Downtown Soccer Stadium (11th & Millwork Ave)

[ita]

Is there a reason they left one end of the stadium open? Is this for future expansion of seats?

It's not necessarily open. The sky-view diagram and renderings from street view really don't match up at all, so it's safe to say nothing is really in stone yet.

I thought I heard/read somewhere that the open south end is to allow for skyline views. I think it was mentioned in the radio show that someone posted above with Martie Cordero.

[stadsborgare]

Here's what the skyline view (sans the Mutual Tower) would look like from the proposed stadium:


I did a little "sight surveying" of my own today.

I really like the location. One can walk or bike-ride from the Gene Leahy Mall all the way to the soccer stadium without crossing any major streets. And other than it being a bit of a walk, it is pedestrian-friendly with the wide sidewalks and several options like the "Baby Bob" and ML King bridges if you didn't wish to sweep around through the Riverfront Parks to get there.


Past the Luminarium and the Sioux warrior follow the wide sidewalk straight up to the stadium.

[Garrett]

Is there a reason they left one end of the stadium open? Is this for future expansion of seats?

I imagine they don't need to do a full bowl now and decided to keep the south end open for the view.

[CBJason]

Is there a reason they left one end of the stadium open? Is this for future expansion of seats?

Pretty sure this is the way the stadium was always meant to be in order to maximize the downtown views.

[Omahayngin]

anyone have any idea how the MoO tower will look included in the view from the stadium? my imaginations not working

[Brad]

anyone have any idea how the MoO tower will look included in the view from the stadium? my imaginations not working

It will look like this. This was shot basically where the soccer field will be, unlike the photo above that was shot closer to Riverfront Drive.

881A2292.jpg

[NEDodger]

Yeah.....we need a 30-story on that old UP site.

[nebport5]

Yeah.....we need a 30-story on that old UP site.

What no commemorative 1,867 footer!?

[skinzfan23]

That photoshop looks amazing Brad!

Yeah.....we need a 30-story on that old UP site.

Even a 15-20 story tower would really fill in that gap.

[F0R_L1F3]

As more of downtown gets built, I think there's faith in the site

[NEDodger]

Yeah.....we need a 30-story on that old UP site.

What no commemorative 1,867 footer!?

I like the cut of your jib!

[NEDodger]

That photoshop looks amazing Brad!

Yeah.....we need a 30-story on that old UP site.

Even a 15-20 story tower would really fill in that gap.

Let's Pawn Stars this bad boy and meet in the middle - a nice 24-story building on the old UP site.

[Agibson951]

Best I can do is a 4 story hotel.

[Brad]

That photoshop looks amazing Brad!

Thanks! That was an easy one. Snipped the tower out of the Abbott drive rendering and added it to a practice photo I took before the fireworks started on New Year’s Eve.

[djc311]

Yeah.....we need a 30-story on that old UP site.

What no commemorative 1,867 footer!?

Maybe when they start delivering materials to the OKC site we can sneak in an Omaha ship-to address.

[Omahayngin]

That photoshop looks amazing Brad!

Thanks! That was an easy one. Snipped the tower out of the Abbott drive rendering and added it to a practice photo I took before the fireworks started on New Year’s Eve.

Yea! Thanks for that rendering

[Coyote]

It will look like this. This was shot basically where the soccer field will be, unlike the photo above that was shot closer to Riverfront Drive.

Cool shot!

[Renovator2559]

Yeah.....we need a 30-story on that old UP site.

What no commemorative 1,867 footer!?

Let OKC be the one with a weird skyline and trying to compensate for something. Our skyscrapers in Omaha, should complement the heights of the FNBO and the MoO with steady height increases. Let's not make FNBO look like a puny skyscraper. FNBO tower is what I always look to FNBO for downtown orientation.

[jjjjhskr]

The OKC tower has little chance of getting done. The mayor doesn’t even support it. Everything I have read says that a city that size cannot afford one of that height and would be cost prohibitive - the higher the tower goes they greater the cost per sq foot.

[Greg S]

Back on the soccer train. They still have some work to be done in the legislature for funding, right?

I do like what I heard at the press conference. Following a pattern to what has worked in KC with also having a women's team (this stadium like the one getting built for the KC Current is right on the Missouri) plus an academy. I like how they even directly referenced Sporting KC in the press conference.


Greg

[CraigMonticello]

Back on the soccer train. They still have some work to be done in the legislature for funding, right?

I do like what I heard at the press conference. Following a pattern to what has worked in KC with also having a women's team (this stadium like the one getting built for the KC Current is right on the Missouri) plus an academy. I like how they even directly referenced Sporting KC in the press conference.


