Downtown Soccer Stadium (11th & Millwork Ave)

[strangerthings]

Hopefully any stadium would be designed with future expansion in mind. Who’s to say the team won’t be incredibly successful, on the field AND in ticket sales. Omaha’s continued movement forward might change the trajectory of our growth patterns in the next two decades (not saying we’ll be of MLS size yet, but a worthy competitor).

Any one know the MLS requirements for a city?

I'm no sports nut, but I feel Omaha is getting to a point where we need a NFL, NBA, MLS tier pro sport team to get certain "gets" for the market.
Like company X is considering opening the next franchise in OKC or Omaha. Maybe because pro sports is part of their key demographics...

Apparently our Nielssen ratings suck (Maybe because we are a mid-size city right next to a small city?), but our catchment is theoretically great.

Best shot is a NHL team. We aren’t getting a team in a sport already represented in Kansas City.

The thinking being KC would root for the closest team the way many Nebraskans root for the Chiefs?

KC people would never adopt an Omaha team as their own on a large scale. I don't see it ever happening. They would see Omaha as an inferior market to KC and would probably just start pushing harder again to get their own franchise. I'm honestly really surprised KC never got a team. The Sprint center was built for an NHL team. The NHL has often needed viable Western Conference franchises. They'd still have a leg up over Omaha for an expansion team. The now t-mobile center is more NHL ready with a close to 18k capacity for hockey vs. CHI which is in the 14,500 range for hockey based on when UNO played there.

Phoenix has held some of these markets hostage for years. Bettman has been adamant on making that market work for hockey when it's been a proven failure. You now have an NHL team playing in a 7k college arena, but he still won't give up. He's been leveraging the less sexy Western Conference markets like KC as a soft landing spot for the Coyotes or maybe even Flames if they can't get a new arena in their home market, but the Phoenix and Calgary situations have been in limbo for so long. The sexier expansion markets of Seattle and Las Vegas were served first while KC has waited since the Penguins flirted with them in the mid 00's.

KC already has the Blues 3.5 hours away, and there is a near 0 following in the city. NBA could also be an option for the city.

[ita]

Hopefully any stadium would be designed with future expansion in mind. Who’s to say the team won’t be incredibly successful, on the field AND in ticket sales. Omaha’s continued movement forward might change the trajectory of our growth patterns in the next two decades (not saying we’ll be of MLS size yet, but a worthy competitor).

Any one know the MLS requirements for a city?

I'm no sports nut, but I feel Omaha is getting to a point where we need a NFL, NBA, MLS tier pro sport team to get certain "gets" for the market.
Like company X is considering opening the next franchise in OKC or Omaha. Maybe because pro sports is part of their key demographics...

Apparently our Nielssen ratings suck (Maybe because we are a mid-size city right next to a small city?), but our catchment is theoretically great.

Best shot is a NHL team. We aren’t getting a team in a sport already represented in Kansas City.

The thinking being KC would root for the closest team the way many Nebraskans root for the Chiefs?

KC people would never adopt an Omaha team as their own on a large scale. I don't see it ever happening. They would see Omaha as an inferior market to KC and would probably just start pushing harder again to get their own franchise. I'm honestly really surprised KC never got a team. The Sprint center was built for an NHL team. The NHL has often needed viable Western Conference franchises. They'd still have a leg up over Omaha for an expansion team. The now t-mobile center is more NHL ready with a close to 18k capacity for hockey vs. CHI which is in the 14,500 range for hockey based on when UNO played there.

Phoenix has held some of these markets hostage for years. Bettman has been adamant on making that market work for hockey when it's been a proven failure. You now have an NHL team playing in a 7k college arena, but he still won't give up. He's been leveraging the less sexy Western Conference markets like KC as a soft landing spot for the Coyotes or maybe even Flames if they can't get a new arena in their home market, but the Phoenix and Calgary situations have been in limbo for so long. The sexier expansion markets of Seattle and Las Vegas were served first while KC has waited since the Penguins flirted with them in the mid 00's.

KC already has the Blues 3.5 hours away, and there is a near 0 following in the city. NBA could also be an option for the city.

There's no way we get an NBA team, unless Uncle Warren decides to plop $6 billion on a team and arena.

Cordero mentioned a pro women's soccer team, but KC has the Current in the tier 1 NWSL, so we may be too close in such a small league. Average attendance for all but a couple teams is under 4-5k, so the possible new stadium would be more than enough. The league is fairly new still, so maybe we can get a team, unless he's referring to a tier 2 league.

Edit: came across this article just now. (https://www.cnbc.com/2021/01/14/kansas- ... vegas.html) KC is missing a billionaire owner. Omaha should throw in their chips.

[Padre]

Cordero mentioned a pro women's soccer team, but KC has the Monarchs in the tier 1 NWSL, so we may be too close in such a small league. Average attendance for all but a couple teams is under 4-5k, so the possible new stadium would be more than enough. The league is fairly new still, so maybe we can get a team, unless he's referring to a tier 2 league.

