Wilton Rancheria, Sacramento Republic FC break ground on Railyards Stadium
Ceremony celebrates tribe’s return to ancestral lands on 67th anniversary of California Rancheria Act that stripped land from nation
Republic FC President & General Manager Todd Dunivant, Managing Partner Kevin Nagle, Wilton Rancheria Chairman Jesus Tarango, City of Sacramento Mayor Kevin McCarty, Wilton Rancheria Chief Operating Officer Chris Franklin break ground.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – It was a day 67 years in the making.
Wilton Rancheria and Sacramento Republic FC on Monday marked the beginning of construction on Republic FC Stadium at the Railyards with a groundbreaking ceremony, celebrating 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.
Following Wilton Rancheria and Republic FC’s acquisition of 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.”
“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,” said Republic FC Managing Partner Kevin Nagle. “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.”
The groundbreaking came 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 FC’s Railyards Stadium is the latest major project within the USL Championship ecosystem, with the $175 million project adding to Rhode Island FC’s recently opened Centerville Bank Stadium and current stadium developments for Detroit City FC in the city’s Corktown District and for New Mexico United at Balloon Fiesta Park.
“Today marks a tremendous step forward for Republic FC and the greater Sacramento community as the club breaks ground on its new stadium, joining the growing list of marquee USL venues that anchor a mixed-use entertainment district,” said USL Deputy CEO & Chief Real Estate Officer Justin Papadakis. “The 100% privately financed project shows a deep commitment from the club’s ownership, including the Wilton Rancheria tribe, to returning the historic Railyards back to its roots as a community center.”
Republic Stadium is expected to open in 2027 and will serve as the permanent home for Republic FC, as well as a premier venue for concerts, cultural festivals, and community events.