Gary Green/Nebraska Examiner wrote:To show how serious we are about this vision, earlier this week it was announced that we have sold the Storm Chasers baseball team to a nationally renowned organization that will bring further investment to the team, anchored in Papillion. Our acquisition of the Storm Chasers in 2012 was the beginning of our efforts and vision to create and enhance professional sports in Omaha. The decision to sell frees up Union Omaha’s ownership to focus full-time on the transformative vision for a stadium home for the team.
It sounds like this is really moving forward now with the sale of the Storm Chasers. Exciting!
We will not just build a stadium — we will contribute to Omaha’s future: pro-soccer is pro-Omaha.
This isn’t a dream. It’s happening, and it’s happening soon.
Gary Green/Nebraska Examiner wrote:To show how serious we are about this vision, earlier this week it was announced that we have sold the Storm Chasers baseball team to a nationally renowned organization that will bring further investment to the team, anchored in Papillion. Our acquisition of the Storm Chasers in 2012 was the beginning of our efforts and vision to create and enhance professional sports in Omaha. The decision to sell frees up Union Omaha’s ownership to focus full-time on the transformative vision for a stadium home for the team.
It sounds like this is really moving forward now with the sale of the Storm Chasers. Exciting!
We will not just build a stadium — we will contribute to Omaha’s future: pro-soccer is pro-Omaha.
This isn’t a dream. It’s happening, and it’s happening soon.
Nice! Hopefully they are able to start soon. I am glad they were to free up capital and are now focusing 100% on this development!
Athomsfere wrote: Sat Sep 28, 2024 1:19 pm
One question that just occurred to me: They might have to move quickly.
Did they say how long the sale included rights to play at Werner? If not, getting a stadium might be the key to play at all in a year or two.
There is no way that sale went through without an agreement to play at Warner Park as long as they need to since the seller is the socket owner. In addition the sale does not include the park since they are tenants and not owners
For the record NEBUGEATER does not equal BUGEATER !!!!!!!
I heard from someone that would have some insight that 2027 is now the target date for the stadium vs. 2026, as previously announced. And, ground breaking is now spring 2025 vs. the summer 2024 that was previously announced.
omaha79 wrote: Thu Oct 03, 2024 10:33 am
I heard from someone that would have some insight that 2027 is now the target date for the stadium vs. 2026, as previously announced. And, ground breaking is now spring 2025 vs. the summer 2024 that was previously announced.
Those dates all seem realistic, especially considering that ground breaking didn't happen in summer 2024. Also with the new news that Gary Green is going to focus on the soccer stadium, next spring sounds like a good time and 2 years to complete sounds like a good schedule.
So hopefully this will be another new thing people that come into town for NCAA basketball in 2027 see.
Gary Green has been sending out a flurry of "now is the time" tweets and Facebook posts, hoping to capitalize on the moment with the team winning the championship in front of almost 6,000 fans. This does jive with my conversation with him on Saturday that they are "close, but not quite there" on the financing. I do wonder what the remaining issue is on the costs?So many conflicting things going on. some saying they are definitely on track for now early 2027. Had heard the team is definitely playing at Werner next year, but could be almost homeless in 2026 as the stadium is a bit delayed, perhaps utilizing other facilities for one year.
I get the sense if this doesn't get done relatively soon, it becomes more of a difficult proposition for the long term viability of the team, but that's just my speculation.
The original plans showed attached housing and hotel to the stadium. Maybe they are building all that in one go, which would significantly increase the amount of capital and financing they need to procure. I am hoping for some news early 2025 about starting construction.
ita wrote: Tue Nov 19, 2024 2:02 pm
The original plans showed attached housing and hotel to the stadium. Maybe they are building all that in one go, which would significantly increase the amount of capital and financing they need to procure. I am hoping for some news early 2025 about starting construction.
Right, it's not just about a $60 million stadium but an overall project of $300 million. It would make sense to do it all at once if possible.
The team here in Memphis just announced they are leaving for Santa Barbara, CA since they couldn’t get their share of state and local tax dollars to fund a new stadium. Now I personally don’t care because I’m not a soccer fan but for the sake of downtown Omaha’s continued growth and development I this project gets done and doesn’t follow the same path as Memphis.
CBJason wrote: Tue Nov 19, 2024 8:20 pm
The team here in Memphis just announced they are leaving for Santa Barbara, CA since they couldn’t get their share of state and local tax dollars to fund a new stadium. Now I personally don’t care because I’m not a soccer fan but for the sake of downtown Omaha’s continued growth and development I this project gets done and doesn’t follow the same path as Memphis.
I would be surprised if that happened here. They got the turn back tax up to $25 million from the state. They will likely get TIF from the City, maybe some philanthropic dollars.