I suspect what he is referrring to is a tier 2 league. The USL is organizing what they calling the Super League, which would be comperable to Union Omaha.

https://www.uslsoccer.com/usl-super-league-about

[ita]

Cordero mentioned a pro women's soccer team, but KC has the Monarch in the tier 1 NWSL, so we may be too close in such a small league. Average attendance for all but a couple teams is under 4-5k, so the possible new stadium would be more than enough. The league is fairly new still, so maybe we can get a team, unless he's referring to a tier 2 league.

I suspect what he is referrring to is a tier 2 league. The USL is organizing what they calling the Super League, which would be comperable to Union Omaha.

https://www.uslsoccer.com/usl-super-league-about

Thanks for the link. Also, I named the wrong team. KC women's soccer team is the Current. My bad. Anyway, I was thinking tier 1 because of the planned capacity, but you're probably right.

[NEDodger]

Hopefully any stadium would be designed with future expansion in mind. Who’s to say the team won’t be incredibly successful, on the field AND in ticket sales. Omaha’s continued movement forward might change the trajectory of our growth patterns in the next two decades (not saying we’ll be of MLS size yet, but a worthy competitor).

Any one know the MLS requirements for a city?

I'm no sports nut, but I feel Omaha is getting to a point where we need a NFL, NBA, MLS tier pro sport team to get certain "gets" for the market.
Like company X is considering opening the next franchise in OKC or Omaha. Maybe because pro sports is part of their key demographics...

Apparently our Nielssen ratings suck (Maybe because we are a mid-size city right next to a small city?), but our catchment is theoretically great.

Best shot is a NHL team. We aren’t getting a team in a sport already represented in Kansas City.

The thinking being KC would root for the closest team the way many Nebraskans root for the Chiefs?

If they did, fine, but I don’t know if KC people would. It’s more of a “there’s not enough people between the two cities to allow for redundant teams in the same pro league”.

KC would get a NHL team before us, but NHL is probably still our best shot.

[NEDodger]

Hopefully any stadium would be designed with future expansion in mind. Who’s to say the team won’t be incredibly successful, on the field AND in ticket sales. Omaha’s continued movement forward might change the trajectory of our growth patterns in the next two decades (not saying we’ll be of MLS size yet, but a worthy competitor).

Any one know the MLS requirements for a city?

I'm no sports nut, but I feel Omaha is getting to a point where we need a NFL, NBA, MLS tier pro sport team to get certain "gets" for the market.
Like company X is considering opening the next franchise in OKC or Omaha. Maybe because pro sports is part of their key demographics...

Apparently our Nielssen ratings suck (Maybe because we are a mid-size city right next to a small city?), but our catchment is theoretically great.

Best shot is a NHL team. We aren’t getting a team in a sport already represented in Kansas City.

The thinking being KC would root for the closest team the way many Nebraskans root for the Chiefs?

If they did, fine, but I don’t know if KC people would. It’s more of a “there’s not enough people between the two cities to allow for redundant teams in the same pro league”.

KC would likely get a NHL team before us, but NHL is probably still our best shot.

[Big E]

d-oops-licate.

[Big E]

The only thing that matters to the Big Four leagues (NBA, NHL, NFL, and MLB) when it comes to expansion or team location is TV money. Period, full stop. (OK, maybe which taxpayers they can sucker into bulding them a stadium, too, but TV is king.)

They all have federal anti-trust exemptions which allows them to stay at whatever number of teams they want and in turn control the supply regardless of demand. There is absolutely zero reason for any of them to move or expand into the Omaha market or any other market like it now that anyone can get any TV coverage anywhere if they are willing to pay for it. You could have 32 teams in Los Angeles for all the NFL cares as long as people back east are paying for Sunday Ticket to watch the Los Angeles Eagles play the LA Chiefs journey to the Super Bowl.

Omaha is not getting any franchise that KC already has (or proabbly had, for that matter... looking at you Omaha-KC Kings of Sacramento (who also also would never get a team now, like Green Bay or Buffalo)).

Why people put themselves through this thoguht exercise regualrly is beyond me.

[Louie]

The only thing that matters to the Big Four leagues (NBA, NHL, NFL, and MLB) when it comes to expansion or team location is TV money. Period, full stop. (OK, maybe which taxpayers they can sucker into bulding them a stadium, too, but TV is king.)

They all have federal anti-trust exemptions which allows them to stay at whatever number of teams they want and in turn control the supply regardless of demand. There is absolutely zero reason for any of them to move or expand into the Omaha market or any other market like it now that anyone can get any TV coverage anywhere if they are willing to pay for it. You could have 32 teams in Los Angeles for all the NFL cares as long as people back east are paying for Sunday Ticket to watch the Los Angeles Eagles play the LA Chiefs journey to the Super Bowl.

Omaha is not getting any franchise that KC already has (or proabbly had, for that matter... looking at you Omaha-KC Kings of Sacramento (who also also would never get a team now, like Green Bay or Buffalo)).

Why people put themselves through this thoguht exercise regualrly is beyond me.

