficient stadium that can immediately serve the current fanbase while hosting additional sports and entertainment events. It also ensures that the facility integrates with broader Railyards development, which includes housing, retail, and infrastructure improvements supported by the City.
Phase Two will allow for future expansion based on demand and market growth. Though the application does not specify an exact timeline, it outlines a clear vision:
Capacity expansion from 12,000 to up to 20,000 seats
Addition of 18 new premium suites (bringing the total to 27)
Construction of an upper-level press and media area
Installation of a full metal roof deck and roof membrane to enhance coverage, acoustics, and shade
Potential further expansion of general seating and club facilities
It’s not yet clear when phase two of the stadium will begin, but regulatory and competitive pressures may soon play a role. With the USL’s new Division One league aiming for a 2027 or 2028 launch — and with Republic FC expected to be among its charter clubs — expansion to meet USSF’s 15,000-seat minimum for Division I teams could become a necessary step in that timeframe. While the current plans don’t commit to a phase two timeline, the league’s arrival may serve as a natural trigger.
Development Team Anchored by Global Expertise
Republic FC also announced the core team responsible for leading stadium development: Machete Group, MANICA, and House & Robertson Architects Inc.
Machete Group will serve as the club’s development representative, providing full-cycle project management. The firm has experience with stadium projects for Premier League, MLS, and top-tier U.S. sports teams, and will oversee all facets of construction and adjacent development. Molly Zinnikas will lead the Machete team on-site in Sacramento.
“A new stadium won’t just meet surging demand; it will help power one of the most exciting infill developments the city has seen in its history,” said Machete Founder David Carlock.
MANICA is the design architect shaping the stadium’s overall vision. With projects like Chase Center, Allegiant Stadium, and Inter Miami’s Freedom Park in their portfolio, the firm brings global experience and boutique creativity to Sacramento’s Railyards. Director David Kelman leads the project, calling it an “honor and responsibility” to help reshape the city’s urban core.
House & Robertson Architects joins as the architect of record, focusing on the technical delivery of MANICA’s vision. The firm’s Sacramento credentials include the Downtown Commons (DOCO) development and airport projects, and Principal Alma Jauregui emphasized the opportunity to once again influence the city’s skyline.
Timeline, Infrastructure, and Broader Vision
Initial grading could begin as early as mid-July, with selection of a general contractor expected in the coming weeks. Foundation work would commence in early 2026, with completion targeted for February 2027. Preliminary infrastructure improvements along 7th Street are already scheduled to begin later this month, creating critical access routes to the stadium site.
The stadium’s construction is estimated at $175 million. While the stadium itself is privately financed, the project is closely tied to public infrastructure upgrades. On June 10, the Sacramento City Council will receive a comprehensive update on the stadium’s projected economic impact — including job creation, increased tourism, and long-term revenue generation for the region — as part of a vote on an Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District for The Railyards.
While the application covers only the 14-acre stadium footprint, Republic FC’s ownership — which includes Wilton Rancheria — also plans to acquire and develop an additional 17 acres surrounding the venue. Though no formal plans have been filed yet, tribal leadership has cited intentions for mixed-use development including retail and housing, positioning the stadium as the centerpiece of a vibrant new neighborhood.
A Vision Realized, on Sacramento’s Terms
After years of setbacks and shifting plans, Republic FC’s new stadium effort reflects a broader, more grounded vision — one rooted in community impact, flexible design, and steady growth. Club President and General Manager Todd Dunivant summed up the renewed momentum:
“Our development team has been working tirelessly behind-the-scenes to develop a stadium that will not only elevate Republic FC, but enhance the experience for fans and provide an incredible impact on Sacramento.”
With shovels poised and designs finalized, Sacramento Republic FC’s long journey to a permanent home is finally approaching kickoff.