FCS program Sacramento State announced plans Thursday to build a new stadium with the hope of landing an invitation from the rebuilding Pac-12.
The announcement comes while the Pac-12 and Mountain West are engaged in a massive fight for schools at a time in which there is a shortage of available Western programs.
Sacramento State, located in the capital city of California, is preparing for its bid to join the league by building the new facility that would have at least 25,000 seats.
Sac State president Luke Wood said during a press conference that the stadium would also be used for soccer and rugby and would host commencements.
“This will be a place where the community can come together and celebrate together,” Wood said. “This will be a stadium where teams can compete on a national stage and show the country the best of Sacramento State and the best of our city and our region.”
Area leaders are rallying around the project.
“Sacramento State is ready to take the national stage with the elevation of our university to the Pac-12,” California State Sen. Angelique Ashby said in a news release. “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.”
Sacramento is home to the Sacramento Kings, an NBA team that receives strong local support. The city also will host the Oakland Athletics for the next three seasons until their new ballpark in Las Vegas is ready.
Sacramento State has been in the Big Sky since 1996 but only recently raised the level of its football program.
The Hornets have made the FCS playoffs four times since 2019, including winning first-round games the past two seasons. They never previously qualified for the FCS playoffs.
Sacramento State made the Division II playoffs in 1988, winning two games to reach the semifinals before losing to North Dakota State.
The Hornets defeated Stanford 30-23 last season for their third win against a then-Pac-12 program. Sacramento State also defeated Oregon State in 2011 and Colorado in 2012. Oregon State is still a member of the Pac-12.
