Downtown Soccer Stadium (11th & Millwork Ave)

[JDirte]

The rendering doesnt even seem to line up with the site plan in the document and it doesnt show 100% of what the stadium has from the pictures.

1. There are 2 grand stands on the opposite side of the press box/suites. Not one. There are 2 with space in the middle and "fan experience zones" on the corners.

2. There is a bar with a canopy and open fan area behind the jumbotron. There are also synthetic turf areas, mini pitches, and looks like fan gathering areas.

3. Opposite of the video board, is that building apart of the stadium? That looks like it is the coaches office, support staff, locker room, weight room, etc.

IF the site plan is what the stadium is actually going to be, I think people would be a less stressed about it. NOt able to link picutres, but site plan is right above the renderings int he original doc

[thenewguy]

no, i know there are two sides, i'm just saying that this



doesn't feel much different than this (i just couldn't find an image that included both home and visitor sides)



I know there are other things going on with the stadium, like i said in my previous post. I'll get off my soapbox, i just think they didn't fully connect on what's possible with $130M when you compare it to the size and scope of Schwab just 15 years ago with a similar price tag. $130M in 2011 is around $190M today, so even an apples-to-apples comparison on the dollar makes it seem like we aren't getting nearly the bang-for-our-buck.

#endrant

[omaha79]

As a supporter of Union, soccer in general, and this project, I'm concerned. I missed the initial discussion of this, but those new renderings made me do a double take.

This certainly looks different from what was initially promised. i feel like that's the way it always seems to go these days in modern stadium design. it's always over sell and under deliver. Cost and inflation overruns always seem to be a thing. I look at multiple soccer and baseball stadiums over the last decade coming back way more underwhelming than initially promised.

I do have some questions?

1. What is the actual now projected seating capacity on this? It was initially promised as 8,000. I remember that number specifically because people were saying 8,000 was too small as USL is trying to move to the Premier format and you'd have to be at 15,000 to get to Premier. Now, I'm seeing people in this thread talking 5,500 and 6,000. Union crowds haven't warranted 8,000, but it feels like a tough sell to spend $120 million, or whatever it is on a 6k seat stadium where it appears one side of stands don't even run the length of the field.

2. How is Des Moines proposing a similar sized stadium for half the price? It can't all be site remediation as their site needed plenty of remediation and was causing the city to push back on financing.

3. When will this be done? The team is still supposedly pushing 2027 as the last season at Morrison. They have been sending out marketing flyers and emails stating that if you buy in now for 2027, you'll get priority ability to purchase for 2028 at the new stadium. But, while I haven't read the whole proposal, it sounds like people are saying this is now being pushed back to end of 2028 and team not playing there until 2029? Is that right?

A big portion of this feels like a bait and switch if both 1 & 3 are what I'm reading in this thread.

This stadium is starting to feel like the Pittsburgh Riverhounds current facility (and they are doing a big renovation), which for USL isn't inherently bad, but not what we were promised and sold on. I think some accountability and answers need to happen here.

Here is what is giving me Pittsburgh vibes...

[jomaha9]

As a supporter of Union, soccer in general, and this project, I'm concerned. I missed the initial discussion of this, but those new renderings made me do a double take.

This certainly looks different from what was initially promised. i feel like that's the way it always seems to go these days in modern stadium design. it's always over sell and under deliver. Cost and inflation overruns always seem to be a thing. I look at multiple soccer and baseball stadiums over the last decade coming back way more underwhelming than initially promised.

I do have some questions?

1. What is the actual now projected seating capacity on this? It was initially promised as 8,000. I remember that number specifically because people were saying 8,000 was too small as USL is trying to move to the Premier format and you'd have to be at 15,000 to get to Premier. Now, I'm seeing people in this thread talking 5,500 and 6,000. Union crowds haven't warranted 8,000, but it feels like a tough sell to spend $120 million, or whatever it is on a 6k seat stadium where it appears one side of stands don't even run the length of the field.

2. How is Des Moines proposing a similar sized stadium for half the price? It can't all be site remediation as their site needed plenty of remediation and was causing the city to push back on financing.

