RANCHO CORDOVA – Rancho Cordova took a major step toward reshaping its identity Tuesday night, unanimously approving an ambitious agreement to build a sports-anchored city center featuring a new arena, hotels, housing, retail, dining, and entertainment venues.
In a 5-0 vote, the City Council adopted a resolution approving an Economic Development and Participation Agreement (EDPA) with KozPure Development, LLC and Alpha One Sports and Entertainment Group, LLC. The deal paves the way for a $4.5 billion mixed-use development on 28 acres at 2875 Kilgore Road and adjoining parcels within the city’s Convention Overlay District.
At the heart of the project is a 7,500-seat arena designed to host professional sports, concerts, community events, and cultural showcases. The arena will be home to a new Major Arena Soccer League (MASL) men’s franchise and the Sacramento region’s first-ever professional women’s soccer team, both expected to debut in fall 2027.
The arena is intended to bridge a gap in the Sacramento market between large venues like Golden 1 Center (17,600 seats) and smaller halls such as Sacramento Memorial Auditorium (3,867) or The Venue at Thunder Valley (4,500). Consultants noted that every top 25 media market in the country has at least one mid-sized arena, except the Sacramento-Cordova region. Rancho Cordova’s facility aims to fill that void.
The project also calls for two or more hotels with at least 800 total rooms, including a four-star or higher property, along with 640 residential units, a movie theater, a public plaza, structured parking for more than 3,600 vehicles, and a retail and dining district featuring both national brands and local operators. A letter of interest has already been submitted by the Ernesto Delgado Hospitality Group to open one of its restaurants on site.
Developers emphasized that the district will be more than an entertainment hub. Plans include family-oriented events, cultural festivals, and community access for graduations, birthdays, and milestone celebrations. The outdoor plaza will host year-round activities, including concerts and signature gatherings such as Rancho Cordova’s first-ever New Year’s Eve celebration.
The project’s benefits extend well beyond entertainment. The agreement includes commitments for free annual youth soccer camps for Rancho Cordova children, mentorship programs for at-risk youth led by professional athletes, and the ability to host CIF, NCAA, and CASL tournaments that bring collegiate and youth sports directly into the city.
At least 15 percent of the residential units on city-owned land will be dedicated to affordable or student housing. University partnerships are also envisioned, with developers describing the project as an opportunity to expand Rancho Cordova’s academic footprint and create a workforce pipeline into healthcare, business, technology, and sports management.
The district is also expected to reinforce Rancho Cordova’s growing cultural identity. With a 7,500-seat arena complementing the Rancho Cordova Performing Arts Center’s 450-seat theater, the city would gain the ability to host larger concerts and live performances that currently bypass the community.
Economic engine for the region
Studies presented to the council projected sweeping economic impacts. Over 12 years, direct spending tied to the development is estimated at $2.1 billion, supporting more than 22,000 jobs. Indirect benefits, such as purchases of goods and services from local suppliers, are expected to add another $899 million and 5,400 jobs. Induced benefits from household spending by employees could contribute $1.5 billion and nearly 8,500 jobs.
Altogether, analysts forecast $4.5 billion in total output and nearly 37,000 jobs across construction, hospitality, retail, and sports management. Annual averages include $179 million in direct spending, $75 million in indirect activity, and $123 million in induced spending. Federal, state and local governments are projected to receive $660 million in new tax revenues over the same period.
“The Cordova City Center is more than just a sports and entertainment hub – it’s a major economic engine and job creator for Rancho Cordova and the entire Greater Sacramento-Cordova region,” said Charanjeet Kaur Tiwana-Purewal, president of KozPure Development. “This project will draw fans from across the country, boosting tourism and driving significant economic growth. We’re building a space that fosters community, creates opportunities, and brings people together through unforgettable experiences.”
Technology, innovation and hospitality
Beyond its economic promise, the project’s vision leans heavily on innovation. Plans call for a “city of the future” atmosphere with immersive media, holograms, glowing roads, and illuminated streets, blurring the line between digital and physical experiences.
The hotels, one of which is planned at four-star quality or higher, are expected to anchor a multi-venue convention district that includes the arena and a movie theater. This would allow Rancho Cordova to attract conventions, corporate gatherings, and major entertainment showcases year-round, enhancing its appeal as a regional destination.
City leaders emphasized that the EDPA protects taxpayers. The 35-year agreement does not require Rancho Cordova to advance funds, pledge its general fund, or guarantee payments. Instead, the city’s contribution includes dedicating portions of a 13-acre city-owned parcel valued at $6.8 million, potential fee waivers, and sharing future revenue streams tied to the project. Under the agreement, 100 percent of sales tax generated on the site will go to the city, while transient occupancy taxes (TOT) will flow to the developer.
Development will proceed in phases based on market demand, beginning with the arena and core district before expanding into retail, residential, and hotel components.
MASL Commissioner Keith Tozer said the league views Rancho Cordova as an ideal market. “Fans in this region have a long history of supporting their teams and an undeniable passion for soccer that continues to grow year after year. With strong and committed ownership in KozPure, we know this team is built on a solid foundation. The new arena and surrounding development will provide a first-class home for both the team and the community, creating one of the most exciting environments in our league. We can’t wait to see MASL action come to Rancho Cordova.”
City officials echoed that vision, framing the project as a once-in-a-generation opportunity. The staff report described it as “transforming the reputation of Rancho Cordova from a commuter suburb into the cultural capital of the Sacramento Valley and a twin-economic power city for the greater Sacramento-Cordova region.”
With Tuesday’s approval, Rancho Cordova has taken its first step toward building what leaders call a destination city for the Sacramento-Cordova region — one where sports, culture, innovation, and community converge.
Copyright © 2025, Folsom Times, a digital product of All Town Media LLC. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the publisher.
