Downtown Soccer Stadium (11th & Millwork Ave)

[omaha79]

Maybe the Civic site after all? just a guess. it would make the land issues much easier, right?

[Garrett]

The visual of two similarly sized soccer stadiums right next to each other separated by an overpass is quite something.

[omaha79]

The visual of two similarly sized soccer stadiums right next to each other separated by an overpass is quite something.

would be convenient for State Soccer, but yeah. If you had evenings where both Union and Creighton are playing, could lead to some fun nights and bars full of soccer fans.

[Doctor Fate]

The visual of two similarly sized soccer stadiums right next to each other separated by an overpass is quite something.

would be convenient for State Soccer, but yeah. If you had evenings where both Union and Creighton are playing, could lead to some fun nights and bars full of soccer fans.

I agree. And ORBT plus a potential streetcar expansion on 19th St. There is plenty of parking with a city-owned parking garage that would be on each side of the Union stadium, plus the school surface parking lot. On the northwest corner of the Civic site, north of the garage, there could also be a mid-rise or even highrise mixed-use building with many of the components from the previous proposal (residential and hotel with ground floor retail).

[Bobcat]

Instead of two soccer stadiums downtown, perform an expansion / renovation of the Creighton stadium and the organizations can share it. Should’ve been done with the Convention Center Hilton. Instead of a Marriot next door, build a connected Waldorf Astoria tower. Same with the baseball stadium. Royals (and their attendees) should be playing downtown.

[omaha79]

The visual of two similarly sized soccer stadiums right next to each other separated by an overpass is quite something.

would be convenient for State Soccer, but yeah. If you had evenings where both Union and Creighton are playing, could lead to some fun nights and bars full of soccer fans.

I agree. And ORBT plus a potential streetcar expansion on 19th St. There is plenty of parking with a city-owned parking garage that would be on each side of the Union stadium, plus the school surface parking lot. On the northwest corner of the Civic site, north of the garage, there could also be a mid-rise or even highrise mixed-use building with many of the components from the previous proposal (residential and hotel with ground floor retail).

Some room for mixed use development to tack on to the stadium, less than Gallup, but probably enough. And, enough to keep them honest and not get carried away with grandiose plans that never have a chance to really develop.

And, close enough to maybe finally get a full revamp of 16th St that makes sense.

[omaha79]

Instead of two soccer stadiums downtown, perform an expansion / renovation of the Creighton stadium and the organizations can share it. Should’ve been done with the Convention Center Hilton. Instead of a Marriot next door, build a connected Waldorf Astoria tower. Same with the baseball stadium. Royals (and their attendees) should be playing downtown.

This always comes up. Morrison Stadium is private property and gets tax exempt status as part of being a facility of a religious organization.

What makes anyone think they want to share with a professional soccer team, and possibly men's and women's teams when their facility already gets heavy use between men's and women's teams both playing and practicing there.

I see this as a non-starter.

[Busguy2010]

would be convenient for State Soccer, but yeah. If you had evenings where both Union and Creighton are playing, could lead to some fun nights and bars full of soccer fans.

Sorry, couldn't help it. "Bars full of soccer fans"

[F0R_L1F3]

I mean, as some of the people here discussed, the civic square is always there! Though if it is in a more downtown location like this, more density would be great in the mixed use. I'd love for them to pursue something like Ballpark Village in Saint Louis with a similar layout.

[MadJack]

I mean, as some of the people here discussed, the civic square is always there! Though if it is in a more downtown location like this, more density would be great in the mixed use. I'd love for them to pursue something like Ballpark Village in Saint Louis with a similar layout.

It may or may not be available. A very influential person is considering it for a project.

[Garrett]

I mean, as some of the people here discussed, the civic square is always there! Though if it is in a more downtown location like this, more density would be great in the mixed use. I'd love for them to pursue something like Ballpark Village in Saint Louis with a similar layout.

It may or may not be available. A very influential person is considering it for a project.

You are on quite a roll this week

[NEDodger]

I mean, as some of the people here discussed, the civic square is always there! Though if it is in a more downtown location like this, more density would be great in the mixed use. I'd love for them to pursue something like Ballpark Village in Saint Louis with a similar layout.

It may or may not be available. A very influential person is considering it for a project.

You are on quite a roll this week

It’s me. I’m the influential person considering it for a project. I want to make the civic site into the youth sports capital of the nation and call it “NotYatesLand”.

[thenewguy]

Is there actually someone considering the site for use, or was that all in jest?

[Doctor Fate]

The mayor said there was another developer with a plan for the Civic site and on Grow Omaha they alluded that they had heard some rumblings it was a big potential development, with speculation on the possibility it could be the stadium.

[nebport5]

The mayor said there was another developer with a plan for the Civic site and on Grow Omaha they alluded that they had heard some rumblings it was a big potential development, with speculation on the possibility it could be the stadium.

Just to clarify, this is a bit out of context. They included the Civic site as one of three potential alternate location guesses-but then added they've heard of another potential big development that could occur there.

Jeff: "Would that be Union Omaha Soccer Stadium?"