3. When will this be done? The team is still supposedly pushing 2027 as the last season at Morrison. They have been sending out marketing flyers and emails stating that if you buy in now for 2027, you'll get priority ability to purchase for 2028 at the new stadium. But, while I haven't read the whole proposal, it sounds like people are saying this is now being pushed back to end of 2028 and team not playing there until 2029? Is that right?

A big portion of this feels like a bait and switch if both 1 & 3 are what I'm reading in this thread.

This stadium is starting to feel like the Pittsburgh Riverhounds current facility (and they are doing a big renovation), which for USL isn't inherently bad, but not what we were promised and sold on. I think some accountability and answers need to happen here.

Here is what is giving me Pittsburgh vibes...

Agree 100%. For the price, I would expect something that seats north of 10K and has the potential for a secondary purpose (such as concerts or UFL games).

[omaha79]

As a supporter of Union, soccer in general, and this project, I'm concerned. I missed the initial discussion of this, but those new renderings made me do a double take.

This certainly looks different from what was initially promised. i feel like that's the way it always seems to go these days in modern stadium design. it's always over sell and under deliver. Cost and inflation overruns always seem to be a thing. I look at multiple soccer and baseball stadiums over the last decade coming back way more underwhelming than initially promised.

I do have some questions?

1. What is the actual now projected seating capacity on this? It was initially promised as 8,000. I remember that number specifically because people were saying 8,000 was too small as USL is trying to move to the Premier format and you'd have to be at 15,000 to get to Premier. Now, I'm seeing people in this thread talking 5,500 and 6,000. Union crowds haven't warranted 8,000, but it feels like a tough sell to spend $120 million, or whatever it is on a 6k seat stadium where it appears one side of stands don't even run the length of the field.

2. How is Des Moines proposing a similar sized stadium for half the price? It can't all be site remediation as their site needed plenty of remediation and was causing the city to push back on financing.

3. When will this be done? The team is still supposedly pushing 2027 as the last season at Morrison. They have been sending out marketing flyers and emails stating that if you buy in now for 2027, you'll get priority ability to purchase for 2028 at the new stadium. But, while I haven't read the whole proposal, it sounds like people are saying this is now being pushed back to end of 2028 and team not playing there until 2029? Is that right?

A big portion of this feels like a bait and switch if both 1 & 3 are what I'm reading in this thread.

This stadium is starting to feel like the Pittsburgh Riverhounds current facility (and they are doing a big renovation), which for USL isn't inherently bad, but not what we were promised and sold on. I think some accountability and answers need to happen here.

Here is what is giving me Pittsburgh vibes...

Agree 100%. For the price, I would expect something that seats north of 10K and has the potential for a secondary purpose (such as concerts or UFL games).

Well, concerts and state soccer were part of the value proposition on this. If neither come to pass, then someone will have some explaining to do.

USL Championship promotion and a womens team are the other value propositions to this.

[Greg S]

I think you have to keep the state championships or at least the finals at Morrison just due to capacity.

[omaha79]

I think you have to keep the state championships or at least the finals at Morrison just due to capacity.

The discussion has always been a shared state soccer model between Union stadium and Morrison. If that weren't the case, it makes it less desirable. I"m sure the final would stay at Morrison.

[omahahawk]

Really looking forward to learning more with the public hearing this Tuesday. I would love to see some good reporting in regards to what the exact specifications are and what specific upgradability will be in place. It would also be great to get a cohesive and definitive set of renderings. All in all I think most people would feel accepting if they can be made to feel like the most was truly done with what there was to work with. Hopefully, a ground breaking date comes soon.

[BuildTaller]

having a stadium: great
thinking the stadium would look a little different: not as great. It looks nice, just doesn't seem like 5k people

These are what they showed at the city council meeting today.

[Huskerbum]

Underwhelming to say the least…130 million doesn’t get anywhere near what it used to apparently.

[Garrett]

Underwhelming to say the least…130 million doesn’t get anywhere near what it used to apparently.

As I recall that was about the total budget of the Wallstreet Tower back in the day

[thenewguy]

ok, let's step back for a minute...

