(CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA) — In a unanimous vote that city leaders repeatedly called “once‑in‑a‑generation,” the Citrus Heights City Council on Wednesday approved an Economic Development and Participation Agreement paving the way for the Sunrise Sports Center, a 13.7‑acre arena‑anchored project intended to jump‑start redevelopment of the aging Sunrise Mall.
(Digital rendering of the proposed Sunrise Sports Center by The Mettle Shop, via SunriseSportsCenter.com.)
The action authorizes the city manager to enter a public‑private partnership with The Mettle Shop, developer of the proposed 322,000‑square‑foot multi‑sport complex, and now moves the project into its environmental, traffic, parking, and financing phases.
(Credits: Metro Cable 14 YouTube video.)
As councilmembers prepared to vote, City Manager Ash Feeney emphasized that the financing structure does not impose new taxes on residents. Feeney explained that “this is not a bond that will be assessed on people’s property tax bills” and clarified that instead of raising taxes, “this is a bond that would provide financing opportunities… [and] they would be compelled to make those payments to cover that debt and service that debt.” He reiterated, “It is absolutely different than something placed on somebody’s property tax bill.”
That clarification came in response to a question from District 3 Councilmember Tim Schaefer, who asked, “Don’t we have to vote on this?” Feeney’s explanation reinforced that the debt would be repaid entirely by project revenues — including ticket sales, leases, and naming rights — rather than the city’s general fund or homeowners.
(Credits: Joe Wagoner Linkedin post, Mettle Shop.)
The development team argued that the moment is ideal for a major regional sports hub. Mettle Shop CEO and Sacramento Republic FC Co-Founder, Joe Wagoner, told the council, “We have a generational project looking for a home… and I think that’s right now.”
Wagoner framed the center’s purpose around accessibility and inclusion, saying, “Everybody is welcome and that’s really important to us.”
On the platform Linkedin, Wagoner’s post about the news received over 200 likes with everyone showing their support.
Article image credit: SunriseSportsCenter.com // Sunrise Sports Center The Mettle Shop website.
“I've been part of bringing professional sports to this region before, and I can tell you, that kind of unified public confidence in a project doesn't happen by accident. It's the result of honest conversation, rigorous economic analysis, and a shared belief that this community deserves world-class sports and entertainment infrastructure,” Wagoner said on Linkedin. “This is the moment when an idea becomes a plan. Now the real work begins, and we couldn't be more excited to get started.”
The project’s design includes a 4,000‑seat arena convertible for hockey, basketball, volleyball, concerts, and more; two NHL‑size ice sheets; a 156,000‑square‑foot turf field with 120,000 square feet covered; sports‑medicine facilities; and lounge and study spaces intended to create a sense of community.
(Credit: Citrus Heights City Council - March 11, 2026.)
To illustrate the economic implications, project attorney Martha Lofgren summarized the independent study attached to the city’s staff report. She noted that the Sunrise Sports Center is expected to generate 1.29 million visits per year, emphasizing that “the annual earnings that will be brought to the residents of Citrus Heights… is estimated to be $12.1 million.” She further stated that total annual economic impact is projected at $26.2 million, driven by visitors, job creation, lodging, restaurants, and local spending.
The hours‑long meeting featured heavy public engagement, including more than 50 written comments and many in‑person speakers. Residents voiced enthusiasm for transforming the long‑declining mall and urged the city to ensure that arts nonprofit Royal Stage Theater remains part of the site’s future. Throughout the evening, councilmembers expressed equal parts excitement and gratitude for the magnitude of the opportunity.
Vice Mayor Porsche Middleton reflected on the project’s unexpected scale, saying, “Never in a million years would I have thought this is what would come to our table.” District 4 Councilmember Dr. Jayna Karpinski-Costa added that the project was “pretty close to a magic wand moment.” Voting remotely while undergoing medical treatment, Schaefer said, “I regret that I can’t be here in person for this historic vote but absolute 100% yes.” Mayor MariJane Lopez-Taff closed out the roll call with an enthusiastic, “Whoo, yes, absolutely.”
With the agreement now approved, the city and developer will begin the formal entitlement process. Lofgren explained that next steps include “a traffic study and noise study” along with selection of an environmental review path under CEQA. She emphasized that the team will “coordinate with your staff… [and] do that in an appropriate way so that people can ask a lot of questions about what is this project and what does it mean.”
As Feeney summarized earlier in the meeting, the Sunrise Sports Center represents the long‑sought spark needed to relaunch Sunrise Mall as a vibrant mixed‑use district. “This is absolutely that catalyst that makes it happen,” he said.
Story Image; Adobe Stock Photo. Submit Citrus Heights tips and story ideas to Sarah Denos at sarahkdenos@gmail.com.
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