Trenton: "I don't think so."

Trenton first said the land west of Millwork makes the most sense if the can come to terms with UP. Turner Park East was also mentioned as a potential alternate site. The overall implications being the Civic site would be the least likely of the three.

[Doctor Fate]

The mayor said there was another developer with a plan for the Civic site and on Grow Omaha they alluded that they had heard some rumblings it was a big potential development, with speculation on the possibility it could be the stadium.

Just to clarify, this is a bit out of context. They included the Civic site as one of three potential alternate location guesses-but then added they've heard of another potential big development that could occur there.

Jeff: "Would that be Union Omaha Soccer Stadium?"

Trenton: "I don't think so."

Trenton first said the land west of Millwork makes the most sense if the can come to terms with UP. Turner Park East was also mentioned as a potential alternate site. The overall implications being the Civic site would be the least likely of the three.

Thanks for clarifying that.

[nebport5]

Pillen's budget also wants to axe stadium financing along with the Good Life Districts.

[NEDodger]

The mayor said there was another developer with a plan for the Civic site and on Grow Omaha they alluded that they had heard some rumblings it was a big potential development, with speculation on the possibility it could be the stadium.

Turner Park East was also mentioned as a potential alternate site.

This is the one that makes no sense to me. You’ve got four streets that cannot be altered at Turner Park East:

Dodge = the major westbound artery
Douglas = the major eastbound artery
Farnam = streetcar street
Harney = streetcar street

A soccer stadium is going to require more than a one block width or length.

How would this even fit based on the street grid restrictions?

[Huskerbum]

Zero chance you could make the stadium work at Yuener Park East, it’s silly it was ever even brought up…

[Huskerbum]

*turner*

[nebport5]

The mayor said there was another developer with a plan for the Civic site and on Grow Omaha they alluded that they had heard some rumblings it was a big potential development, with speculation on the possibility it could be the stadium.

Turner Park East was also mentioned as a potential alternate site.

This is the one that makes no sense to me. You’ve got four streets that cannot be altered at Turner Park East:

Dodge = the major westbound artery
Douglas = the major eastbound artery
Farnam = streetcar street
Harney = streetcar street

A soccer stadium is going to require more than a one block width or length.

How would this even fit based on the street grid restrictions?

If the lid were to become a reality...in the Chamber's Urban Core Strategic Plan Douglas St would be vacated across 480. At that point I imagine that would have to continue west of 480 in order for a stadium to fit here. Of course there's a street realignment with the lid idea as see below.

[omahahawk]

Realistically, when would anyone expect the next major news on this? I am guessing a Millwork commons announcement in the first or second week of March.

[Brad]

After 911, Oklahoma City, Etc., I don't think a stadium will ever be built on top of a freeway, road, or any other public thoroughfare.

[omaha79]

After 911, Oklahoma City, Etc., I don't think a stadium will ever be built on top of a freeway, road, or any other public thoroughfare.

Target Field partially is built over an interstate, at least with the plaza and parking lots around it. But, a lot of people congregate in those areas and some infrastructure of the stadium is definitely close enough to the interstate where a OKC style terrorist attack would have dire consequences. I'm actually surprised it happened, but it did. I've never been convinced it was a great idea.

Target Plaza, the expansive area that connects the downtown business district to the ballpark, is fabulous — and represents quite a few square feet that weren’t above the original plot of ground designated for the park. That’s because it was built over the travel lanes of I-394. The photo on the right side above shows only a small portion of the plaza. This part, interestingly, is directly over the Interstate.

https://baseballparks.com/indepth/mintarget/

[Brad]

After 911, Oklahoma City, Etc., I don't think a stadium will ever be built on top of a freeway, road, or any other public thoroughfare.

Target Field partially is built over an interstate, at least with the plaza and parking lots around it. But, a lot of people congregate in those areas and some infrastructure of the stadium is definitely close enough to the interstate where a OKC style terrorist attack would have dire consequences. I'm actually surprised it happened, but it did. I've never been convinced it was a great idea.

Interesting, I would have assumed that was a big no-no.

[Huskerbum]

I’m pretty sure the convention center in KC goes over the interstate too. Either way there is zero chance the ballpark gets built at Turner Park East. It would make the construction costs completely untenable.

[NEDodger]

I’m pretty sure the convention center in KC goes over the interstate too.

It does - that pre-dated OKC and 9/11, though

[nebport5]

I wasn't suggesting the stadium could, would or should be built over the interstate. Rather I was just speculating on how a Union Omaha Stadium might fit at Turner Park. Thus, I'd imagine it would have to go in place of those white rendered buildings/parking garage(from the image above) just to the west of 480 and some other existing structures east of 30th would have to come down.

[Garrett]

Thinking back to Heath Mello’s Grow Omaha appearance and the discussion we had after, I could see a stadium fitting in the space northeast of 30th and Dodge if the ramps are being demolished.

[nebport5]

Thinking back to Heath Mello’s Grow Omaha appearance and the discussion we had after, I could see a stadium fitting in the space northeast of 30th and Dodge if the ramps are being demolished.

