Downtown Soccer Stadium (11th & Millwork Ave)

[iamjacobm]

Noticed there is a sewer facility for the CSO project associated with these plans. Frankly it does smell bad around Millwork hopefully that gets fixed with those infrastructure improvements.

[ita]

I know we've talked about this before, but in this planning session it sounded like Union Omaha would make a push to get into USL Championship right away and the stadium is being built with expansion in mind. There will be 6,500 seats with up to 8,000 full capacity with the berm and concourses available to fans. We'll meet the seat capacity for Championship, but way below Premier's 15,000. Anyway, Union is restricted as well in seating due to the legislation that limits the seats to receive turnback taxes. Anyway, they are pushing for a fall start, so hopefully no hiccups and this gets going as scheduled.

[WiinterU]

I've been waiting for more news coverage of the stadium. I've had the article on Wikipedia as a draft for two months, and there's been nothing since November.

[Brad]

I've been waiting for more news coverage of the stadium. I've had the article on Wikipedia as a draft for two months, and there's been nothing since November.

Is there not enough information in the planning board document documents? Usually, there’s more detail in there than any news story.

[omahahawk]

Union Omaha stadium moves one step closer to groundbreaking, could boost soccer fandom in city


https://www.3newsnow.com/sports/union-o ... om-in-city

[Garrett]

Without the state incentive, which Pillen has essentially said isn't happening, is this project really "on track to break ground this summer"?

[Toto]

Without the state incentive, which Pillen has essentially said isn't happening, is this project really "on track to break ground this summer"?

Pillen is one of the worst governors our state has had in recent history. Pillen is so bad he is making Pete Rickets look good. Pillen is either going to wake up and do something good, or the election will not going to be kind to him.

"Anyone but Pillen 2026"

[djc311]

Without the state incentive, which Pillen has essentially said isn't happening, is this project really "on track to break ground this summer"?

Pillen is one of the worst governors our state has had in recent history. Pillen is so bad he is making Pete Rickets look good. Pillen is either going to wake up and do something good, or the election will not going to be kind to him.

"Anyone but Pillen 2026"

I agree - probably the worst governor we've had since I've been old enough to vote. How he AND Ricketts are able to win elections is beyond me. I'm REALLY hoping Pillen gets ousted. I'm hoping this whole $2.5 million thing for his "friend" has been the nail in the coffin, so to speak, for his time in office. The fact they can't even keep their stories straight as to the "why" they awarded that contract should be proof enough to show it was totally illegitimate. I understand people want to keep this stuff under the rug and off this board, but sometimes these things should be said when it plays a (significant) role in how things get developed in our city/county/state/etc.

[ita]

Without the state incentive, which Pillen has essentially said isn't happening, is this project really "on track to break ground this summer"?

At the planning board meeting, David Levy, the attorney representing the soccer organization outlined a very tenuous (in my opinion) timeline to get construction started in the fall. They are looking to get all the approvals done, including ground leases, redevelopment agreement, and closing on the land purchase by late summer. This would also entail the turnback taxes that hinge on Pillen's approval, well the committee that he is a member of, at least. Levy expects a hearing with that committee in March, but it constitutes $19 million of the capital stack. That's $19 million for the stadium portion, so 15-20% of the budget. A board member asked about the scenario where it the TB tax is not approved and Levy said they are not sure yet exactly how it will affect the project. However, the soccer organization has Municap working on an ongoing study of the financial viability of the project.

While I am optimistic in the project happening, I am concerned about the TB tax piece of it. I would hope it does not totally kill the project, but the fact that they do not have a plan B yet concerns me. On the other hand, Levy and the soccer team may be mum on a plan B as they may want to go to the state with one scenario and basically use a TIF argument, ie. without the turnback tax this project, and all the potential jobs and new taxes created, will not happen. Just a thought.

[BD PC Omaha]

For those that complain about Pillen rest assured that he will make decisions that align with the agrarian portion of the state. Rickets in the same situation not so much. We voted for him knowing full well that he would not be ultra concerned with Omaha development. While I am in support of the stadium due to the construction activity it will generate I believe that the tax incentive part will be a difficult pull.