In the renderings, it's fairly easy to count the number of spectators in the rendering of the covered side. Looks like it's about 16 people wide and 9 people deep. That's 144 per section. There are 9 sections on the covered side for a total of 1,296 (if they were all equal). If the other side doubles that volume, that's 2,592. There are people behind the goal, maybe that's 1,000 (being generous), so we have a total of 3,592. If this is meant to be 5,500, the rendering is grossly inaccurate. I feel like they should forego the goal seating and run two covered sides. This would give the other side a more finished look, and less like a high school stadium. They could at least put an electronic ribbon on the canopy(s), and it'd go a long way to give it a more finished look. It truly isn't a BAD looking stadium, just that it feels like there could be more to it to justify the cost.

[omahahawk]

City council is set to vote next week and hopefully the true specifics come out at that time. Not sure how many of these other stadiums around the country had so much associated development tied to them. I'm sure that all plays into this. That's OK though because I am at least as excited about that part as the stadium itself. At this point it just needs to get started regardless. Groundbreaking is targeted for November. As long as there is growth potential and expansion capability this is far better than the current empty lots that would probably remain for another 20-30 plus years.


https://www.ketv.com/article/omaha-city ... m/74197052

[BuildTaller]

Underwhelming to say the least…130 million doesn’t get anywhere near what it used to apparently.

The expansion on the back of the CHI Health Center (the convention center) was budgeted at $200 million for an additional 94,000 sq feet of meeting space.

https://www.ketv.com/article/omaha-chi- ... s/61743058

[thenewguy]

City council is set to vote next week and hopefully the true specifics come out at that time. Not sure how many of these other stadiums around the country had so much associated development tied to them. I'm sure that all plays into this. That's OK though because I am at least as excited about that part as the stadium itself. At this point it just needs to get started regardless. Groundbreaking is targeted for November. As long as there is growth potential and expansion capability this is far better than the current empty lots that would probably remain for another 20-30 plus years.


https://www.ketv.com/article/omaha-city ... m/74197052

it will be nice to have more activity down there during the warmer months

[BIGO88]

A few months ago the Commissioner of the UFL listed Omaha as a possible expansion franchise, I dont think he would have said that if there weren't some sort of talks going on considering there were no other options to play at. To me these more basic renderings look like they have a future expansion in mind.

[djc311]

A few months ago the Commissioner of the UFL listed Omaha as a possible expansion franchise, I dont think he would have said that if there weren't some sort of talks going on considering there were no other options to play at. To me these more basic renderings look like they have a future expansion in mind.

UFL - like the Rock's football league? Would be cool, but I'd be surprised if that program lasts another 5-10 years. It seems like they get next to no one at the games. It's unfortunate, too, because there is a lot of talent in the league. IMO, I'd rather watch UFL over any minor league baseball game any day of the week, and that can stick around.

Hopefully I'm proven wrong and they continue to expand, attract more talent and fans and it grows in popularity!

[thenewguy]

A few months ago the Commissioner of the UFL listed Omaha as a possible expansion franchise, I dont think he would have said that if there weren't some sort of talks going on considering there were no other options to play at. To me these more basic renderings look like they have a future expansion in mind.

UFL - like the Rock's football league? Would be cool, but I'd be surprised if that program lasts another 5-10 years. It seems like they get next to no one at the games. It's unfortunate, too, because there is a lot of talent in the league. IMO, I'd rather watch UFL over any minor league baseball game any day of the week, and that can stick around.

Hopefully I'm proven wrong and they continue to expand, attract more talent and fans and it grows in popularity!

i know this is taking it off on a tangent, but part of the problem with the UFL, IMO, is they could look at markets with few to no professional teams. Omaha is obviously one, but there is Des Moines (if not Omaha), Portland, etc. Markets like St. Louis are showing they obviously want something (they have great attendance) but other markets struggle because they already have 'real' football in the fall. I feel like if they want to have the UFL play in this stadium, they will need to do something more with it than what has been proposed. Empty or not, the stadiums they play in have NFL fit and finish for the most part so this may not cut the mustard if that's part of the aim

[jomaha9]

A few months ago the Commissioner of the UFL listed Omaha as a possible expansion franchise, I dont think he would have said that if there weren't some sort of talks going on considering there were no other options to play at. To me these more basic renderings look like they have a future expansion in mind.

