Sacramento High School Stadium Upgrades Face Public Scrutiny

Rio Americano High's proposed stadium changes draw both support and pushback ahead of public comment deadline.

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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A plan to upgrade the stadium at Rio Americano High School in Sacramento is generating both support and opposition from the local community. The San Juan Unified School District is currently in the public comment phase of the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) process, inviting feedback on potential environmental impacts such as noise, lighting, and traffic before finalizing the project design.

Why it matters

The proposed stadium upgrades, which could include permanent lighting, expanded seating, and an upgraded sound system, have raised concerns from residents and environmental groups about the potential disruption to the nearby American River Parkway, a federally and state-designated Wild and Scenic River area.

The details

The planned stadium changes include four 80-foot permanent light poles, six 15-foot light poles in the walkway for safety, an upgraded PA system, and expanded bleachers that would increase seating capacity from just under 300 to 2,500. Opponents argue these additions could increase noise, light pollution, and traffic, as well as threaten wildlife habitat and alter the character of the surrounding neighborhoods.

  • The public comment period for the Notice of Preparation and Initial Study ends on February 5, 2026.
  • The San Juan Unified School District is currently in the Notice of Preparation phase of the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) process.

The players

San Juan Unified School District

The school district overseeing Rio Americano High School and the proposed stadium upgrade project.

Save the American River

A local group that has raised concerns about the potential environmental impacts of the stadium project on the nearby American River Parkway.

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What’s next

The community is invited to provide feedback on the Notice of Preparation and Initial Study through Feb. 5, 2026. Comments can be shared via the online feedback form or by emailing construction@sanjuan.edu with any questions.

The takeaway

This proposed stadium upgrade project highlights the ongoing tension between the needs of a growing school community and the preservation of sensitive environmental areas like the American River Parkway. The public comment period is a critical step in ensuring all stakeholder concerns are heard and addressed before the project moves forward.