By Mauricio Segura May 31, 2025
Photo: Courtesy of The Sacramento Republic FC
Sacramento Republic FC is making significant strides toward establishing a permanent home in the heart of the city. The club has announced the addition of three prominent firms to its stadium development team: Machete Group, MANICA, and House & Robertson Architects. This collaboration aims to bring a state-of-the-art, 12,000-seat stadium to the Railyards district by 2027, with the potential to expand to 20,000 seats to accommodate future growth.
Machete Group, renowned for its expertise in sports and entertainment venue development, will oversee the project's management. With a portfolio that includes work with Premier League and MLS clubs, as well as NBA, NFL, and NHL teams, Machete Group brings a wealth of experience to the table. Molly Zinnikas will serve as the project lead, ensuring that the development aligns with Republic FC's vision and the community's needs.
MANICA, serving as the design architect, is responsible for shaping the stadium's overall architectural vision. The firm has an impressive track record, having contributed to the design of notable venues such as the Chase Center and Allegiant Stadium. David Kelman, Director and Senior Project Architect at MANICA, is leading the design efforts for Republic FC's new stadium, aiming to create a venue that resonates with Sacramento's identity and aspirations.
House & Robertson Architects joins the team as the Architect of Record, focusing on the technical execution of MANICA's design. The firm has experience with sports facilities and has previously worked on projects in Sacramento, including the Downtown Commons development and Sacramento International Airport's hospitality spaces. Principal Alma Jauregui is leading the House & Robertson team from their San Francisco office, bringing local insight to the project.
The stadium is set to be a cornerstone of the Sacramento Railyards, one of the largest urban infill projects in the country. Beyond hosting Republic FC matches, the venue is designed to accommodate concerts, community events, and international soccer matches, contributing to the city's cultural and economic vitality.
Preliminary infrastructure work along 7th Street, which will provide access to the stadium, is scheduled to begin later this month. The project has reached a significant milestone with the submission of its initial filing to the City of Sacramento's Planning Division. An update on the project's progress, including its anticipated economic impact, will be presented to the City Council on June 10 .
Republic FC's leadership is enthusiastic about the project's potential. President and General Manager Todd Dunivant expressed gratitude for the dedication of the development team, stating that their collective experience will be instrumental in creating a venue that meets the needs of both the community and the club .
As the project progresses, Republic FC remains committed to engaging with the community and ensuring that the new stadium becomes a vibrant hub for sports and entertainment in Sacramento. The collaboration with Machete Group, MANICA, and House & Robertson Architects marks a significant step forward in realizing this vision.