UFL - like the Rock's football league? Would be cool, but I'd be surprised if that program lasts another 5-10 years. It seems like they get next to no one at the games. It's unfortunate, too, because there is a lot of talent in the league. IMO, I'd rather watch UFL over any minor league baseball game any day of the week, and that can stick around.

Hopefully I'm proven wrong and they continue to expand, attract more talent and fans and it grows in popularity!

i know this is taking it off on a tangent, but part of the problem with the UFL, IMO, is they could look at markets with few to no professional teams. Omaha is obviously one, but there is Des Moines (if not Omaha), Portland, etc. Markets like St. Louis are showing they obviously want something (they have great attendance) but other markets struggle because they already have 'real' football in the fall. I feel like if they want to have the UFL play in this stadium, they will need to do something more with it than what has been proposed. Empty or not, the stadiums they play in have NFL fit and finish for the most part so this may not cut the mustard if that's part of the aim

That's my concern with this stadium project. I feel it should be designed for multiple uses, including UFL football, without compromising soccer. The original UFL was getting attendance numbers of over 10K/game when it was in Omaha and I recall we led the league in attendance.

From my perspective and others in Omaha, I'd rather watch a minor league football team than a minor league soccer team. Both are good and we shouldn't have the stadium design limit our options.

[almighty_tuna]

we shouldn't have the stadium design limit our options.

Y'all recognize that this is a soccer stadium put forth by a soccer team, right? Unless jomaha9 is Gary Green's secret online alias, "we" don't have any options to which we are entitled.

Imagine if you pulled a permit for an Accessory Dwelling Unit for your mother-in-law and the planning department said you can't build it unless your neighbor can also borrow it to occasionally park his riding lawn mower.

[nebport5]

Ugh! At this point if there's not a dedicated UFL thread we need one.

A few months ago the Commissioner of the UFL listed Omaha as a possible expansion franchise, I dont think he would have said that if there weren't some sort of talks going on considering there were no other options to play at. To me these more basic renderings look like they have a future expansion in mind.

UFL - like the Rock's football league? Would be cool, but I'd be surprised if that program lasts another 5-10 years. It seems like they get next to no one at the games. It's unfortunate, too, because there is a lot of talent in the league. IMO, I'd rather watch UFL over any minor league baseball game any day of the week, and that can stick around.

Hopefully I'm proven wrong and they continue to expand, attract more talent and fans and it grows in popularity!

i know this is taking it off on a tangent, but part of the problem with the UFL, IMO, is they could look at markets with few to no professional teams. Omaha is obviously one, but there is Des Moines (if not Omaha), Portland, etc. Markets like St. Louis are showing they obviously want something (they have great attendance) but other markets struggle because they already have 'real' football in the fall. I feel like if they want to have the UFL play in this stadium, they will need to do something more with it than what has been proposed. Empty or not, the stadiums they play in have NFL fit and finish for the most part so this may not cut the mustard if that's part of the aim

That's my concern with this stadium project. I feel it should be designed for multiple uses, including UFL football, without compromising soccer. The original UFL was getting attendance numbers of over 10K/game when it was in Omaha and I recall we led the league in attendance.

From my perspective and others in Omaha, I'd rather watch a minor league football team than a minor league soccer team. Both are good and we shouldn't have the stadium design limit our options.

There are a number of problems with this and it's all covered a few pages back in this thread. This stadium is not the place for UFL. Omaha may indeed be a good candidate for UFL expansion but play would have to happen at The Chuck or perhaps part of the Gretna GLD. Speaking of which Yates has been too quiet lately.

Meanwhile the focus for The Union Omaha Stadium is making it successful independently from some other "big brother" sport. A lot of work has gone into making this a reality and the current plan is solid. At this point I'm much more interested in the possibilities with Hines related development

[BuildTaller]

That's my concern with this stadium project. I feel it should be designed for multiple uses, including UFL football, without compromising soccer.

This opinion is so frustrating. Why should they be required to loan out their stadium?

[jomaha9]

To be clear, Union Omaha does not have to loan out their stadium. I am simply pointing out that building a stadium with too limited of scope is not the best thing for Union Omaha or the city. Union or MECA could drive additional revenue with a facility that serves multiple purposes.