Greg

It’s far away. The land still belongs to Gallup, so that sale would have to be figured out, along with funding/lobbying. I see this still as a long shot, I hope I’m wrong

[ita]

Back on the soccer train. They still have some work to be done in the legislature for funding, right?

I do like what I heard at the press conference. Following a pattern to what has worked in KC with also having a women's team (this stadium like the one getting built for the KC Current is right on the Missouri) plus an academy. I like how they even directly referenced Sporting KC in the press conference.


Greg

It’s far away. The land still belongs to Gallup, so that sale would have to be figured out, along with funding/lobbying. I see this still as a long shot, I hope I’m wrong

It was reported that the legislative side of it is not direct financing from the State. This type of financing should have little resistance. Here'swhere you can follow how it goes during this legislative session.

New 7,000-seat Union Omaha downtown soccer stadium to anchor $300 million entertainment district

A source of anticipated financing would be “turnback” state sales tax revenue available through the Sports Arena Facility Financing Assistance Act. A bill before the Legislature, introduced by State Sen. Mike McDonnell of Omaha, seeks an amendment to the act to open the funds to the outdoor soccer stadium. Union Omaha representatives said that could produce $25 million over 20 years.

[Garrett]

Back on the soccer train. They still have some work to be done in the legislature for funding, right?

I do like what I heard at the press conference. Following a pattern to what has worked in KC with also having a women's team (this stadium like the one getting built for the KC Current is right on the Missouri) plus an academy. I like how they even directly referenced Sporting KC in the press conference.


Greg

It’s far away. The land still belongs to Gallup, so that sale would have to be figured out, along with funding/lobbying. I see this still as a long shot, I hope I’m wrong

There’s already been an application to change the zoning of the land. If Gallup wasn’t willing to sell, I don’t think that application would have been submitted.

[Greg S]

Back on the soccer train. They still have some work to be done in the legislature for funding, right?

I do like what I heard at the press conference. Following a pattern to what has worked in KC with also having a women's team (this stadium like the one getting built for the KC Current is right on the Missouri) plus an academy. I like how they even directly referenced Sporting KC in the press conference.


Greg

It’s far away. The land still belongs to Gallup, so that sale would have to be figured out, along with funding/lobbying. I see this still as a long shot, I hope I’m wrong

It was reported that the legislative side of it is not direct financing from the State. This type of financing should have little resistance. Here'swhere you can follow how it goes during this legislative session.

New 7,000-seat Union Omaha downtown soccer stadium to anchor $300 million entertainment district

A source of anticipated financing would be “turnback” state sales tax revenue available through the Sports Arena Facility Financing Assistance Act. A bill before the Legislature, introduced by State Sen. Mike McDonnell of Omaha, seeks an amendment to the act to open the funds to the outdoor soccer stadium. Union Omaha representatives said that could produce $25 million over 20 years.

OK so we do need that bill from Sen McDonnell to be approved to proceed.


Greg

[Ben]

Back on the soccer train. They still have some work to be done in the legislature for funding, right?

I do like what I heard at the press conference. Following a pattern to what has worked in KC with also having a women's team (this stadium like the one getting built for the KC Current is right on the Missouri) plus an academy. I like how they even directly referenced Sporting KC in the press conference.


Greg

It’s far away. The land still belongs to Gallup, so that sale would have to be figured out, along with funding/lobbying. I see this still as a long shot, I hope I’m wrong

It was reported that the legislative side of it is not direct financing from the State. This type of financing should have little resistance. Here'swhere you can follow how it goes during this legislative session.

New 7,000-seat Union Omaha downtown soccer stadium to anchor $300 million entertainment district

A source of anticipated financing would be “turnback” state sales tax revenue available through the Sports Arena Facility Financing Assistance Act. A bill before the Legislature, introduced by State Sen. Mike McDonnell of Omaha, seeks an amendment to the act to open the funds to the outdoor soccer stadium. Union Omaha representatives said that could produce $25 million over 20 years.

OK so we do need that bill from Sen McDonnell to be approved to proceed.


Greg

My understanding from someone in the real estate world is that the turnback tax is approved, but listed specific sports eligible (soccer was not one). This bill from Sen McDonnell is to amend the turnback tax legislation to add soccer to the list of eligible facilites.

[Greg S]

Back on the soccer train. They still have some work to be done in the legislature for funding, right?

I do like what I heard at the press conference. Following a pattern to what has worked in KC with also having a women's team (this stadium like the one getting built for the KC Current is right on the Missouri) plus an academy. I like how they even directly referenced Sporting KC in the press conference.


Greg

It’s far away. The land still belongs to Gallup, so that sale would have to be figured out, along with funding/lobbying. I see this still as a long shot, I hope I’m wrong

It was reported that the legislative side of it is not direct financing from the State. This type of financing should have little resistance. Here'swhere you can follow how it goes during this legislative session.