CBJason wrote: Tue Nov 19, 2024 8:20 pm
The team here in Memphis just announced they are leaving for Santa Barbara, CA since they couldn’t get their share of state and local tax dollars to fund a new stadium. Now I personally don’t care because I’m not a soccer fan but for the sake of downtown Omaha’s continued growth and development I this project gets done and doesn’t follow the same path as Memphis.
I was just thinking the same thing about Memphis 901. Omaha can't sleep on this and think things will just somehow work out. It's also sounding more and more like Werner is not a viable option for much longer, and the writing has been on the wall with that the moment Gary Green sold his stake in the Storm Chasers. New ownership will not want to continue to have their field torn up and the schedule messed with over minor league baseball. So, this has to happen sooner than later. I'd also heard that there was a deadline on the state money as it was somehow tied in with Covid grants and had to be used by 2026.
A season, maybe 2, with the team being vagabonds, or renting someplace like Morrison or Caniglia is maybe doable beyond that, we'd be looking at the team folding or relocating and, whether you like soccer or not, is an extremely bad look for Omaha.
Of note, Jay Mims, Omaha's original coach, had been with Memphis 901 as Chief Operating Officer, but resigned in September. Probably knew the writing was on the wall.
I really think this gets done. Mayor Stothert watched the championship game with Gary Green. I do hope Kiewit Foundation (especially since it's been indicated that as they spend down the $450 million or so, it will be focused on the downtown/urban core), is involved in this. That usually leads to Kiewit Construction being the lead on the build.
I think it has become a falsehood that all these projects need Government money. If it is such a great idea, it should pay for itself. Look at all the projects the city has given TIFF money to. Imagine if the city was actually collection that property tax. Instead, me the homeowner, gets screwed as my taxes go up every year.
swgiust wrote: Wed Nov 20, 2024 10:46 am
I think it has become a falsehood that all these projects need Government money. If it is such a great idea, it should pay for itself. Look at all the projects the city has given TIFF money to. Imagine if the city was actually collection that property tax. Instead, me the homeowner, gets screwed as my taxes go up every year.
While I don't disagree, unfortunately not the reality we live in. Realistically, this will be public/private money or the team will go bye bye. It's happening more and more all over and in leagues much larger than the USL.
Omaha has been content, over the years, being a mediocre sports town for anything without the NCAA label attached to it. I'd love to see that change, but have little faith in the city.
Recent interview with Gary Green. There are conversations sprinkled here and there about the stadium, but from what I took from it, they are still working on a final budget and they are working with the philanthropic to opt in. He did say it's a difficult endeavor. He also emphasizes that it's essential for the team to have it's own stadium from a financial standpoint. There is a specific conversation about the stadium at around an hour and half in, but no real details other than some stuff about hosting outdoor concerts.
P.S. This seems to be this channel's most viewed live upload so far.
Recent interview with Gary Green. There are conversations sprinkled here and there about the stadium, but from what I took from it, they are still working on a final budget and they are working with the philanthropic to opt in. He did say it's a difficult endeavor. He also emphasizes that it's essential for the team to have it's own stadium from a financial standpoint. There is a specific conversation about the stadium at around an hour and half in, but no real details other than some stuff about hosting outdoor concerts.
P.S. This seems to be this channel's most viewed live upload so far.
Interesting listen. I do think it gets done, but everyone needs to get on the same page soon.
Clearly, they are going to miss their original "Summer 2026" initial announcement, but I'm now wondering if 2027 is even feasible if they broke ground this spring. It's already becoming a headache since the owners no longer own the Storm Chasers as well.
The team does not have a home match until May 10th and one home match until June 12th. I know on a local interview, Martie tried to say that he hates April and early May home matches as the weather is a factor, but to me, this stunts any ability to try to capitalize on the championship last year. Also, the schedule is filled with Wednesday matches compared to prior years and far less weekend home dates which will certainly hurt attendance.
There had also been talk that there isn't a specific plan for 2026 yet as to where the team will play and could have to piecemeal the home schedule together between places like Caniglia and Morrison. Having the team homeless for a season only works if shovels are in the ground and there is buzz starting about the new stadium.
Overall, I'd put my worry level on the future of soccer in Omaha at about an 8/10.
omaha79 wrote: Wed Jan 08, 2025 7:52 am
Clearly, they are going to miss their original "Summer 2026" initial announcement, but I'm now wondering if 2027 is even feasible if they broke ground this spring. It's already becoming a headache since the owners no longer own the Storm Chasers as well.
The team does not have a home match until May 10th and one home match until June 12th. I know on a local interview, Martie tried to say that he hates April and early May home matches as the weather is a factor, but to me, this stunts any ability to try to capitalize on the championship last year. Also, the schedule is filled with Wednesday matches compared to prior years and far less weekend home dates which will certainly hurt attendance.