Same, just enjoy the minor league teams we have. We are still just not that important of a market for them. And that's ok. Trying to get a major four sports team isn't some feather in the cap that we need to shoot for.

[Omaha Cowboy]

Major League sports for a 1 million population metro like Omaha is a pipe dream at best unfortunately..

I used to think the NHL was a possibility, I see now that it isn’t. The NBA? Omaha was fortunate back in the 1970’s to have the KC-Omaha Kings play games in our market. And you better believe, I went to most all Kings home games played in Omaha during that 6 year time. Oklahoma City really *shouldn’t* have an NBA team either..That city benefited from a local OKC billionaire businessman..who purchased the Seattle SuperSonics and tried to hold that city hostage for a new arena venue when all long, his intent was to move the team to his hometown once their arena was completed in OKC..So unless providence occurs, and Omaha benefits from having that same anomaly happen, we can forget about the NBA too..

Where does that leave us? The best thing, is to try and attain the highest level of Minor League sports we can. Omaha already has that in baseball with the AAA Storm Chasers..The next step is to try and attain the highest possible soccer league affiliation. A stadium proposal such as this, would go a LONG way in helping Omaha attain that goal..

Sorry for the major league sports wet blanket. Just keeping it real…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[stormchaser]

Major League sports for a 1 million population metro like Omaha is a pipe dream at best unfortunately..

I used to think the NHL was a possibility, I see now that it isn’t. The NBA? Omaha was fortunate back in the 1970’s to have the KC-Omaha Kings play games in our market. And you better believe, I went to most all Kings home games played in Omaha during that 6 year time. Oklahoma City really *shouldn’t* have an NBA team either..That city benefited from a local OKC billionaire businessman..who purchased the Seattle SuperSonics and tried to hold that city hostage for a new arena venue when all long, his intent was to move the team to his hometown once their arena was completed in OKC..So unless providence occurs, and Omaha benefits from having that same anomaly happen, we can forget about the NBA too..

Where does that leave us? The best thing, is to try and attain the highest level of Minor League sports we can. Omaha already has that in baseball with the AAA Storm Chasers..The next step is to try and attain the highest possible soccer league affiliation. A stadium proposal such as this, would go a LONG way in helping Omaha attain that goal..

Sorry for the major league sports wet blanket. Just keeping it real…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

100% agree.

Most major sports leagues have ~30 teams. We are the 58th largest metro in the Country.

Source:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metropo ... ted_States

Long story short, there are 20+ metro markets larger than Omaha that also lack any of the “big 4” (NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL). At least SOME would likely be in line before we would not to mention the proximity to KC.

That being said, never say never. OKC has an NBA team with Dallas being almost as close to them as KC is to us (~20 mile difference). Of course Tulsa is relatively close to OKC which is another 1 million+ people in that market that we don’t have - so realistically Omaha may need to double in population (and/or Lincoln would need to grow significantly) before we REALLY have a chance .

[nebport5]

Major League sports for a 1 million population metro like Omaha is a pipe dream at best unfortunately..

I used to think the NHL was a possibility, I see now that it isn’t. The NBA? Omaha was fortunate back in the 1970’s to have the KC-Omaha Kings play games in our market. And you better believe, I went to most all Kings home games played in Omaha during that 6 year time. Oklahoma City really *shouldn’t* have an NBA team either..That city benefited from a local OKC billionaire businessman..who purchased the Seattle SuperSonics and tried to hold that city hostage for a new arena venue when all long, his intent was to move the team to his hometown once their arena was completed in OKC..So unless providence occurs, and Omaha benefits from having that same anomaly happen, we can forget about the NBA too..

Where does that leave us? The best thing, is to try and attain the highest level of Minor League sports we can. Omaha already has that in baseball with the AAA Storm Chasers..The next step is to try and attain the highest possible soccer league affiliation. A stadium proposal such as this, would go a LONG way in helping Omaha attain that goal..

Sorry for the major league sports wet blanket. Just keeping it real…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

I think many of us would be content with that. Moving up in the realm of having any professional sports team regularly playing downtown.

[Athomsfere]

I feel like I started a thing here, lol.

Regardless. All great info. I appreciate the input.

For me, I find watching sports generally to be one of the most boring things a person can do. So really, what a lot of what was said here also went right over my head.

I don't really want a team here, but see it's value.

Oh, but I do love a live soccer game, or hockey game from time to time. Or to hit the CWS every few years maybe. Keep it novel, keep it fun IMO.


More than anything else: I know we are a much better city at "acting like a city" than say OKC, and I just want to see us beat the pants off that town lol

[halgy]

I'd be surprised if the State pitches in but not doing so is so short sighted IMO. The amount of tax revenue something like this would generate for the State is worth it, not to mention attracting/retaining talent in the area. Instead they like to focus on silly things like "permitless conceal and carry"... - because 'Merica!

Meh.

