By Sara Beth Williams–
A new sports and entertainment complex is being proposed for Sunrise Mall, the city announced Friday.
Citrus Heights City Council members will consider an Economic Development Participation Agreement with The Mettle Shop during the next council meeting on March 11, involving a proposal to build a Sunrise Sports Complex and entertainment facility to the Sunrise Mall property, the city council agenda confirms.
The next City Council meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. at Citrus Heights City Hall.
The proposed Sunrise Sports Center would take up 160,000 square feet on 11 acres and include a 4,000-seat arena. The proposal has been made by The Mettle Shop, a sports entertainment venue developer.
The complex is proposed to include two NHL-sized sheets of ice that will accommodate hockey, ice skating, curling, figure skating, and public recreational programming, with seating that can accommodate up to 4,000 people, including club-level suites.
As well, the facility would also be able to accommodate multiple youth and adult recreational sports activities, aside from ice-related activities, including lacrosse, rugby, soccer, basketball, softball, football, flag football, and more, the complex’s website states.
Other additional features of the proposed complex include 126,000 feet of covered and lit turf field and additional turf space and 17,000 square feet of medical space to lease out.
A rendering displayed on The Mettle Shop’s website dedicated to the potential Sunrise Sports Center shows three different sports fields, along with two ice rinks side by side with arena bleachers for seating.
The facility would be open 365-days-a-year and also accommodate live music and other entertainment programming, tournaments, exhibitions, and a variety of youth and adult recreational sports and activities. The facility would also provide professional-grade training and fitness facilities and pro shop and equipment services.
The sports and entertainment venue is designed to be a catalyst for economic growth by creating jobs, linking communities, and attracting visitors from across the region with events that support local hotels, restaurants, and businesses, The Mettle Shop states on the project’s website, adding that the facility’s amenities and features would attract an estimated 1.29 million guests per year.
“We believe that sports have the power to strengthen and enrich communities, and we are genuinely excited to collaborate with Citrus Heights and Tallen Capital Partners to bring these opportunities to life through the Sunrise Sports Center,” said Joe Wagoner, CEO of The Mettle Shop, in a press release. “This development will create new avenues for regional entertainment, ice sports that will include hockey, arena events, concerts, recreation, wellness, and community engagement.”
Citrus Heights city officials said in a statement that the council meeting and potential partnership represent “the next step in advancing the proposed Sunrise Sports Center, the first major development project under the Sunrise Tomorrow Specific Plan.” Residents are encouraged to attend or watch the meeting live on the city’s YouTube channel.
Those who wish to submit public comment during council meetings can do so by attending the regular city council meeting on March 11 at 6 p.m. at Citrus Heights City Hall or by submitting public comment online before 4 p.m. on the day of the council meeting. Comments can be submitted online here.
Citrus Heights City Hall is located at 6360 Fountain Square Drive.