I referred to the UFL as it is a realistic opportunity, but it doesn't have to be football. If the stadium has some other uses, such as concerts or some other sport, there would be a greater return on investment on the facility.

[OracleOfOmaha]

That's my concern with this stadium project. I feel it should be designed for multiple uses, including UFL football, without compromising soccer.

This opinion is so frustrating. Why should they be required to loan out their stadium?

Are they allowed concerts?

[omaha79]

To be clear, Union Omaha does not have to loan out their stadium. I am simply pointing out that building a stadium with too limited of scope is not the best thing for Union Omaha or the city. Union or MECA could drive additional revenue with a facility that serves multiple purposes.

I referred to the UFL as it is a realistic opportunity, but it doesn't have to be football. If the stadium has some other uses, such as concerts or some other sport, there would be a greater return on investment on the facility.

Ultimately, a soccer facility is a soccer facility. If every facility needs to be a catch all event center, why aren't there more concerts at Schwab? Why isn't Morrison holding music festivals? Why isn't Werner Park holding outdoor concerts annually? Don't we now have enough outdoor concert venues or potential concert venues that this facility is a tertiary option for that at best considering we have the ballpark, arena, Gene Leahy, and Steelhouse within a mile of the soccer facility?

At some point, wear and tear even on field turf is a concern.

I'm not against UFL if it makes sense. But, shoehorning UFL into a soccer stadium when it may not exist in 5 years seems foolhardy. If UFL wants to be here and there are costs associated with accomodating UFL (additional seats, locker rooms, etc) let UFL ownership help fund it as well. that seems like a reasonable request. Why should the owners of Union Omaha have skin in the game and then just expect a UFL team to slide in just because this area wants American football at any cost?

Bottom line: I'd fully expect the facility to get plenty of use. it just may not be the use that Joe Six Pack Omahan wants it to have. I see potential uses including...

1. 20-25 dates a year for the Union Omaha men's team at the USL Championship level including additional US Open Cup and friendly matches they've had to say no to in the past because they have to pay rent as a tenant.

2. 20+ women's matches a year.

3. Around 6-7 matches a year for a feeder USL League 2 team featuring local college players playing during the summer.

4. Some shared State Soccer matches with Morrison

5. A few concerts a year

6. Perhaps some international or professional friendly match for either men's or womens soccer.

If those "uses" aren't palatable to the "voices from the grandstand", then I'd challenge you to look at where that unease comes from. Is it not sufficient use? Or, is it not sufficient you FOR YOU, because you simply don't like soccer. If it's the latter, it's a pointless argument to keep discussing because nothing they add in the realm of soccer will satisfy your burning desire for something you can relate to like a failing American Football product.

[omaha79]

A few months ago the Commissioner of the UFL listed Omaha as a possible expansion franchise, I dont think he would have said that if there weren't some sort of talks going on considering there were no other options to play at. To me these more basic renderings look like they have a future expansion in mind.

UFL - like the Rock's football league? Would be cool, but I'd be surprised if that program lasts another 5-10 years. It seems like they get next to no one at the games. It's unfortunate, too, because there is a lot of talent in the league. IMO, I'd rather watch UFL over any minor league baseball game any day of the week, and that can stick around.

Hopefully I'm proven wrong and they continue to expand, attract more talent and fans and it grows in popularity!

i know this is taking it off on a tangent, but part of the problem with the UFL, IMO, is they could look at markets with few to no professional teams. Omaha is obviously one, but there is Des Moines (if not Omaha), Portland, etc. Markets like St. Louis are showing they obviously want something (they have great attendance) but other markets struggle because they already have 'real' football in the fall. I feel like if they want to have the UFL play in this stadium, they will need to do something more with it than what has been proposed. Empty or not, the stadiums they play in have NFL fit and finish for the most part so this may not cut the mustard if that's part of the aim

Did you happen to see the issue St. Louis UFL is having next year? they might get evicted from the dome entirely because there are enough big conventions already scheduled that UFL can't make a palatable schedule without the team being home for half the season then gone for half the season.