I want a stadium, too, and am as pro-development as most on this board. However, using public money to build sports stadiums is pretty widely regarded as a bad deal. Tax revenue doesn't go up that much, as people just spend it doing other leisure activities instead. Any meager increase that does happen isn't enough to cover the investment in any practical time period. To be fair, maybe the downside isn't as pronounced for smaller stadiums like this, as compared to the massively expensive NFL stadiums. Still, $50 million worth of investment in transit or mixed-use or affordable housing has a much more certain benefit.

That said, if the development gets approved I'll shut up immediately and enjoy the new stadium in my backyard.

I agree if referring to only direct tax revenue anway.

What I'm referring to is the tax revenue generated in the form of additional development as a result of projects like this one. The jobs created because of the additional development. The increase in property values as a result of increase in demand in the area. The talent that is retained here because of things for younger people to do - which can lead to further development/investment as well by outside corporations. The additional investment into downtown Omaha as things continue to progress toward downtown being "the place to be" and the population increase as a result. The snowball effect in other words that can lead to significant amounts of indirect tax revenue increases all started with a project like this one. I realize these are all things that are almost impossible to put a number on but to me it still makes projects like this worth it for the state.

[Coyote]

Union Omaha looking to build new soccer stadium
The team currently plays in Werner Park, a baseball stadium

Omaha’s professional soccer team is hoping to build a new stadium downtown and a bill in the Nebraska Legislature could help them pay for it. For the last few years, Union Omaha has been looking to build its own stadium. “You know Union Omaha right now is playing in a baseball stadium,” said Union Omaha President Martie Cordaro. Cordaro says Werner Park has been a great home-field advantage.

[thenewguy]

Do it. You can never have too many stadiums

[Omahomie]

I know we have beat the dead horse when it comes to talking about getting a professional team but I still believe it’s our best opportunity at landing one. The big four (NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL) are already established and I don’t see Omaha as a big enough market. The difference in soccer is the MLS isn’t done growing and has the possibility of merging with the USL. In most every other country there is promotion and regulation and the cream rises to the top no matter the market size. We’ve seen the investment and the success of Union Omaha in the Open Cup. I believe with the diverse demographics and overall global infatuation with soccer it has unlimited potential. I hate to use tax dollars but this would also come along with mixed use development and become yet another destination that would pay for itself over time. Also adding more entertainment that this city truly lacks for college aged and young professionals to really fall in love with this city.

[PotatoeEatsFish]

I worked with an MLS team in Salt Lake City in the fall. Omaha is a perfect market for MLS and the stadium is pretty standard for these teams. Having an MLS stadium you can take a streetcar to from your apartment will definitely help keep younger people here.

[omaha79]

I worked with an MLS team in Salt Lake City in the fall. Omaha is a perfect market for MLS and the stadium is pretty standard for these teams. Having an MLS stadium you can take a streetcar to from your apartment will definitely help keep younger people here.

I don't see it. Bigger soccer communities, like St. Louis, have struggled to get MLS franchises. Take a look at the stadium and facility that St. Louis ultimately had to build to attract a team and tell me if it looks like something Omaha would be "all in" on building. 22,500 seats, dedicated practice facility...at a cost of $457 million dollars.

https://www.stlcitysc.com/stadium/

By today's standards, Children's Mercy Park in KC is actually quite outdated and really doesn't live up to MLS building standards going forward. If Omaha wanted MLS, expect to be into a stadium to the tune of close to a half a billion dollars by the time you'd break ground, maybe more with inflation.

Also, the cities MLS is talking about for further expansion aren't 3rd tier markets like Omaha. They are talking cities like San Diego, Las Vegas, Tampa, Sacramento, and Phoenix. Every one of those markets has advantages over Omaha from market size, national perception, and climate.

When Omaha talks about getting into the best division they can be in, it's USL Championship. It's probably not MLS or MLS Next Pro as the MLS teams have seemed to want to keep their feeder teams in their home market so everyone can practice together. The affiliated teams that were in USL Championship have exited for the MLS system, it seems.

I see MLS as a pipe dream at this point unless we had a billionaire in Omaha willing to almost totally fund a stadium, entry fee, etc. and make it a vanity project. We don't seem to have one of those lying around.

[djc311]

I see MLS as a pipe dream at this point unless we had a billionaire in Omaha willing to almost totally fund a stadium, entry fee, etc. and make it a vanity project. We don't seem to have one of those lying around.

I assume Charlie Munger doesn't live in Omaha full time, if at all - even though he's been a significant component of Buffett's company.

In any case, he has to be worth billions... just convince him he can play "pretend architect" and design a soccer stadium for an MLS team if he buys one and puts it in Omaha. I mean we'll have to accept some compromises with the overall stadium design such as solid concrete walls with no windows in the shape of a huge Kleenex box. I mean you have to be willing to make some sacrifices sometimes, right?!?

[almighty_tuna]

At this point we're getting so far ahead of ourselves this is becoming one of those ridiculous "what if" threads. Since this is now somewhat in the NE legislature's hands, let's contact our state senators and worry about getting this stadium. MLS may or may not be in the cards someday but it's not gonna happen at Werner Park. Who knows, if promotion/relegation ever happens we have a chance - even Bournemouth in the EPL has an 11k seat stadium.