There had also been talk that there isn't a specific plan for 2026 yet as to where the team will play and could have to piecemeal the home schedule together between places like Caniglia and Morrison. Having the team homeless for a season only works if shovels are in the ground and there is buzz starting about the new stadium.
Overall, I'd put my worry level on the future of soccer in Omaha at about an 8/10.
On a recent Grow Omaha episode, might have been the bonus content that was only on YouTube, they indicated not to expect any movement on this until 2026.
I mentioned this before, but I wonder if the Kiewit foundation might be able to help with some of the financing, since they stated they are going to exhaust all funds in the coming years.
skinzfan23 wrote: Wed Jan 08, 2025 12:37 pm
I mentioned this before, but I wonder if the Kiewit foundation might be able to help with some of the financing, since they stated they are going to exhaust all funds in the coming years.
Yeah if they get some of the investment from the Kiewit foundation to go with the state turnback incentives that have already been approved, I think we get this to the finish line.
As a charitable organization, would Kiewit donate to build a private soccer stadium? Their other notable donations have mostly been for more civic minded projects, like the Luminarium, Library, and Riverfront renovation no?
Garrett wrote: Wed Jan 08, 2025 2:11 pm
As a charitable organization, would Kiewit donate to build a private soccer stadium? Their other notable donations have mostly been for more civic minded projects, like the Luminarium, Library, and Riverfront renovation no?
Who knows, but maybe they can also use the stadium for youth or high school events so maybe with that in mind they might donate.
A source of anticipated financing would be “turnback” state sales tax revenue available through the Sports Arena Facility Financing Assistance Act. A bill before the Legislature, introduced by State Sen. Mike McDonnell of Omaha, seeks an amendment to the act to open the funds to the outdoor soccer stadium. Union Omaha representatives said that could produce $25 million over 20 years.
In addition, Union Omaha will seek the city’s approval of tax-increment financing and an enhanced employment area occupation tax that could help finance up to $50 million, said Larry Botel, co-founder of Alliance Sports, which owns the franchise. He said other development costs would be covered through private investment and the soccer franchise.
Are TIF, the enhanced employment area occupation tax, and money from Union Omaha no longer viable?
Rod Yates is planning to drop the new soccer stadium at NEX as part of the newly expanded "Mega Saver Mega Soccer Mega NEX Compound". He's just waiting on Gretna to pull the trigger on giving him $100 million to develop his new home, I mean, the new soccer stadium, and it's on.
A source of anticipated financing would be “turnback” state sales tax revenue available through the Sports Arena Facility Financing Assistance Act. A bill before the Legislature, introduced by State Sen. Mike McDonnell of Omaha, seeks an amendment to the act to open the funds to the outdoor soccer stadium. Union Omaha representatives said that could produce $25 million over 20 years.
In addition, Union Omaha will seek the city’s approval of tax-increment financing and an enhanced employment area occupation tax that could help finance up to $50 million, said Larry Botel, co-founder of Alliance Sports, which owns the franchise. He said other development costs would be covered through private investment and the soccer franchise.
Are TIF, the enhanced employment area occupation tax, and money from Union Omaha no longer viable?
I don't think they ever had enough private investment to make it happen. They sold the Storm Chasers but then after that on Grow Omaha (I think) said that they were still working on getting the investment/financing in place which makes me think the sale of the Storm Chasers got them closer but not to the finish line.
As a tax payer I am tired of all these ideas requiring State or City money. I can't afford to go because my damn property taxes are so high. Why? Cause all the new stuff is getting built with TIFF money and none of the companies are paying current property taxes.
swgiust wrote: Thu Jan 09, 2025 4:05 pm
As a tax payer I am tired of all these ideas requiring State or City money. I can't afford to go because my damn property taxes are so high. Why? Cause all the new stuff is getting built with TIFF money and none of the companies are paying current property taxes.
Just blame the TIF...
Not the under development of needed housing and the sprawling-suburban-heck draining the coffers...
swgiust wrote: Thu Jan 09, 2025 4:05 pm
As a tax payer I am tired of all these ideas requiring State or City money. I can't afford to go because my damn property taxes are so high. Why? Cause all the new stuff is getting built with TIFF money and none of the companies are paying current property taxes.
Omaha has lowered the tax rate 5 times in the last decade to the TIF seems to be having an opposite effect of your opinion.
City of Omaha wrote:For the fifth time, Mayor Jean Stothert is proposing a property tax rate cut in 2025.
Mayor Stothert also reduced the City of Omaha tax levy in 2015, 2017, 2022 and 2024. The 3.3% decrease in 2025 will bring the total reduction in the city’s tax rate to 11.94% in the last 11 years. The 2025 property tax levy will be 44.233 cents per $100 valuation.
I would also point out that in my case, 55.6% of my property taxes are going to K-12 Education (School District, Educational Service Unit, Learning Community).
There are a lot of things making life expensive these days, but TIF is not one of them.
Kiewit could build it