Their attendance may be considered "great" by UFL standards, although it's been dwindling every year over time, but it's absolutely interesting, even in a white elephant problem facility like The Dome at America's Center, UFL football is being treated like a second class citizen and not a priotity. The team is even going out soliciting ideas of where they should play. Some have suggested Lindenwood or some high school stadiums in the area, but those have been noted as too small.

of particular interest to the absolutely lost "union omaha should be told they have to share their facility with UFL football" crowd, it sounds like St. Louis City has already told the team they have zero interest in allowing American Football on their MLS field. All the normal issues likely apply like wear and tear, changeover costs, and just not wanting to sully their product with faded football lines when the soccer team plays.

In most places, soccer and football just aren't seen as compatible. It's a square peg, round hole proposition especially as soccer in the US becomes more lucrative and less second class. Football becomes the outlier due to size, resource, and locker room demands.

https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootba ... n-st-louis

https://www.firstalert4.com/2026/10/21/ ... as-center/

And, just food for thought, as the Battlehawks attendance has declined over time (averaging 23k for the 2026 season) vs. St. Louis City SC at 22k a match over more matches on the season, where is the value proposition here? St. Louis City just won the US Open last night. Battlhawks are fading in interest and competitiveness. One is the it thing to do in St. Louis and the other is a relic that certain portion of the city is desparate to have.

[jomaha9]

To be clear, Union Omaha does not have to loan out their stadium. I am simply pointing out that building a stadium with too limited of scope is not the best thing for Union Omaha or the city. Union or MECA could drive additional revenue with a facility that serves multiple purposes.

I referred to the UFL as it is a realistic opportunity, but it doesn't have to be football. If the stadium has some other uses, such as concerts or some other sport, there would be a greater return on investment on the facility.

Ultimately, a soccer facility is a soccer facility. If every facility needs to be a catch all event center, why aren't there more concerts at Schwab? Why isn't Morrison holding music festivals? Why isn't Werner Park holding outdoor concerts annually? Don't we now have enough outdoor concert venues or potential concert venues that this facility is a tertiary option for that at best considering we have the ballpark, arena, Gene Leahy, and Steelhouse within a mile of the soccer facility?

At some point, wear and tear even on field turf is a concern.

I'm not against UFL if it makes sense. But, shoehorning UFL into a soccer stadium when it may not exist in 5 years seems foolhardy. If UFL wants to be here and there are costs associated with accomodating UFL (additional seats, locker rooms, etc) let UFL ownership help fund it as well. that seems like a reasonable request. Why should the owners of Union Omaha have skin in the game and then just expect a UFL team to slide in just because this area wants American football at any cost?

Bottom line: I'd fully expect the facility to get plenty of use. it just may not be the use that Joe Six Pack Omahan wants it to have. I see potential uses including...

1. 20-25 dates a year for the Union Omaha men's team at the USL Championship level including additional US Open Cup and friendly matches they've had to say no to in the past because they have to pay rent as a tenant.

2. 20+ women's matches a year.

3. Around 6-7 matches a year for a feeder USL League 2 team featuring local college players playing during the summer.

4. Some shared State Soccer matches with Morrison

5. A few concerts a year

6. Perhaps some international or professional friendly match for either men's or womens soccer.

If those "uses" aren't palatable to the "voices from the grandstand", then I'd challenge you to look at where that unease comes from. Is it not sufficient use? Or, is it not sufficient you FOR YOU, because you simply don't like soccer. If it's the latter, it's a pointless argument to keep discussing because nothing they add in the realm of soccer will satisfy your burning desire for something you can relate to like a failing American Football product.

Totally valid and I see your point. If there are sufficient uses for the stadium that keep it active for a good chunk of the year, I think it justifies the investment. On your earlier point about Schwab Field, I echo your comments that it is not properly utilized and sits empty most of the year. Part of the concern a lot of people have is whether we will have a second stadium that spends most of the year empty.

To be clear, I am fully supportive of the Union Omaha stadium and think it will be good for Omaha. I just shared a concern that the design might be more limiting than it should be.

[omaha79]

To be clear, Union Omaha does not have to loan out their stadium. I am simply pointing out that building a stadium with too limited of scope is not the best thing for Union Omaha or the city. Union or MECA could drive additional revenue with a facility that serves multiple purposes.