[nebugeater]

Without the state incentive, which Pillen has essentially said isn't happening, is this project really "on track to break ground this summer"?

Pillen is one of the worst governors our state has had in recent history. Pillen is so bad he is making Pete Rickets look good. Pillen is either going to wake up and do something good, or the election will not going to be kind to him.

"Anyone but Pillen 2026"

I agree - probably the worst governor we've had since I've been old enough to vote. How he AND Ricketts are able to win elections is beyond me. I'm REALLY hoping Pillen gets ousted. I'm hoping this whole $2.5 million thing for his "friend" has been the nail in the coffin, so to speak, for his time in office. The fact they can't even keep their stories straight as to the "why" they awarded that contract should be proof enough to show it was totally illegitimate. I understand people want to keep this stuff under the rug and off this board, but sometimes these things should be said when it plays a (significant) role in how things get developed in our city/county/state/etc.

No one is advocating keeping things under the rug. There is an effort to keep this board free of the political spiral. That is a long-term decision that is made and supported by the moderators based on experience. The moderator team has been around here for a while and has been consistent regardless of the "side". For the foreseeable future, this will not change on this board. There are plenty of other places online where you can continue these discussions.

[omaha79]

I am concerned about the wild card that is Pillen. I have been told that conversations have been had with Pillen and he's as "on board as you can possibly get out of him." but, he is unpredictable and sways with the breeze and if he feels a need to punish Omaha, this would be an easy way. Who knows where he stands. He hasn't made any public comment on this particular project one way or another, but it would be absolutely foolish for those involved, including the Omaha powers that be to progress this this far if they have zero assurances from Pillen and the entire fate of the project hinges on his approval.

[WiinterU]

We impeached our first governor, David Butler, so that was possibly already a bad sign for our state.

[Linkin5]

Just tell Pillen this is an emergency and he’ll cut a check to anyone.

[mgoett]

You get a car! You get a car and you get a car!!!

[UpTheUnion95]

Free exhibition double header Sunday at 1pm at Morrison. It will be interesting to see if the downtown location translates to better attendance. Just looking at the ticket sales for the opener the bleachers look rather bleak. If the average attendance goes down I wonder if they get cold feet on the stadium project

[omaha79]

Free exhibition double header Sunday at 1pm at Morrison. It will be interesting to see if the downtown location translates to better attendance. Just looking at the ticket sales for the opener the bleachers look rather bleak. If the average attendance goes down I wonder if they get cold feet on the stadium project

It is interesting and I've been looking at it. My sense was the price increases they came out with were extremely high. So, it will be interesting to see if we start seeing single game flash sales and BOGO's.

So, I'm wondering, in light of the price increases, if it pushed more people to the berm, which wouldn't be trackable looking at the available tickets. It will be interesting to see if their pricing model is really off if the berm ends up full on a number of games and the stands end up empty.

Keep in mind, this is also March soccer. Not unlike Storm Chasers baseball in April and early May, that's a tough sell not knowing what the weather is going to be like. Not saying that excuses the lack of sold season tickets in those areas, but I am thinking the STH's flocked to the berm and end line due to cost.

Also, an overarching issue that falls under the same category of bars and restaurants being way more empty than in years past: The economy is really bad for everyday luxury and entertainment spending. No matter what the spin is coming out of Washington, the fact is that the middle class is really struggling with affordability. I would imagine things like sports, concerts, and bars/restaurants are the first ones to be hit by all of the shenanigans. I was talking to my local bartender and he said their everyday foot traffic has been cut in half over the last couple of years and costs are way up due to costs of their goods.

Does that mean the stadium would be cancelled or delayed? I'm not sure. But, certainly, it will be a bad look if there are only a couple thousand people in the stands for peak summer games. My hunch is that this will flow similar to how Storm Chasers typically have with some wait and see on the new venue, sparse crowds in March/April, and then it picks up May, June, July, August.

