On Tuesday, the Sacramento City Council voted 7-0 to approve a $33 million incentive package to help a local investment group build streets and infrastructure around a privately funded $252 million soccer stadium in a downtown railyard, as detailed by the Sacramento Bee.
The package, which was negotiated over the last few months between Sacramento city officials and supermarket magnate Ron Burkle — who is leading Sacramento's bid — will also include fee waivers, tax rebates and advertising rights to help boost the plans.
According to Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg, it’s a clear indication of the city’s desire to join Major League Soccer.
“We have demonstrated to the league that we want this,” he was quoted in the Sacramento Bee. “We are absolutely the right choice for this league.”
Major League Soccer released the following statement immediately after the council’s vote:
“Major League Soccer is pleased the Sacramento City Council unanimously approved the preliminary term sheet for construction of a new soccer stadium at the Railyards site should Sacramento be awarded an MLS expansion club. We look forward to continuing our discussions with Ron Burkle and his partners regarding possible MLS expansion in Sacramento.”
According to the Bee, the city’s soccer officials, possibly including Mayor Steinberg, will travel to Los Angeles next week to make their case at the league’s annual Board of Governors meeting.