I referred to the UFL as it is a realistic opportunity, but it doesn't have to be football. If the stadium has some other uses, such as concerts or some other sport, there would be a greater return on investment on the facility.

Ultimately, a soccer facility is a soccer facility. If every facility needs to be a catch all event center, why aren't there more concerts at Schwab? Why isn't Morrison holding music festivals? Why isn't Werner Park holding outdoor concerts annually? Don't we now have enough outdoor concert venues or potential concert venues that this facility is a tertiary option for that at best considering we have the ballpark, arena, Gene Leahy, and Steelhouse within a mile of the soccer facility?

At some point, wear and tear even on field turf is a concern.

I'm not against UFL if it makes sense. But, shoehorning UFL into a soccer stadium when it may not exist in 5 years seems foolhardy. If UFL wants to be here and there are costs associated with accomodating UFL (additional seats, locker rooms, etc) let UFL ownership help fund it as well. that seems like a reasonable request. Why should the owners of Union Omaha have skin in the game and then just expect a UFL team to slide in just because this area wants American football at any cost?

Bottom line: I'd fully expect the facility to get plenty of use. it just may not be the use that Joe Six Pack Omahan wants it to have. I see potential uses including...

1. 20-25 dates a year for the Union Omaha men's team at the USL Championship level including additional US Open Cup and friendly matches they've had to say no to in the past because they have to pay rent as a tenant.

2. 20+ women's matches a year.

3. Around 6-7 matches a year for a feeder USL League 2 team featuring local college players playing during the summer.

4. Some shared State Soccer matches with Morrison

5. A few concerts a year

6. Perhaps some international or professional friendly match for either men's or womens soccer.

If those "uses" aren't palatable to the "voices from the grandstand", then I'd challenge you to look at where that unease comes from. Is it not sufficient use? Or, is it not sufficient you FOR YOU, because you simply don't like soccer. If it's the latter, it's a pointless argument to keep discussing because nothing they add in the realm of soccer will satisfy your burning desire for something you can relate to like a failing American Football product.

Totally valid and I see your point. If there are sufficient uses for the stadium that keep it active for a good chunk of the year, I think it justifies the investment. On your earlier point about Schwab Field, I echo your comments that it is not properly utilized and sits empty most of the year. Part of the concern a lot of people have is whether we will have a second stadium that spends most of the year empty.

To be clear, I am fully supportive of the Union Omaha stadium and think it will be good for Omaha. I just shared a concern that the design might be more limiting than it should be.

Agree on Schwab. If UFL Football is to exist anywhere in the metro, it should be Schwab field. That will require buy in from MECA, NCAA, and Creighton University. Ultimately, probably too big of a hill to overcome, but you have a facility that is ready for UFL right now with Schwab. Just getting NCAA and Creighton on board with field wear and tear during the spring. If that cannot be overcome, Omaha is simply not a UFL market.

[Padre]

This might change the dynamics of the stadium talk a bit.

NEW “UNITED FOR SOCCER” IDENTITY REFLECTS THE ORGANIZATION'S GROWTH AND AMBITION, INTRODUCES THE FIRST OFFICIAL USL PREMIER LOGO AND LOOKS AHEAD TO PROMOTION AND RELEGATION IN 2028

https://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/1368810

[Erik]

I know this is off topic a bit, but I have to say it.

The more I look into Major League Sports cartels, the insane ask of the citizens, I have largely rejected the idea of wanting us to going after any of them. The kid in me thinks it'd be cool, but thats about it.

Id rather our Philanthropy keep building other venues, parks, Muesums, Transportation,UNMC expansions and other types of true investing into the city. Sports clubs can just up and leave after having billions after billions invested into them, leaving communities holding the bag. The more time goes on, I cant even stomach watching them on TV due to how they behave.

In regards to becoming a USL Championship League club, thats another thing entirely. Its a very modest investment into something much less corporate and sterile.
Im officially off the idea of trying to get Major League Sports at any point into the future.

I will say that its headscratching we would pay half the cost for a limited stadium that has expandability to a Premier League capacity size down the road.