I still think and agree that Millwork is probably the best for Union in the DT area. However, Mellow's appearance got me thinking about different possibilities too. That particular space, northeast of 30th & Dodge, along with the space adjacent to Physicians Mutual, are probably the biggest wastes of space in the urban core. The biggest hurdle for utilizing that area would have to involve the state and a plan for rerouting traffic in lieu of the current ramps. Something that's not likely to occur anytime soon or specifically, within Union Omaha's timeframe needs.

Here's another image from the Chamber's Urban Core Strategic Plan in reference to redeveloping that area.

[NEDodger]

Thinking back to Heath Mello’s Grow Omaha appearance and the discussion we had after, I could see a stadium fitting in the space northeast of 30th and Dodge if the ramps are being demolished.

I still think and agree that Millwork is probably the best for Union in the DT area. However, Mellow's appearance got me thinking about different possibilities too. That particular space, northeast of 30th & Dodge, along with the space adjacent to Physicians Mutual, are probably the biggest wastes of space in the urban core. The biggest hurdle for utilizing that area would have to involve the state and a plan for rerouting traffic in lieu of the current ramps. Something that's not likely to occur anytime soon or specifically, within Union Omaha's timeframe needs.

Here's another image from the Chamber's Urban Core Strategic Plan in reference to redeveloping that area.

I mean….with re-routing Douglas Street, that would definitely fit directly east of Turner Park.

[omaha79]

ownership just sent out a letter to season ticket holders basically stating that "progress is being made on a new site. we are committed to omaha for 2025 at werner park and the future beyond."

So, we will see.

[Greg S]

From Union Omaha:

While the previous location for Union Omaha’s stadium is no longer being considered, there is positive momentum in the process of building a downtown facility for Omaha. The club remains focused on its long-term future in Omaha, from this year at Werner Park to 2026 and beyond.

We are diligently working on these plans for downtown and will share more details as soon as we can. At the core of the team is our commitment to the Omaha community. Your support, passion, and dedication to the club have made this possible, and we sincerely appreciate you.


https://www.unionomaha.com/news/2025/01 ... cr86S4p0dw

[mistergutierrez]

The USL, the soccer league where Union Omaha plays, is launching in 2027 a top-tier division to compete against MLS. They need at least 12 teams, from all across the USA (Atlantic, Central & Pacific), with 75% of them from metros over 1 million people. Teams must have an enclosed stadium, with minimum capacity of 15000 people.

[omaha79]

The USL, the soccer league where Union Omaha plays, is launching in 2027 a top-tier division to compete against MLS. They need at least 12 teams, from all across the USA (Atlantic, Central & Pacific), with 75% of them from metros over 1 million people. Teams must have an enclosed stadium, with minimum capacity of 15000 people.

15,000 is a big stadium. Also, USL just announced there will be relegation and promotion in the league making it the first pro league int he USA to adopt this. Not sure how that will work as a vast majority of the teams in the lower divisions do not have stadiums that are near a 15k capacity.

I think that 15,000 guideline will be a very difficult guideline to manage.

Also been hearing some rumblings the Union Omaha stadium discussion will bubble back up just in time for mayoral elections with another downtown location identified. But, i definitely do not think omaha would be smart if they build a 15k stadium. No chance they fill it.

[Doctor Fate]

Also been hearing some rumblings the Union Omaha stadium discussion will bubble back up just in time for mayoral elections with another downtown location identified. But, i definitely do not think omaha would be smart if they build a 15k stadium. No chance they fill it.

Did you hear where the location could be?

[Louie]

Enclosed is an interesting caveat. Most soccer stadiums are open air.

[omaha79]

Also been hearing some rumblings the Union Omaha stadium discussion will bubble back up just in time for mayoral elections with another downtown location identified. But, i definitely do not think omaha would be smart if they build a 15k stadium. No chance they fill it.

Did you hear where the location could be?

Nope. just a lot of speculation. No one really knows except that it won't be at Gallup. Someone I know asked if it would be any other MECA lot (lot B, Lot D) and were told no as well. But, definitely downtown.

That leaves very limited locations. Some have speculated on mid town in various locations like the Mutual surface lot, but I honestly don't think any of that is large enough.

My only "best guess" is the Civic site. But, I've heard no real rumors to back that up.

[omaha79]

Enclosed is an interesting caveat. Most soccer stadiums are open air.

I can't imagine that is true. Even MLS isn't building enclosed stadiums. Most soccer purists wouldn't want that anyway as playing in the elements is part of the game.

I think that might refer to it being a full rectangle vs. what you see with some facilities at the lower levels where they pile a bunch of seats on one side and everything else is open. I'm assuming they don't want that. USL had a lot of those types of facilities that are community facilities or college stadiums where one side is built out and the other side has nothing or metal bleachers. The Old St. Louis facility out in the suburbs makes me think of that.

Not that this is close to 15k, but this is what I'm thinking of when I see "enclosed" referred to as something they'd want to avoid.

[skip]

East side of Millwork