Sacramento Republic FC, Wilton Rancheria Tribe Announce Historic Railyards Stadium Deal

By Robert J. Hansen | OBSERVER Staff WriterSacramento will soon have a new soccer stadium, the result of a nearly decade-long effort involving the city, Sacramento Republic FC, and Downtown Railyard Venture. Mayor Darrell Steinberg announced the tentative deal in front of a large crowd in front of City Hall on Nov. 7. The City Council unanimously approved the agreement Nov. 12.“Our journey began eight years ago—today is a powerful testament to our commitment to creating a more vibrant and thriving Sacramento,” Steinberg told the crowd.In a landmark move, Wilton Rancheria, the owners of the newly opened Sky River Casino in Elk Grove and Sacramento County’s only federally recognized tribe, has become the majority owner of Sacramento Republic FC, which competes in the USL Championship. Wilton Rancheria becomes the first Native American tribe to hold majority ownership in a men’s professional sports franchise.Wilton Rancheria Chairman Jesus Tarango Jr. emphasized the historical significance of the moment. “The opportunity to drive a project of such scale and importance on land where our ancestors once walked is deeply meaningful,” he said. “This is not only a chance to honor our history and uplift our community, but also to envision a future where we...