Downtown Soccer Stadium (11th & Millwork Ave)

[UpTheUnion95]

Article from the Nebraska Examiner

https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2026/05/07 ... nine-more/

[ita]

Article from the Nebraska Examiner

https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2026/05/07 ... nine-more/

Nice!

[Louie]

Pleasant surprise that it didn’t hit a snag!

[Padre]

Interesting article regarding new soccer stadium building, considering the possible USL relegation/promotion system.


https://www.forbes.com/sites/timnewcomb ... iscussion/

[Garrett]

The most interesting part, in particular:

A promotion or relegation move could swing attendance by an average need of 5,000 seats per division. That means a team moving from the lowest tier in USL two divisions up to the top could see a nightly fan increase by as much as 10,000 fans. That requires foresight in planning. “I think we are just scratching the tip of what exactly that means,” Singaby says. “The first practical design case has yet to come for us to dig in and come up with those constraints.”

Still, brick and mortar won’t be the most efficient way to build in the future. Singaby says prefabricated solutions—items that can be craned into a site and then taken away—will become the norm. That may mean suites or concession amenities are brought in, hooked up and services get connected and expanded as needed. “Maybe what we are designing for day one is the infrastructure to plug and play those components but not bringing in those pieces quite yet,” he says.

That new thinking of design has already started. USL teams have long aspired to attain MLS expansion status, so Singaby says HOK has received requests to have stadium capacity flexibility for some time. As HOK works on USL stadium designs in Detroit and Omaha, that doesn’t change.

[djc311]

This will probably be built and host its first game before Crossroads is halfway finished.

[thenewguy]

I think the plug-and-play option for concessions and the likes is a good way to plan for the future. If everything was roughed in for expansion later, it'd help mitigate initial expenses but still provide a nice fit and finish upon inception. I think something like the dip'n dots stands and beer vendors on one side of the stadium would be fine for when it opens, and have permanent concessions on the other side. My only hope for the stadium, besides it actually getting built, is that they face the stands correctly to allow for views of downtown and the surrounding area

[ita]

This will probably be built and host its first game before Crossroads is halfway finished.

I know you were joking, but that is the reality. In fact, the whole soccer stadium district might be done before half of Crossroads is completed. If there is nothing weird that comes up, the team plans to start construction this fall and be open for the 2028 season. The multi-use stuff, I think, will come after the stadium is built, but it could start sometime during stadium construction.

Crossroads will have the AMC thing and maybe the center town square thing down by then? Even if they get the first multi-family component done by Spring 2028, all that is a lot less than half of the overall Crossroads development.

[omaha79]

I'm skeptical that the USL Premier idea that requires 15k seat stadiums will come to fruition as planned, and if it does, if it's sustainable and lasts. I strongly believe MLS will do anything in their power to squash it. that includes anything up to and including poaching teams in cities that show a high level of success. keep in mind, they've taken clubs/markets like Cincinnati in the past that did well. They gave an expansion franchise to St. Louis (which St. Louis wanted), but that killed USL in that city.

These leagues don't get along. MLS is seen as the leader, and unless something happens to change that, which it likely won't, USL will always be the tail to the dog and MLS will decide if they need to squash USL competition in a certain market. If you get to 15k attendance, you're getting into MLS territory.

All of this started with the fight over the US Open Cup, but I think USL is picking a fight it cannot win. They need to focus on being a healthy 2nd tier league and not trying to compete over markets with USL and trying to compete over FIFA level designations.

I think any city that caves to USL and ups their capacity to 15k without a really solid plan with MLS in mind, or at least knowing that USL Premier has proven to last a long time could be chasing fools gold.

Just my opinion.

[omaha79]

In any event, I'm happy Pillen didn't turn into an obstacle.

[djc311]

This will probably be built and host its first game before Crossroads is halfway finished.

I know you were joking, but that is the reality. In fact, the whole soccer stadium district might be done before half of Crossroads is completed. If there is nothing weird that comes up, the team plans to start construction this fall and be open for the 2028 season. The multi-use stuff, I think, will come after the stadium is built, but it could start sometime during stadium construction.

Crossroads will have the AMC thing and maybe the center town square thing down by then? Even if they get the first multi-family component done by Spring 2028, all that is a lot less than half of the overall Crossroads development.

I was "slightly" joking. I was actually being mostly honest and realistic. Crossroads has been a shitshow, whereas I see this stadium blasting into high gear as soon as possible.

