SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A new partnership with Sky River Casino and Sacramento State Athletics announced Friday takes effect immediately and lasts until June 2027. It's valued at nearly $250,000.
The deal includes the title sponsorship to Saturday’s Causeway Classic where Wilton Rancheria will be recognized as part of Native American Heritage Day. According to senior associate athletic director Andy Fiske, a special helmet will be worn at the game with a tribal design for the first time in the school’s history.
“This has never been done at Sac State and this a unique opportunity,” said Fiske.
Wilton Rancheria also recently made headlines with its major investment in Sac Republic FC’s new stadium. ABC10 asked Wilton Rancheria Chairman Jesus Tarango why athletics as a new avenue.
“Athletics is a great thing to do. It’s a great demographic in the sense that you can reach far more people through sports, and sports is a place where it doesn’t matter what color you are, where you come from. You are there to share a passion for a game, so for us it’s a good platform to use to also tell our story as well,” said Tarango.
Sacramento State President Luke Wood is ecstatic about the partnership as Sacramento State just became the California State University with the highest Native American student enrollment. It also recently announced the new Native American College in collaboration with the Tribe.
“Yes, there is a sponsorship for athletic programs. Yes, there is an impact on uniforms, but what Native students are going to see is more resources to help support them going through college,” said Wood.
The deal also includes the sponsorship of a 2025 home game, the 2026 Causeway Classic, the Sky River Casino end zone VIP area, plus opportunities for fans to win prizes during sporting events.
WATCH MORE ON ABC10: Sacramento State makes history with new Native American College
