Sac State's Ambitious Stadium Plan: Elevating the Hornets to the National Stage

Sacramento State University is embarking on an exciting new chapter, with plans to construct a state-of-the-art football stadium that will serve as a catalyst for the school's aspirations to join the prestigious PAC-12 conference. This transformative project aims to elevate the Hornets' athletic program and solidify their place on the national collegiate sports landscape.

Unlocking the Potential of Sac State Athletics

A New Home for the Hornets

Sacramento State's proposed Hornet Stadium will be a game-changer for the university's athletic program. The 25,000-seat facility, designed by the renowned architectural firm Populous, will provide a modern, world-class venue for the Hornets' football team, as well as their rugby and soccer squads. Beyond just hosting athletic events, the stadium will also serve as a hub for the community, playing host to commencement ceremonies, NCAA championships, and even concerts.

The new stadium will be located on the same site as the current football venue, which the university plans to demolish at the end of the current season. This strategic decision underscores Sac State's commitment to creating a state-of-the-art facility that will elevate the Hornets' profile and attract top-tier talent to the program.

The stadium's construction is a crucial step in Sac State's push to join the PAC-12 conference, a move that would thrust the university into the national spotlight. The Sacramento-Stockton-Modesto media market, which currently lacks two or more professional sports organizations, will be a key selling point as the university seeks to secure its place in the prestigious conference.

Rallying the Community

Spearheading the efforts to join the PAC-12 is the SAC 12 committee, a group of influential Sacramento-area leaders co-chaired by Josh Wood and California State Senator Angelique Ashby. This committee is leveraging the momentum generated by the stadium announcement to rally business leaders and the community behind Sac State's ambitious plans.

Senator Ashby has expressed her enthusiasm for the university's elevation to the PAC-12, stating, "Sacramento State is ready to take the national stage with the elevation of our university to the PAC-12. Today's stadium announcement is a giant leap for the Hornet Nation, our region, and the State of California. We have the media market, the talent, and a strong Alumni community to not only support this move but to help the Hornets continue to be a powerhouse across multiple sports, building on last year's 7 championship titles!"

The SAC 12 committee includes notable figures such as three-time All-American and Sac State Football Hall of Famer Cyrus Mulitalo, who believes the college has always "had the grit and talent on the field" and that the new stadium will match that energy. Eric Guerra, a current Sacramento City Council member and former Sac State student body president, also serves on the committee and sees the elevation as a "win-win for the university, the conference, and the community."

Funding the Future

The financing for the new Hornet Stadium has been secured, and President Luke Wood has assured that it will not impact Sac State's institutional budget. The funding sources include earmarked athletic funds, donor contributions, sponsorships, and planned co-tenants. Additionally, students will see a modest increase in their intercollegiate athletics fees, from $181 to $256, to help cover the cost of the project.

While the university has not yet disclosed the total cost of the stadium, this investment in Sac State's athletic infrastructure demonstrates the institution's commitment to elevating its sports programs and positioning the Hornets for long-term success. The new stadium will not only serve as a source of pride for the university and the community but also as a platform for the Hornets to showcase their talents on a national stage.

As Sac State prepares to unveil the stadium's renderings in the coming weeks, the anticipation and excitement surrounding this transformative project continue to build. The Hornets' journey to the PAC-12 and their quest for national prominence have taken a significant step forward, and the community is rallying behind this ambitious vision for the future of Sac State athletics.