A recent development proposition details proposals for an extensive multipurpose sports and recreational complex situated in southern Folsom, below Highway 50.
On Monday, The Mettle Shop, which develops sports and entertainment venues, submitted a project application to the city of Folsom for the proposed Folsom Ranch Sports Complex.
A 410,000-square-foot building is slated for development on a 21-acre plot of land.
At the northwest corner of Prairie City Road and Alder Creek Parkway.
According to a press statement from the firm, the suggested facility will feature a 3,000-capacity arena, an official National Hockey League-size ice surface, two extra NHL-standard training rinks, along with a 126,000-square-foot enclosed outdoor turf area equipped with lights.
Mettle Shop is a firm focused on developing sports and live entertainment facilities. They have managed and operated places like the Golden 1 Center, Sutter Health Park, Oakland Coliseum, and Heart Health Park at Cal Expo.
Characterized as a versatile venue, the establishment intends to host an extensive range of sports and communal activities.
“The facility is designed to host tournaments, practices, and public recreational activities for ice hockey, figure skating, basketball, volleyball, pickleball, lacrosse, soccer, and many other sports,” the company said. “When not used for sporting events, the facility can accommodate conferences, art installations, family festivals, live music and other community gatherings.”
According to company representatives, the facility will accommodate up to 24 volleyball courts which can be transformed into 27 youth basketball courts. Furthermore, it includes 145,000 square feet of open-air area along with almost 20,000 square feet designated for office spaces meant for medical services and athletic recovery.
Joe Wagoner, the CEO of The Mettel Shop, stated in a company press release that their application to introduce the recreational facility in Folsom and throughout the larger Sacramento area is “highly anticipated” and much needed.
The Folsom Ranch Sports Complex won’t just address the local shortage of facilities for ice sports; it will also offer versatile areas suitable for various indoor and outdoor sporting activities, including basketball, volleyball, lacrosse, and soccer,” stated Wagoner. “We aim to develop an arena that fortifies communal ties via athletics, recreational pursuits, and leisure activities.
In a press statement released by the city, Folsom Mayor Sarah Aquino supported this view, noting that Folsom has been “looking forward” to receiving an official application for the sports facility.
“A facility of this scale could bring exciting new opportunities for recreation, tourism, entertainment, and economic activity to our city,” Aquino said. “While the concept still needs to go through the city’s thorough review process, we appreciate the developer’s investment in Folsom and look forward to learning more as the proposal moves forward.”
The project application, which encompasses an environmental assessment, is presently being evaluated by the municipal authorities. City Spokesperson Christine Brainerd indicated that this process might last around half a year prior to reaching consideration by both the city’s planning commission and the city council.
“We anticipate this project to be heard before the end of this year,” Brainerd said. “The exact timeline will depend on the results of the city’s review and the duration of the environmental review process. The community will be invited to participate in the review and evaluation process during the public hearings for the project.”
According to the developer, the complex is expected to attract more than 1.3 million visitors annually, support hundreds of jobs and generate an estimated $23.7 million in annual economic activity from retail, lodging, dining and entertainment.
