Mayor Steinberg said the agreement is not only about sports, but is about “$1 billion worth of economic development investment in our city.”

“All of the sudden, this great extension of downtown is going to have life,” Mayor Steinberg said. “Imagine what that’s going to mean for our city and our tax base. This is just a great combination of so many things Sacramento wants and deserves.”

Councilmember Jeff Harris, whose district includes The Railyards, said he thinks development there will also help the adjacent River District, which he also represents. “I believe it will unlock potential and move our city forward in a very significant way,” he said.

Fans turned out in force to send a clear message of support both to the City Council and to Major League Soccer, whose board meets later this month in Los Angeles. All of the current Republic FC players also attended. The agreement between the Republic FC investors and the City is contingent on the team being awarded an MLS franchise.

“We’ve done all the League asked for and more…..and now is the time to deliver to this proud city the good news it deserves,” Mayor Steinberg said.

Matt Alvarez, a Hollywood film producer who has signed on with Burkle as a major investor in the Republic FC, said “it’s clear there’s no better fan base than right here in Sacramento.”