Cordero is definitely shooting his shot for USLCL and it will be a great move for the core to have a regular sports tenant hosting larger market teams from March-October. That is a LONG season, folks. Businesses will be able to count on that regular attendance - not just sporting event vendors but sponsorship/marketing, hyperlocal buy-in from North Downtown & core residents driving traffic to the area. It's not going to be a dead stadium most of the year like The Chuck. Given Cordero's prior record of community investment and success with the Owls and Storm Chasers this will be a successful next step if it can get the finances behind it.

[omaha79]

At this point we're getting so far ahead of ourselves this is becoming one of those ridiculous "what if" threads. Since this is now somewhat in the NE legislature's hands, let's contact our state senators and worry about getting this stadium. MLS may or may not be in the cards someday but it's not gonna happen at Werner Park. Who knows, if promotion/relegation ever happens we have a chance - even Bournemouth in the EPL has an 11k seat stadium.

Cordero is definitely shooting his shot for USLCL and it will be a great move for the core to have a regular sports tenant hosting larger market teams from March-October. That is a LONG season, folks. Businesses will be able to count on that regular attendance - not just sporting event vendors but sponsorship/marketing, hyperlocal buy-in from North Downtown & core residents driving traffic to the area. It's not going to be a dead stadium most of the year like The Chuck. Given Cordero's prior record of community investment and success with the Owls and Storm Chasers this will be a successful next step if it can get the finances behind it.

I agree with everything about this. I travel to St. Louis somewhat frequently and the buzz surrounding their new downtown soccer stadium is high. Talking to local business owners, cab drivers, etc. they all said the same thing: "We are happier to have MLS downtown than the NFL." I don't blame them. Soccer brings life to a downtown area in a way things like pro football really doesn't. By investing in soccer, St. Louis will get 20-25 dates a year of reasonably high attendance vs. what they were getting with the NFL at roughly 8-10 dates a year. If you add a secondary tenant like a women's team, it can help further.

This isn't like building a CWS or football stadium that sits empty 95% of the year. I'd also assume that with a 10k stadium downtown, the state tournament would move there as well and would have the ability to host some level of international competition. I'd love to be able to hit a downtown bar or brewery like Kros Strain or The Session Room and then walk to the match. It would create a vibrancy surrounding the event that you simply don't get at Werner.

[ita]

Sorry for the additional speculation Tuna, but it's been on my mind. We've gone down this pro team rabbit hole again, but what about the location for this thing? News reports are "north of downtown? Does that mean north of the CBD, north of North Downtown? I know Millwork Commons is a potential spot, but if you use Morrison as a model, I don't think there is space there. However, I do think there is space in North Downtown. My top option and dream scenario would be at Lot D, across the street from the Chuck. Then Lot B can be developed into a dense district with mixed use buildings, including retail. Like Tuna said, the long soccer season would be an incentive for businesses. Between two tier 2 soccer teams and Creighton's mens basketball, that's a lot regularly scheduled home games throughout the year, in addition to all the conventions and special sporting events like baseball and volleyball that happen in the area.

[thenewguy]

That's a good point. And it seems like soccer is growing in popularity with kids (at least with how many I see playing when my kids do) so the future could look bright

[almighty_tuna]

There's no way this gets built on an existing MECA lot without major upheaval. I would be beyond shocked. The NCAA has sizable influence over MECA & what gets built on the surrounding parking lots and, IMO, Cordero wants autonomy to build his soccer empire. My guess is across Cuming from The Chuck. Given what Lincoln was able to accomplish with PBA and its environs compared to what existed there before, there is precedent to wholly reinvent the area.

[Coyote]

[omaha79]

The empty lot North of Lot D is the only place that makes sense. And, the prior renderings we've seen with a parking garage also tells a lot. They wouldn't want to even have to work with MECA on using their existing surface parking.

[Omaha Cowboy]

I see MLS as a pipe dream at this point unless we had a billionaire in Omaha willing to almost totally fund a stadium, entry fee, etc. and make it a vanity project. We don't seem to have one of those lying around.

I assume Charlie Munger doesn't live in Omaha full time, if at all - even though he's been a significant component of Buffett's company.

Munger lives in California..

But as I stated in a prior post last week, major league sports in a 1 million population metro like Omaha really is a pipe dream..It just won’t happen, probably never. But that doesn’t mean Omaha shouldn’t strive to become the best version of itself it can be- in this case, attempting to provide the highest quality sports entertainment offerings for its citizens..

If this proposed soccer stadium actually becomes a realistic “get”, then Omaha must strive to attain the highest quality level minor league soccer league they can…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[ita]

There's no way this gets built on an existing MECA lot without major upheaval. I would be beyond shocked. The NCAA has sizable influence over MECA & what gets built on the surrounding parking lots and, IMO, Cordero wants autonomy to build his soccer empire. My guess is across Cuming from The Chuck. Given what Lincoln was able to accomplish with PBA and its environs compared to what existed there before, there is precedent to wholly reinvent the area.