[Stan]

Free exhibition double header Sunday at 1pm at Morrison. It will be interesting to see if the downtown location translates to better attendance. Just looking at the ticket sales for the opener the bleachers look rather bleak. If the average attendance goes down I wonder if they get cold feet on the stadium project

I only tried looking for about 5 minutes, but can you link to the event?

[UpTheUnion95]

Free exhibition double header Sunday at 1pm at Morrison. It will be interesting to see if the downtown location translates to better attendance. Just looking at the ticket sales for the opener the bleachers look rather bleak. If the average attendance goes down I wonder if they get cold feet on the stadium project

I only tried looking for about 5 minutes, but can you link to the event?

They emailed the STH, the email is below

_________________________________________________


On Sunday, March 8th we'll be playing Creighton University and Iowa Western in our last matches before the 2026 season officially gets underway. Gates open at noon for the 1pm Creighton fixture, but you can stick around for two full 90-minute matches featuring your Owls!

We will have merch on sale, including our new kits! Concessions, including beer, are being served as well. Parking is first come first served in the free lot directly east of the stadium, followed by affordable options like meter parking and other lots near the stadium grounds.

While we are not selling tickets for attendance, we would heavily appreciate you bringing canned foods for a canned food drive benefiting the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.

We can't wait for the season to get underway, and we're especially excited to welcome you to Morrison Stadium and cheer on the Owls with you

[thenewguy]

I think an important factor for improving attendance is the novelty of a new stadium and it becoming more of an event than an afterthought. Example: I've been a niners fan for years and hated when they played at candle stick and you could see the baseball diamond. It always just seemed like they were never meant to be there. Now they have their own stadium and the overall product looks better. I think the same would/could be said for them playing in a proper stadium, even if it meant playing at Morrison (which would still be a great experience, i think)

[omaha79]

I think an important factor for improving attendance is the novelty of a new stadium and it becoming more of an event than an afterthought. Example: I've been a niners fan for years and hated when they played at candle stick and you could see the baseball diamond. It always just seemed like they were never meant to be there. Now they have their own stadium and the overall product looks better. I think the same would/could be said for them playing in a proper stadium, even if it meant playing at Morrison (which would still be a great experience, i think)

I agree with that. But, the pricing at Morrison, while probably necessary to get people ready for new stadium prices, has to be a bit of a sticker shock

2025 Pricing at Werner Park

Field Level: $1701
Diamond Club: $553
Sideline: $465
Seated Drink Rail: $401
Endline: $334
Standing Drink Rail: $253
Berm: $213

2026 Pricing at Morrison Stadium

Mid-Field: $720
Seated End Sections: $618
Supporter Bleachers: $311 (see what they did there)
Berm: $271

I'd just say that while these increases are necessary, nearly doubling the cost of any seated section probably relegated quite a few people that were on end line at Werner to Berm. My hope is a new stadium would have more robust section offerings and different price points. Part of this is absolutely a limitation of Morrison as a facility.

Just my thoughts. I'd be interested to see the total number of season tickets sold this year vs. last year vs. just looking at available seats on the map.

[omaha79]

I spent a fair amount of the Union Omaha exhibition matches yesterday walking around and just taking in sightlines at Morrison. I've been to Morrison numerous times in the past and including Union Omaha matches, but it was the first time I had a chance to really think about the facility and an overall soccer facility in general.

I'll say, for those that think Morrison is "good enough" for pro soccer....it's not. It will be absolutely amazing to watch soccer on an actual soccer pitch, but only having 2 concession stands, no team store, and 2 restrooms are prohibitive long term. And, none of that takes into account things like locker rooms and training facilities, which would be inadequate for long term sharing by 2 Creighton teams and Union Omaha.

It's a nice little facility for a couple thousand Creighton fans in the fall. I can't even imagine how much of an endurance test it would be during state soccer. I've been to a couple Creighton vs. UNO Dodge St. Derby matches there and access to concessions and restrooms get obnoxiously long lines when the facility is busy.

But, the sightlines, the walkability, the ability to tailgate there are all quite nice. What Omaha needs is a Morrison on steroids set up and I could honestly see state soccer moving away from Morrison or using 2 facilities, but the final would need to be at a new Union Stadium.

[Greg S]

I spent a fair amount of the Union Omaha exhibition matches yesterday walking around and just taking in sightlines at Morrison. I've been to Morrison numerous times in the past and including Union Omaha matches, but it was the first time I had a chance to really think about the facility and an overall soccer facility in general.

I'll say, for those that think Morrison is "good enough" for pro soccer....it's not. It will be absolutely amazing to watch soccer on an actual soccer pitch, but only having 2 concession stands, no team store, and 2 restrooms are prohibitive long term. And, none of that takes into account things like locker rooms and training facilities, which would be inadequate for long term sharing by 2 Creighton teams and Union Omaha.

It's a nice little facility for a couple thousand Creighton fans in the fall. I can't even imagine how much of an endurance test it would be during state soccer. I've been to a couple Creighton vs. UNO Dodge St. Derby matches there and access to concessions and restrooms get obnoxiously long lines when the facility is busy.

But, the sightlines, the walkability, the ability to tailgate there are all quite nice. What Omaha needs is a Morrison on steroids set up and I could honestly see state soccer moving away from Morrison or using 2 facilities, but the final would need to be at a new Union Stadium.

Honestly Morrison is my favorite stadium for any sport in the metro. I have been there for the boys state soccer finals and don't remember any issues. If memory serves (last one I went to was 2023 between Gretna and Prep, huge crowd). They had some portable concessions stands, as many stadiums and arenas do. I'm not commenting on this as a possible permanent home for Union, just that I love the facility and think it's tops in the market from my perspective (UNO baseball field is second in my book). Having been to Morrison many times for CU soccer and high school matches (have seen Central play regular season matches there) and state soccer, calling it a nice little facility is definitely selling it short in my opinion. I plan on going to see Union there quite a bit this season.

Greg

[omaha79]

I spent a fair amount of the Union Omaha exhibition matches yesterday walking around and just taking in sightlines at Morrison. I've been to Morrison numerous times in the past and including Union Omaha matches, but it was the first time I had a chance to really think about the facility and an overall soccer facility in general.

I'll say, for those that think Morrison is "good enough" for pro soccer....it's not. It will be absolutely amazing to watch soccer on an actual soccer pitch, but only having 2 concession stands, no team store, and 2 restrooms are prohibitive long term. And, none of that takes into account things like locker rooms and training facilities, which would be inadequate for long term sharing by 2 Creighton teams and Union Omaha.

It's a nice little facility for a couple thousand Creighton fans in the fall. I can't even imagine how much of an endurance test it would be during state soccer. I've been to a couple Creighton vs. UNO Dodge St. Derby matches there and access to concessions and restrooms get obnoxiously long lines when the facility is busy.

But, the sightlines, the walkability, the ability to tailgate there are all quite nice. What Omaha needs is a Morrison on steroids set up and I could honestly see state soccer moving away from Morrison or using 2 facilities, but the final would need to be at a new Union Stadium.

Honestly Morrison is my favorite stadium for any sport in the metro. I have been there for the boys state soccer finals and don't remember any issues. If memory serves (last one I went to was 2023 between Gretna and Prep, huge crowd). They had some portable concessions stands, as many stadiums and arenas do. I'm not commenting on this as a possible permanent home for Union, just that I love the facility and think it's tops in the market from my perspective (UNO baseball field is second in my book). Having been to Morrison many times for CU soccer and high school matches (have seen Central play regular season matches there) and state soccer, calling it a nice little facility is definitely selling it short in my opinion. I plan on going to see Union there quite a bit this season.

Greg

I said what I said. I think it's a nice facility, but it certainly lacks in terms of restrooms and concessions. I would think that a one off event like state soccer (where it's a lot of kids and probably not selling beer, if my assumption on that event is correct), is fine. But, for a week to week event venue, the cracks would show pretty quickly especially when the tenant doesn't seem like a great fit. Does Creighton soccer even sell beer at every match? In my past experiences (mostly when playing UNO), they seem to only sell at certain matches. Certainly, you can get by with a ton of portables and bringing in some food trucks under the scoreboard, and this is vastly superior to Werner Park for Soccer, but longer term, growing the sport in the community, being feasible for a professional team, adding a women's team, etc. This ain't it.

And, not having a dedicated place for Union Omaha merch match to match will be interesting. they can really only set up a few racks per match now vs. an entire half a store at Werner. That has to impact merch sales at some point.

A professional team, such as Union Omaha, which doesn't have the endowment of an institution like Creighton University, needs as many revenue streams as it can get. Merchandise is key. Having robust food and beverage offerings is also key. Not having massive lines for those offerings is also important.

But, like I said, I'll certainly enjoy the match day experience myself more than Werner for the backdrop as well as the field. A true soccer pitch trumps most for me. I'm just thinking of logistics and revenue streams.

[Greg S]

I spent a fair amount of the Union Omaha exhibition matches yesterday walking around and just taking in sightlines at Morrison. I've been to Morrison numerous times in the past and including Union Omaha matches, but it was the first time I had a chance to really think about the facility and an overall soccer facility in general.

I'll say, for those that think Morrison is "good enough" for pro soccer....it's not. It will be absolutely amazing to watch soccer on an actual soccer pitch, but only having 2 concession stands, no team store, and 2 restrooms are prohibitive long term. And, none of that takes into account things like locker rooms and training facilities, which would be inadequate for long term sharing by 2 Creighton teams and Union Omaha.

It's a nice little facility for a couple thousand Creighton fans in the fall. I can't even imagine how much of an endurance test it would be during state soccer. I've been to a couple Creighton vs. UNO Dodge St. Derby matches there and access to concessions and restrooms get obnoxiously long lines when the facility is busy.

But, the sightlines, the walkability, the ability to tailgate there are all quite nice. What Omaha needs is a Morrison on steroids set up and I could honestly see state soccer moving away from Morrison or using 2 facilities, but the final would need to be at a new Union Stadium.

Honestly Morrison is my favorite stadium for any sport in the metro. I have been there for the boys state soccer finals and don't remember any issues. If memory serves (last one I went to was 2023 between Gretna and Prep, huge crowd). They had some portable concessions stands, as many stadiums and arenas do. I'm not commenting on this as a possible permanent home for Union, just that I love the facility and think it's tops in the market from my perspective (UNO baseball field is second in my book). Having been to Morrison many times for CU soccer and high school matches (have seen Central play regular season matches there) and state soccer, calling it a nice little facility is definitely selling it short in my opinion. I plan on going to see Union there quite a bit this season.

Greg

I said what I said. I think it's a nice facility, but it certainly lacks in terms of restrooms and concessions. I would think that a one off event like state soccer (where it's a lot of kids and probably not selling beer, if my assumption on that event is correct), is fine. But, for a week to week event venue, the cracks would show pretty quickly especially when the tenant doesn't seem like a great fit. Does Creighton soccer even sell beer at every match? In my past experiences (mostly when playing UNO), they seem to only sell at certain matches. Certainly, you can get by with a ton of portables and bringing in some food trucks under the scoreboard, and this is vastly superior to Werner Park for Soccer, but longer term, growing the sport in the community, being feasible for a professional team, adding a women's team, etc. This ain't it.

And, not having a dedicated place for Union Omaha merch match to match will be interesting. they can really only set up a few racks per match now vs. an entire half a store at Werner. That has to impact merch sales at some point.

A professional team, such as Union Omaha, which doesn't have the endowment of an institution like Creighton University, needs as many revenue streams as it can get. Merchandise is key. Having robust food and beverage offerings is also key. Not having massive lines for those offerings is also important.

But, like I said, I'll certainly enjoy the match day experience myself more than Werner for the backdrop as well as the field. A true soccer pitch trumps most for me. I'm just thinking of logistics and revenue streams.

And I said what I said. Wasn't evaluating it just from a hosting a minor league sports team. I've spent a lot of time there, over many years, sat in a variety of locations, and a variety of crowd sizes and it's my favorite overall sports facility in the metro. Absolutely love going there.

Greg

[UpTheUnion95]

I agree that while the stadium is miles ahead of Werner park if we have flat attendance, let alone the increase we want to see moving downtown, there are going to be a lot of issues with concessions and rest rooms. Hopefully if were going to see a large increase they'll bring in some port a potties and food trucks to help alleviate the strain. I saw some front office people measuring out some spots around the stadium hopefully for just that.

[omahahawk]

TIF hearing 04/07/26

'Valuable for our community': New details on 'Stadium District' project in downtown Omaha

https://www.ketv.com/article/stadium-di ... a/70687990

Omaha City Council will soon hear a resolution for the tax increment financing, TIF, redevelopment plan for the area. The resolution asks for more than $48.2 million in TIF.

According to the proposed city council resolution, the entire development would cost more than $316.5 million. The lot itself is about 25 acres and is right across the street from Charles Schwab Field and the CHI Health

[omahahawk]

Found this video interesting. It is about a soccer stadium in a small village of about 2000 people about 30 miles outside of Budapest Hungary. It cost about the equivalent of 12 million dollars and is supposedly very highly regarded in Europe for one of it's size and scope. It is home to the Puska Akademia team (sp?) and I am just posting as a coming attraction for what hopefully is to come.

[UpTheUnion95]

Not sure if its an April fools joke but this rendering was posted on the teams subreddit

[Garrett]

Hard to fully tell, but the link OP posted with the image is dead and there are AI aspects in the image (mostly text being distorted, especially in a few spots in the "Union Omaha" wrap around

[Greg S]

Interesting that there no views of downtown from inside the stadium. Really hope this isn't close to a final design.

[thenewguy]

that seems like way too much capacity for what we would actually draw

[Louie]

its obviously an april fools joke

[thenewguy]

its obviously an april fools joke

i don't know that it is obviously an april fool's joke, though we all assume it is. OBVIOUS would be much more exaggerated, whereas this still seems somewhat plausible

[omaha79]

For anyone who says "union Omaha doesn't need their own stadium, and they should just share with a local college team forever," here is yet another reason why that's not feasible....

Union is now in the round of 32 of the US Open Cup with another upset of a higher level USL Championship squad last week with a 2-1 win over Indy 11.

I'd heard they wanted to host this week and would have had a good chance. But, Morrison wasn't available because of a construction project and apparently Caniglia wasn't either. Probably would have had Sporting KC in Omaha again....instead, it's a trip out to Denver to play the Colorado Rapid.

[Louie]

For anyone who says "union Omaha doesn't need their own stadium, and they should just share with a local college team forever," here is yet another reason why that's not feasible....

Union is now in the round of 32 of the US Open Cup with another upset of a higher level USL Championship squad last week with a 2-1 win over Indy 11.

I'd heard they wanted to host this week and would have had a good chance. But, Morrison wasn't available because of a construction project and apparently Caniglia wasn't either. Probably would have had Sporting KC in Omaha again....instead, it's a trip out to Denver to play the Colorado Rapid.

Good call out, it's just really not feasible. Especially for a team that has been successful more often than not.

[WiinterU]

Also, the mixed-use district and the stadium are going to bring much-needed redevelopment to North Downtown.

[omahahawk]

Omaha City Council delays vote on Millwork Commons soccer stadium project

The council voted 5-2 to lay over the vote to approve over $48 million of TIF money for the project until at least next week, giving council members more time to look through the information.

“I’m very much in favor of this. I think it’s very additive to the city and the region, but I want to make sure we’re taking the proper steps to go forward,” Omaha City Council member Brinker Harding said.


https://www.wowt.com/2026/04/08/omaha-c ... m-project/

[thenewguy]

I certainly hope it goes through but it doesn't seem like there's much support from the powers-that-be

[nebport5]

I certainly hope it goes through but it doesn't seem like there's much support from the powers-that-be

There's a hearing regarding potential turn back funding later this month that should clear up potential support.