Remote Surveillance Trailer in Citrus Heights, CA

CITRUS HEIGHTS, Calif. —

The Citrus Heights City Council unanimously voted to approve a proposal to transform a portion of the old Sunrise Mall location into a "first facility of its kind in California" as a home-to-sports complex, complete with full-size ice rinks, turf fields, and a concert arena, according to organizers from The Mettle Shop.

Wednesday night, during the city council, members of the community urged city leaders to pass the resolution.

The proposal, in partnership with The Mettle Shop and Tallen Capital Partners, would transform the 100-acre site into a 160,000-square-foot Sunrise Sports Center.

What's proposed in Sunrise Sports Center

The complex could be in use year-round and host tournaments, leagues, practices, recreational activities, concerts and conferences, according to The Mettle Shop.

"We're looking at 352 full-time job equivalents. And so we will have games. We'll have people there. You know, it's 365 days a year, 20 hours a day. So there are a lot of jobs that are going to be needed to make the place run. And we're excited to get people in there,"said Joe Wagoner, the CEO of The Mettle Shop.

The company also said the project could generate $26.2 million in annual economic output, attracting 1.29 million visits each year to the area.

"Beyond the facility itself, the proposed project is expected to play a catalytic role in advancing the broader Sunrise Tomorrow vision," read a statement on the city's website.

So when can construction begin?

"We'll get in the ground end of this year. Ideally, opening Q1 or Q2 of 2028," said Wagoner.

The city says there are still a lot of steps that will come next, like studies on noise impacts and traffic.

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A green light was given for a new arena in Citrus Heights, where the city council took the first steps toward building a new sports venue at Sunrise Mall.

Joe Wagoner leads the development team that's working to build a new indoor ice hockey arena at the struggling retail site.

"Between (Highway) 50 and (Interstate) 80, 1.6 million people within a 30-minute drive time, it's perfect for what we're doing," Wagoner said.

The venue would have two ice rinks and a covered outdoor sports field. It could accommodate a minor league hockey team and host other events like skating, soccer, basketball and concerts.

The facility would be on the same spot where the Sacramento Capitals pro tennis team played back in the 1990s and 2000s and would also require demolition of the now-vacant Macy's building.

"This is a really exciting step towards a new chapter for Citrus Heights Sunrise Mall," said Meghan Huber, the economic development director for the City of Citrus Heights.

The city has been working for years to redevelop the mall and says a new sports arena would be a big economic boost.

"This destination will help attract tourism uses like hotels, dining, entertainment," Huber said.

A study shows it would create more than 350 jobs and generate about $40 million in annual revenue, with more than 1 million visitors each year.

Wednesday night's city council meeting was the first public opportunity to comment on the proposal.

The developers are asking the city for $60 million, which is half of the project's total cost. Funding would be raised through selling bonds, which would not require a public vote.

The city's general fund could be impacted if the developer defaults.

"It would be repaid using project revenues which helps mitigate risk," Huber said.

New hopes that hockey and other ice sports could heat up activity at this important city attraction.

"Everyone wants this to happen as quickly as possible," Huber said.

The next steps include drafting the planning designs and community outreach before a final vote can be taken. The developer says he hopes to have the arena open in about two years.

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