I don't know the politics of MECA and the NCAA, but that makes sense.

Are you referring to this lot? Owned by Union Pacific and still has a rail spoke that runs along Abbott. I think a 10k seat stadium would only fit cleanly off of Seward. Otherwise, some of those future forward lots would have to be hacked up, or buildings demolished.

[Garrett]

There's no way this gets built on an existing MECA lot without major upheaval. I would be beyond shocked. The NCAA has sizable influence over MECA & what gets built on the surrounding parking lots and, IMO, Cordero wants autonomy to build his soccer empire. My guess is across Cuming from The Chuck. Given what Lincoln was able to accomplish with PBA and its environs compared to what existed there before, there is precedent to wholly reinvent the area.

I don't know the politics of MECA and the NCAA, but that makes sense.

Are you referring to this lot? Owned by Union Pacific and still has a rail spoke that runs along Abbott. I think a 10k seat stadium would only fit cleanly off of Seward. Otherwise, some of those future forward lots would have to be hacked up, or buildings demolished.

In late 2021 this was what was posted as a rumor

[almighty_tuna]

Around 11th & Nicholas I'd say, heavy on the -ish, especially given the previous rumor that Garrett pointed out. The land owning players will likely be Paul G Smith of Tenaska, Kiewit via Future Forward LLC, and UP. Perhaps some input from Millwork Land Company. Look to see some of those names come up in transactions and we may get a better hint as things progress. The City owns a couple lots in the area as well. With 10k seats you wouldn't want to get too far away from Lots B & D. I wouldn't be surprised it it was angled SW/NE to go somewhat parallel to the UP spur.

[Doctor Fate]

Someone mentioned the MLS team in Salt Lake City, Real Salt Lake. I'll add that the only reason that Real Salt Lake didn't move from Utah is because, during the fiasco to find a site for a new stadium (the county kept vetoing any proposals due to the financial risk), the governor and state legislature stepped in at the 11th hour and created a bill that allowed for some taxes to be enacted that allowed for a significant amount of funding for the stadium to be built in Sandy (a small suburb of Salt Lake City). The total cost of the stadium ended up being $110 million (2008 time value) and the state paid for 32% and Sandy paid for 10%. Even though the stadium is right off the freeway, there have been major difficulties (despite major effort) to get the planned urban community built around it. In 10 years, only a street has been moved and the value of the stadium in 2018 was half of what it was upon completion in 2008. All of the apartments, entertainment, hotels, etc. that have been proposed have not been built. Within the development community, there has been a lot of debate that the stadium should have been built downtown. However, the owner (at the time) wanted it in the suburbs but had it been built downtown the value would have risen.

[omaha79]

I see MLS as a pipe dream at this point unless we had a billionaire in Omaha willing to almost totally fund a stadium, entry fee, etc. and make it a vanity project. We don't seem to have one of those lying around.

I assume Charlie Munger doesn't live in Omaha full time, if at all - even though he's been a significant component of Buffett's company.

Munger lives in California..

But as I stated in a prior post last week, major league sports in a 1 million population metro like Omaha really is a pipe dream..It just won’t happen, probably never. But that doesn’t mean Omaha shouldn’t strive to become the best version of itself it can be- in this case, attempting to provide the highest quality sports entertainment offerings for its citizens..

If this proposed soccer stadium actually becomes a realistic “get”, then Omaha must strive to attain the highest quality level minor league soccer league they can…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

I really do think we still suffer from short mans syndrome as a community when it comes to sports. We support high level power 5 level college athletics like Nebraska football and Creighton basketball. We are good for one off events like CWS, Swim Trials, and something like the MLB in Omaha game. But, present the average sports fan around here with something they perceive as "minor league" and it immediately becomes a difficult sell because we perceive ourselves as a major league city even though we are a smaller metropolitan area. If something can't be seen on a major network, it's not found to be worth our time and remains niche.

Ultimately, we'd have to get into an average of roughly 7k-8k in attendance to make this work. this would mean roughly doubling Union Omaha's current attendance. Is it doable? On paper, it should be with a new facility. However, I have been burned before and just don't trust our city to support a local offering that doesn't fit that upper echelon perception.

UNO Hockey and the Omaha Storm Chasers really didn't see an uptick from a new facility. As much as I want this, and will continue to advocate for it, it will be a huge disaster if they are averaging even 5k in a new soccer facility that's built for 10k.

They'll have to find the right balance in atmosphere and affordability with this. Union tickets currently cost $15-$20 per ticket. That seems to be the right pricing with some occasional deals like buy one get one or discounts. The one thing ownership cannot do is greatly increase the cost to attend just because of the facility. If a "get you in the door" ticket goes from $15 to $25 and parking goes from $5 to $10, they'll have a big problem on their hands.

Just have to have some perspective on the market overall.