New 7,000-seat Union Omaha downtown soccer stadium to anchor $300 million entertainment district

A source of anticipated financing would be “turnback” state sales tax revenue available through the Sports Arena Facility Financing Assistance Act. A bill before the Legislature, introduced by State Sen. Mike McDonnell of Omaha, seeks an amendment to the act to open the funds to the outdoor soccer stadium. Union Omaha representatives said that could produce $25 million over 20 years.

OK so we do need that bill from Sen McDonnell to be approved to proceed.


Greg

My understanding from someone in the real estate world is that the turnback tax is approved, but listed specific sports eligible (soccer was not one). This bill from Sen McDonnell is to amend the turnback tax legislation to add soccer to the list of eligible facilites.

That would be great. I absolutely love this project for Omaha. I am not a huge soccer guy but will go occasionally. I do know it will be great for the younger generation and attracting and retaining to stem the brain drain. So much of what is happening downtown should really really help Omaha going forward.

Greg

[ita]

Back on the soccer train. They still have some work to be done in the legislature for funding, right?

I do like what I heard at the press conference. Following a pattern to what has worked in KC with also having a women's team (this stadium like the one getting built for the KC Current is right on the Missouri) plus an academy. I like how they even directly referenced Sporting KC in the press conference.


Greg

It’s far away. The land still belongs to Gallup, so that sale would have to be figured out, along with funding/lobbying. I see this still as a long shot, I hope I’m wrong

It was reported that the legislative side of it is not direct financing from the State. This type of financing should have little resistance. Here'swhere you can follow how it goes during this legislative session.

New 7,000-seat Union Omaha downtown soccer stadium to anchor $300 million entertainment district

A source of anticipated financing would be “turnback” state sales tax revenue available through the Sports Arena Facility Financing Assistance Act. A bill before the Legislature, introduced by State Sen. Mike McDonnell of Omaha, seeks an amendment to the act to open the funds to the outdoor soccer stadium. Union Omaha representatives said that could produce $25 million over 20 years.

OK so we do need that bill from Sen McDonnell to be approved to proceed.


Greg

My understanding from someone in the real estate world is that the turnback tax is approved, but listed specific sports eligible (soccer was not one). This bill from Sen McDonnell is to amend the turnback tax legislation to add soccer to the list of eligible facilites.

That would be great. I absolutely love this project for Omaha. I am not a huge soccer guy but will go occasionally. I do know it will be great for the younger generation and attracting and retaining to stem the brain drain. So much of what is happening downtown should really really help Omaha going forward.

Greg

Yeah, if there is anything that will kill this project it is the traditional financing they need, if they haven't already secured that. Whether it's investments or banks, this is still a high interest rate market and this is a high risk investment and getting financing is still tough right now. I do wonder if they designed the hotel and some of the residential components, I assume the housing for the athletes, to be attached to the stadium to help make the stadium make sense financially. Maybe it doesn't matter if they are getting financing for the whole master planned first phase. Designs are still being finalized, I am sure, but that might be a reason why they have it planned out that way currently.

[omaha79]

Back on the soccer train. They still have some work to be done in the legislature for funding, right?

I do like what I heard at the press conference. Following a pattern to what has worked in KC with also having a women's team (this stadium like the one getting built for the KC Current is right on the Missouri) plus an academy. I like how they even directly referenced Sporting KC in the press conference.


Greg

It’s far away. The land still belongs to Gallup, so that sale would have to be figured out, along with funding/lobbying. I see this still as a long shot, I hope I’m wrong

It was reported that the legislative side of it is not direct financing from the State. This type of financing should have little resistance. Here'swhere you can follow how it goes during this legislative session.

New 7,000-seat Union Omaha downtown soccer stadium to anchor $300 million entertainment district

A source of anticipated financing would be “turnback” state sales tax revenue available through the Sports Arena Facility Financing Assistance Act. A bill before the Legislature, introduced by State Sen. Mike McDonnell of Omaha, seeks an amendment to the act to open the funds to the outdoor soccer stadium. Union Omaha representatives said that could produce $25 million over 20 years.

OK so we do need that bill from Sen McDonnell to be approved to proceed.


Greg

My understanding from someone in the real estate world is that the turnback tax is approved, but listed specific sports eligible (soccer was not one). This bill from Sen McDonnell is to amend the turnback tax legislation to add soccer to the list of eligible facilites.

That would be great. I absolutely love this project for Omaha. I am not a huge soccer guy but will go occasionally. I do know it will be great for the younger generation and attracting and retaining to stem the brain drain. So much of what is happening downtown should really really help Omaha going forward.

