The Omaha City Council has approved a $106 million project that will bring a new stadium for Union Omaha to downtown, near 11th and Izard streets and the Millwork Commons development.
The project includes more than the soccer venue. A little over $10 million of the budget is designated for apartments, restaurants and parking as part of the broader development. The stadium is planned for an area that has become a focus of downtown redevelopment.
Project components
- A new stadium for Union Omaha near 11th and Izard streets.
- Apartments, restaurants and parking included in the surrounding development.
- MECA is expected to operate the stadium after construction is complete.
The council’s approval follows action by Nebraska officials allowing the use of turnback tax revenue for the new downtown soccer stadium. The project has been described as a stadium district, with the stadium and related private development forming a single downtown investment.
Union Omaha’s sporting director, Jamie Henderson, said the club sees room to expand beyond its current men’s team. He identified a possible academy and women’s team as examples of future growth for the organization, while also pointing to the broader reach of women’s sports in Nebraska.
“We've only really scraped the surface of what Union Omaha can do in terms of growing a fan base. Obviously, right now it's just a men's team, but if we look towards the future as well, an academy, a women's team, which we know how big women's sports is in this state. You know, Nebraska volleyball is a pioneer in that, and I think that translates to all sports, and we're super excited about the potential of doing that.” — Jamie Henderson, Union Omaha sporting director
Construction crews plan to break ground on the stadium next month. Completion is expected around 2028. MECA, the Metropolitan Entertainment & Convention Authority, is expected to manage operations once the facility is finished.
The council action gives the stadium project its local approval as Omaha continues to add development around the Millwork Commons area. The approved plan combines the soccer facility with housing, dining and parking rather than limiting the investment to the stadium itself.