[omaha79]

Someone mentioned the MLS team in Salt Lake City, Real Salt Lake. I'll add that the only reason that Real Salt Lake didn't move from Utah is because, during the fiasco to find a site for a new stadium (the county kept vetoing any proposals due to the financial risk), the governor and state legislature stepped in at the 11th hour and created a bill that allowed for some taxes to be enacted that allowed for a significant amount of funding for the stadium to be built in Sandy (a small suburb of Salt Lake City). The total cost of the stadium ended up being $110 million (2008 time value) and the state paid for 32% and Sandy paid for 10%. Even though the stadium is right off the freeway, there have been major difficulties (despite major effort) to get the planned urban community built around it. In 10 years, only a street has been moved and the value of the stadium in 2018 was half of what it was upon completion in 2008. All of the apartments, entertainment, hotels, etc. that have been proposed have not been built. Within the development community, there has been a lot of debate that the stadium should have been built downtown. However, the owner (at the time) wanted it in the suburbs but had it been built downtown the value would have risen.

These things do need to be thought out. Location is key and you can't just slap anything up. Sounds a lot like the Chicago Fire and their boondoggle in Bridgeview before moving back to Soldier Field...

https://mlsmultiplex.com/2019/10/12/chi ... -stadiums/

[Brad]

In late 2021 this was what was posted as a rumor

So I guess I don't remember what I based that old rendering on. Upon further review, I'm not sure how well that will fit on the UP land without some additional property and some buildings coming down.

SOCCER-01.jpg

It would be really tight on lot B also.

SOCCER-02.jpg

[Omaha Cowboy]

I see MLS as a pipe dream at this point unless we had a billionaire in Omaha willing to almost totally fund a stadium, entry fee, etc. and make it a vanity project. We don't seem to have one of those lying around.

I assume Charlie Munger doesn't live in Omaha full time, if at all - even though he's been a significant component of Buffett's company.

Munger lives in California..

But as I stated in a prior post last week, major league sports in a 1 million population metro like Omaha really is a pipe dream..It just won’t happen, probably never. But that doesn’t mean Omaha shouldn’t strive to become the best version of itself it can be- in this case, attempting to provide the highest quality sports entertainment offerings for its citizens..

If this proposed soccer stadium actually becomes a realistic “get”, then Omaha must strive to attain the highest quality level minor league soccer league they can…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

I really do think we still suffer from short mans syndrome as a community when it comes to sports. We support high level power 5 level college athletics like Nebraska football and Creighton basketball. We are good for one off events like CWS, Swim Trials, and something like the MLB in Omaha game. But, present the average sports fan around here with something they perceive as "minor league" and it immediately becomes a difficult sell because we perceive ourselves as a major league city even though we are a smaller metropolitan area. If something can't be seen on a major network, it's not found to be worth our time and remains niche.

Ultimately, we'd have to get into an average of roughly 7k-8k in attendance to make this work. this would mean roughly doubling Union Omaha's current attendance. Is it doable? On paper, it should be with a new facility. However, I have been burned before and just don't trust our city to support a local offering that doesn't fit that upper echelon perception.

UNO Hockey and the Omaha Storm Chasers really didn't see an uptick from a new facility. As much as I want this, and will continue to advocate for it, it will be a huge disaster if they are averaging even 5k in a new soccer facility that's built for 10k.

They'll have to find the right balance in atmosphere and affordability with this. Union tickets currently cost $15-$20 per ticket. That seems to be the right pricing with some occasional deals like buy one get one or discounts. The one thing ownership cannot do is greatly increase the cost to attend just because of the facility. If a "get you in the door" ticket goes from $15 to $25 and parking goes from $5 to $10, they'll have a big problem on their hands.

Just have to have some perspective on the market overall.

I hear what you’re saying and mostly agree..But I come back to the Omaha Nighthawks UFL team, which drew impressive crowds at both Rosenblatt and the Chuck before the league folded. Great atmosphere and having 10-15k at a minor league football game was quite impressive. Football may be the anomaly here.. Considering the popularity of soccer, especially with folks under 40 years old, perhaps it’s an anomaly too..and this new stadium, unlike other minor league sports, can help spark interest and draw the 7000-8000 crowds with consistency..

It’s a pretty expensive “build it and they will come” scenario with no guarantees. But sometimes risk needs to be taken to get reward…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[ita]

I see MLS as a pipe dream at this point unless we had a billionaire in Omaha willing to almost totally fund a stadium, entry fee, etc. and make it a vanity project. We don't seem to have one of those lying around.

I assume Charlie Munger doesn't live in Omaha full time, if at all - even though he's been a significant component of Buffett's company.

Munger lives in California..

But as I stated in a prior post last week, major league sports in a 1 million population metro like Omaha really is a pipe dream..It just won’t happen, probably never. But that doesn’t mean Omaha shouldn’t strive to become the best version of itself it can be- in this case, attempting to provide the highest quality sports entertainment offerings for its citizens..