Greg

Yeah, if there is anything that will kill this project it is the traditional financing they need, if they haven't already secured that. Whether it's investments or banks, this is still a high interest rate market and this is a high risk investment and getting financing is still tough right now. I do wonder if they designed the hotel and some of the residential components, I assume the housing for the athletes, to be attached to the stadium to help make the stadium make sense financially. Maybe it doesn't matter if they are getting financing for the whole master planned first phase. Designs are still being finalized, I am sure, but that might be a reason why they have it planned out that way currently.

One would have to think that they have some of this figured out. How much of a fail does it become to have a press conference with the mayor, release renderings, make it sound like a done deal, only to have the whole thing never materialize because it was all smoke and mirrors. That's just a really bad look.

It has happened in Des Moines, I guess, with their team, but I'd like to think the leadership team here is a bit smarter.

There's a big difference between a town hall where you say "this is what we hope to do" with some preliminary renderings vs. a "this is what we are doing" with the mayor. Huge difference.

[Greg S]

I would tend to think they were near the finish line. Proven track record with this group.

Greg

[ita]

My wife and I were watching a replay of a Premier League match last night. It was at the Aston Villa home field. Granted, it's a 40k capacity stadium, but the energy of that crowd had me so excited for this Union Omaha stadium. I am so glad we are moving towards a proper venue for our team.

[almighty_tuna]

The atmosphere will be incredible. I'm actually considering saving for year one season tix in the new stadium. I usually go 4-5 times/year now w/single game tickets, but this first year experience in the new stadium may be worth it.

[ita]

Per the October MECA meeting, Gallup was looking for to sell their HQ in a sale-leaseback. Makes sense as they are mostly remote. Would open up Class A office space right along the Riverfront.

[almighty_tuna]

Wow, so they're selling not just the empty lot, but the entire office facility (and leasing back what they need) as well?

[ita]

Wow, so they're selling not just the empty lot, but the entire office facility (and leasing back what they need) as well?

Possibly. I guess we'll see, I am assuming, sooner rather than later. These MECA board minutes have interesting information particularly from Jay Noddle, who reports on real estate related issues.

[Dusty]

Wow, so they're selling not just the empty lot, but the entire office facility (and leasing back what they need) as well?

Sheesh! I have never seen you this excited. If you going to save up for tickets, why not save up to rent out a cubicle in the office? You can sit, stare, and drool at the stadium while working. LOL!

[almighty_tuna]

why not save up to rent out a cubicle in the office?

I've spent many, many years looking out the windows of that office, I'm good. Just surprised at the implication that Gallup would abandon its flagship ops HQ.

[ita]

why not save up to rent out a cubicle in the office?

I've spent many, many years looking out the windows of that office, I'm good. Just surprised at the implication that Gallup would abandon its flagship ops HQ.

Just a different time with prevalence of remote work. It's 280k sq. ft. Scoular recently moved their 300 some odd employees to a 50k space out west. At least with Gallup downsizing, they're staying at the Riverfront. It's an interesting one to watch. I didn't realize how big that building is. I could see Gallup keeping 1/3 (per their website, there's about 500 employees in Omaha and per job postings, at least new hires are hybrid with three days in the office) and the new owner leasing out the rest. There is lots of parking with it's suburban style parking lot but located downtown and next to a potential mixed use/soccer stadium site. It will interesting to see who moves there.

[almighty_tuna]

why not save up to rent out a cubicle in the office?

I've spent many, many years looking out the windows of that office, I'm good. Just surprised at the implication that Gallup would abandon its flagship ops HQ.

Just a different time with prevalence of remote work. It's 280k sq. ft. Scoular recently moved their 300 some odd employees to a 50k space out west. At least with Gallup downsizing, they're staying at the Riverfront. It's an interesting one to watch. I didn't realize how big that building is. I could see Gallup keeping 1/3 (per their website, there's about 500 employees in Omaha and per job postings, at least new hires are hybrid with three days in the office) and the new owner leasing out the rest. There is lots of parking with it's suburban style parking lot but located downtown and next to a potential mixed use/soccer stadium site. It will interesting to see who moves there.

If I had to venture a guess, the newer south expansion will be leased to a new tenant and the original riverfront building will be retained for Gallup. That south building is pretty generic office space that would be easy to offer.

[Dusty]

Could they convert Gallup into a mixed use building? Cut the office space down so Gallup could stay. Convert some of the space into condos. Maybe make the lobby into a food hall. Then they could develop the parking lot with more density and pull the soccer stadium all together as one district.

[nebport5]

Are they interested in selling because perhaps there's an interested buyer?

I say sell the whole thing and turn it into Good Life District #3. Would be a great opportunity for the city to really connect to the riverfront beyond parks with commerce and perhaps more condos.