[almighty_tuna]

The new president and chief revenue officer for the Owls, Nick Hall, has a good resume of stadium work, including St Louis City SC (MLS). Sounds like he was brought in specifically to marshal Union Omaha through build out and first few seasons.

[omaha79]

The new president and chief revenue officer for the Owls, Nick Hall, has a good resume of stadium work, including St Louis City SC (MLS). Sounds like he was brought in specifically to marshal Union Omaha through build out and first few seasons.

They sent out a questionnaire to season ticket holders. it was basically a what is a must have, nice to have, and a nice luxury, but can wait on additional renovations type stuff. It was interesting. Seems like lots of features on the table, but what it ultimately looks like still open for debate.

[Garrett]

Based on the Forbes article above, it sounds like the design they settled on will be relatively modular to enable easy future expansion if needed.

[omaha79]

Based on the Forbes article above, it sounds like the design they settled on will be relatively modular to enable easy future expansion if needed.

It doesn't surprise me. That was the same playbook used on Werner Park in 2009-2010. Werner Park is a completely modular stadium. There are trade offs. it will never seem as grand or top flight as other stadiums. that's ok, I suppose especially when using public money. And, it allows for further, much easier expansion and renovation should a true need arise.

When I think of a more modular build like that, the Pittsburgh Riverhounds also come to mind. Their stadium was modest and modular in nature and the new plans will essentially demo and rebuild most of it to get to the USL Division One at 15k. This is a pretty bold design and I like it. Omaha will not be in this stratosphere and I would argue it would be decades, if ever, before we would reach that point.

But, this is what modular could allow a market to do...

https://www.riverhounds.com/news/2025/0 ... ouncement/

[Garrett]

Based on the Forbes article above, it sounds like the design they settled on will be relatively modular to enable easy future expansion if needed.

It doesn't surprise me. That was the same playbook used on Werner Park in 2009-2010. Werner Park is a completely modular stadium. There are trade offs. it will never seem as grand or top flight as other stadiums. that's ok, I suppose especially when using public money. And, it allows for further, much easier expansion and renovation should a true need arise.

When I think of a more modular build like that, the Pittsburgh Riverhounds also come to mind. Their stadium was modest and modular in nature and the new plans will essentially demo and rebuild most of it to get to the USL Division One at 15k. This is a pretty bold design and I like it. Omaha will not be in this stratosphere and I would argue it would be decades, if ever, before we would reach that point.

But, this is what modular could allow a market to do...

https://www.riverhounds.com/news/2025/0 ... ouncement/

Kinda reminds me of the Gallup Campus version of the stadium we saw.

Speaking of, I suppose this thread could use a name adjustment to more accurately reflect the new location

[strangerthings]

The KC Current stadium is not modular but it was designed to be readily upgradable if / when NWSL takes off.

[omaha79]

The KC Current stadium is not modular but it was designed to be readily upgradable if / when NWSL takes off.

But, that's KC vs. Omaha thinking and budget. Big difference.

[omaha79]

Interesting discussion. Essentially, MLS is slowly trying to monopolize markets in the United States and control the entire pyramid of pro soccer in the United States. they want investors to buy into MLS Next Pro and get that league to up to 60 clubs. The thought is that the MLS brand would be more attractive to cities vs. USL, but would damage USL nationwide.

For what it's worth, the discussion has been pretty clear with Gary Green and those in charge of Union Omaha that they have not wanted to be a farm team. They had discussions with Sporting KC, but didn't want to their roster to be beholden to what the MLS squad desired. They have had great success building their own rosters, scouting, etc. But, now MLS Next Pro is allowing non affiliated squads.

Would Omaha's thought on it change if they could end up in MLS Next Pro without the requirement of being beholden to a MLS franchise? Would MLS branding have any advantages. So far, I don't think the cities in USL have wanted the MLS branding as the MLS still wants more control over the day to day than USL currently requires and having USL independence is still an advantage. Is MLS Next Pro good branding or too minor league?

[Dusty]

What is the origin of the Union team name? Does it have any correlation to Union Pacific?

[arch_RP_planner]

https://matthewwolff.com/portfolio/union-omaha

From the Graphic Designer, Matthew Wolff. Shoutout for his great work!

It is the railroad! The branding was very well done, and I love both the choice of the Great Horned Owl and the vibrant fluorescent yellow!

[stadsborgare]

What is the origin of the Union team name? Does it have any correlation to Union Pacific?

I think it's a name that's designed to work in both English and Spanish. There is already an MLS team named Union with perhaps the same idea in mind, except they put "Union" after the city name (Philadelphia Union), so why not change it up a bit and put it before, like proper Spanish would do, so "Union (de) Omaha."

There's a small handful of clubs around the world with a name like ours, one being Unión de Santa Fe (Argentina), Union Berlin (Germany), and Unión La Calera (Chile).

They could have alternatively been called "Omaha United" which would follow the naming tradition of many English clubs.

Or the "Omaha Owls" which would be the Americanized way of naming it, but if you understand the subculture of soccer (sorry, "football") fans in this country, a name like that is not the most favorable. Even though, the owl is our mascot, but international naming traditions leave out the mascot name in the official, "FORMAL" name of the club.

[UpTheUnion95]

https://www.omahamagazine.com/business/ ... ow-soccer/

Article from Omaha Magazine about the team hoping to capitalize off of the World Cup

[omaha79]

Their match on July 1 is currently exactly overlapping with the Team USA round of 32 world cup match. Lot's of logistical hurdles from Creighton University staffing, USL, and ESPN, but the hope would be that Union Omaha could move their match up to 4 or 4:30 PM to capitalize off of the USA matchup by doing either a watch party on the scoreboard or something adjacent in a North Downtown bar. I know it's being looked at, but not sure it will materialize. That would bet he proper way to capitalize on the world cup in the near term.

[thenewguy]

it'd sure be fun. I've watched a few matches with my boys, and I think it'd be awesome to be at one of them. If we could get in on the buzz somewhere in the distant future, that'd be really cool

[almighty_tuna]

Union Omaha could move their match up to 4 or 4:30 PM to capitalize off of the USA matchup by doing either a watch party on the scoreboard or something adjacent in a North Downtown bar....That would bet he proper way to capitalize on the world cup in the near term.

I second that. Great marketing opportunity here.

[Dusty]

https://matthewwolff.com/portfolio/union-omaha

From the Graphic Designer, Matthew Wolff. Shoutout for his great work!

It is the railroad! The branding was very well done, and I love both the choice of the Great Horned Owl and the vibrant fluorescent yellow!

Well then t's fitting part of the land where is this going is owned by Union Pacific. On previous Grow Omaha episode, they mentioned this would be its own district not part of Millwork Commons. is there another major tenant being planned for this? Seems like a stretch to call it a district. More of a mixed-use development to me.

This is why I asked about the origin of the name. Would the district have Union in the name?

[Greg S]

Union Omaha could move their match up to 4 or 4:30 PM to capitalize off of the USA matchup by doing either a watch party on the scoreboard or something adjacent in a North Downtown bar....That would bet he proper way to capitalize on the world cup in the near term.

I second that. Great marketing opportunity here.

Talked to my buddy that works on Creighton and is one that is involved with the athletic facilities. He indicated there's plenty of availability with Morrison for Union to move the date of this game. Sounds like it is more in Unions court to move the game and see if it can be coordinated with their opponent.

[omaha79]

Union Omaha could move their match up to 4 or 4:30 PM to capitalize off of the USA matchup by doing either a watch party on the scoreboard or something adjacent in a North Downtown bar....That would bet he proper way to capitalize on the world cup in the near term.

I second that. Great marketing opportunity here.

Talked to my buddy that works on Creighton and is one that is involved with the athletic facilities. He indicated there's plenty of availability with Morrison for Union to move the date of this game. Sounds like it is more in Unions court to move the game and see if it can be coordinated with their opponent.

I hope they find a way, but I'm not feeling confident. They were looking into it as of Sunday, I had heard. Haven't heard anything yet, and they are actively marketing packages with 4 tickets and a scarf for a 7pm kick. If they are moving marketing of the tickets into overdrive, it would be tough to keep pushing 7pm and then move to 4pm with peoples work schedules, etc. But, if you can make it a 2 for 1 deal with the game on the big screen after, that would help. Just don't want a bunch of people buying in to get the scarf and then realize they can't attend the new time.

I'd think if we don't hear something by Tomorrow or Thursday, at the absolute latest, it's a 7pm kick and the core fans are going to have to make decisions. I'm choosing the USA matchup if I have to.

[omaha79]

The 7/1 match has officially been moved to 9:30 pm to accommodate a world cup watch party at Morrison prior.

[UpTheUnion95]

Omaha hosting FC Juarez U21s on 7.25 in their first Intl Friendly