If this proposed soccer stadium actually becomes a realistic “get”, then Omaha must strive to attain the highest quality level minor league soccer league they can…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

I really do think we still suffer from short mans syndrome as a community when it comes to sports. We support high level power 5 level college athletics like Nebraska football and Creighton basketball. We are good for one off events like CWS, Swim Trials, and something like the MLB in Omaha game. But, present the average sports fan around here with something they perceive as "minor league" and it immediately becomes a difficult sell because we perceive ourselves as a major league city even though we are a smaller metropolitan area. If something can't be seen on a major network, it's not found to be worth our time and remains niche.

Ultimately, we'd have to get into an average of roughly 7k-8k in attendance to make this work. this would mean roughly doubling Union Omaha's current attendance. Is it doable? On paper, it should be with a new facility. However, I have been burned before and just don't trust our city to support a local offering that doesn't fit that upper echelon perception.

UNO Hockey and the Omaha Storm Chasers really didn't see an uptick from a new facility. As much as I want this, and will continue to advocate for it, it will be a huge disaster if they are averaging even 5k in a new soccer facility that's built for 10k.

They'll have to find the right balance in atmosphere and affordability with this. Union tickets currently cost $15-$20 per ticket. That seems to be the right pricing with some occasional deals like buy one get one or discounts. The one thing ownership cannot do is greatly increase the cost to attend just because of the facility. If a "get you in the door" ticket goes from $15 to $25 and parking goes from $5 to $10, they'll have a big problem on their hands.

Just have to have some perspective on the market overall.

I hear what you’re saying and mostly agree..But I come back to the Omaha Nighthawks UFL team, which drew impressive crowds at both Rosenblatt and the Chuck before the league folded. Great atmosphere and having 10-15k at a minor league football game was quite impressive. Football may be the anomaly here.. Considering the popularity of soccer, especially with folks under 40 years old, perhaps it’s an anomaly too..and this new stadium, unlike other minor league sports, can help spark interest and draw the 7000-8000 crowds with consistency..

It’s a pretty expensive “build it and they will come” scenario with no guarantees. But sometimes risk needs to be taken to get reward…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

A couple things I think we can keep in mind as this project progresses. Soccer is a growing sport and has a much more electric atmosphere than baseball. I love baseball, but it just can't compete on an atmosphere level, and that will be a draw unto itself. It's closer to basketball because of the pace and swings in momentum. It's not as niche as some think and we can fill an arena with 18k to watch amateur basketball. What's 7k for a semi pro team?

Union Omaha will have a couple years before this thing is built. If they continue to find success in whatever league they are in, they should have a much broader and loyal fanbase than right now.

Locating out in the suburbs versus downtown makes a huge difference. Issues with paying for parking become optional because of multimodal transit opportunities in the urban environment. Folks living on the Riverfront, Millwork commons, Builders District, will be able to walk to it. Depending on where it ends up being, it could be close to a streetcar station, which for the thousands of people that will live near future route, will open up a nice entertainment option that they don't have to pay parking for.

[ita]

Around 11th & Nicholas I'd say, heavy on the -ish, especially given the previous rumor that Garrett pointed out. The land owning players will likely be Paul G Smith of Tenaska, Kiewit via Future Forward LLC, and UP. Perhaps some input from Millwork Land Company. Look to see some of those names come up in transactions and we may get a better hint as things progress. The City owns a couple lots in the area as well. With 10k seats you wouldn't want to get too far away from Lots B & D. I wouldn't be surprised it it was angled SW/NE to go somewhat parallel to the UP spur.

OK, so you're envisioning something close to where the original rumor put it. I would hate to lose the Midco building, but I would think that would need to go if the stadium was built there. Other than putting on train displays, what is that spur used for? Also, I have read through the current reporting and the bill, but is there a garage contemplated with the stadium?

Another interesting wrinkle is the bill specifically says that the funds would be used to build a soccer stadium with capacity not exceeding 10k seats. So for those hoping that it's being built with an extension in mind, I think 10k will be the final form.

[legato9]

I'd love to see this in North Downtown.

I put the chances of the Unicam approving this funding solidly between zero and none, though. Hopefully Union can figure out how to get the money on their own.

[ita]

Nebraska Legislation Could Fund New Stadium

Dan Vaughn
In 2020, Union Omaha began playing in USL League One and has been a model soccer club from day one. The club has been extremely competitive on the field, finishing the season in the finals two out of three years, including winning the league title in 2021. And let’s not forget that amazing US Open Cup run last year, ending in the quarterfinals, an impressive feat for a division three club. All that quick success has paid off with the fans of Nebraska, who have made Union Omaha one of the top clubs in attendance every year of its existence.

And while nearly 4,000 fans show up every home match, they get to watch this gem of a team play on a converted baseball field. Ask any fan of a lower league team in the United States, the first complaint is American football lines, but the second and WAY worse complaint is a patchy cover over the shape of a baseball diamond. It’s not a good look. And since its founding, Union Omaha has played its matches in Warner Park, a minor league baseball stadium Union shares with the Omaha Storm Chasers, the Triple-A Affiliate of the Kansas City Royals. But if Nebraska Legislative Bill 621 passes, a new soccer-specific facility could be in the cards for the Nebraska-based USL League One club.

Why they need their own space asap: