Rancho Cordova approves 7,500-seat indoor soccer arena

Rancho Cordova approved a $1 billion plan on Sept. 23 to develop a "new downtown" with a 7,500-seat indoor pro soccer arena one light rail station away from Folsom. The Rancho Cordova City Council gave a green light to an economic development and participation agreement to pave the way for "Downtown Dova," a world-class, sports-anchored entertainment district in the heart of the city about one block south of Folsom Blvd. near Sunrise Blvd. The council also approved a $5 million initiative to launch an AI and "robotics ecosystem." The plan with Human Machine Collaboration Institute is designed to attract high-tech companies and provide jobs, education and reinvestment for local residents. The arena project, located on a 28-acre parcel at Kilgore Road and Trade Center Drive, will be led by local developers KozPure and Alpha One Sports and Entertainment Group. The team is a locally-rooted ownership primarily of business owners and Rancho Cordova residents. Alpha One is bringing the 7,500-seat Cordova Arena as the centerpiece of a district that would also include two or more upscale/boutique hotels with at least 800 rooms, 640 residential units, an outdoor plaza and a vibrant mix of retail and dining. Dova is designed to host world-class and community events, including up to 40 concerts a year, while also becoming the new home of professional sports, developers said. Cordova Arena is set to host two newly awarded Major Arena Soccer League teams — men's and women's — placing the city on the national stage alongside the MASL's dozen teams across the US and Mexico. The "master" developer is privately funding the project. The city proposes a combination of shared future revenue streams from the project, potential development impact fees and building permit fee waivers. The city also dedicated a portion of the 13-acre city-owned parcel, with a current estimated value of $6.8 million. The city previously attempted to develop the site as an entertainment center with a bowling alley and movie theater about 15 years ago. The plan, however, fell apart due to various environmental and zoning issues, authorities said. A conditional use permit was thus denied. "This project is a direct result of the Rancho Cordova City Council's vision for being a regional leader, taking the initiative and supporting smart growth," said Rancho Cordova Mayor Siri Pulipati. "This sports-anchored entertainment district underscores how Rancho Cordova is forging the future around amenities and spurring an estimated $4.5 billion in economic growth over 12 years." Rancho Cordova is one of the top five fastest-growing cities in California, the Greater Sacramento region's second-largest job center, and now an emerging hub for entertainment and innovation, the city announced. Beyond new amenities, the project is expected to create 36,780 jobs, supporting industries from construction and hospitality to retail, sports and education, according to the report.