Downtown Soccer Stadium (11th & Millwork Ave)

[ita]

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

Maybe that's what will differentiate them from MLS. Players can play and fans enjoy soccer in climate protected facilities. Or they expect these top tier teams to be located in less than ideal weather locations, ie. midwest, northeast locations?

Anyway, here's a wiki-list of enclosed stadiums. Right off the bat, the 15k+ ones that don't already have an MLS team are:

Alamodome - San Antonio
Allegiant Stadium - Las Vegas
Fargodome - Fargo
Ford Field - Detroit
JMA Wireless - Syracuse, NY
Kibbie Dome - Moscow, ID
Ceasars Super Dome - New Orleans
Tacoma Dome - Tacoma
UNI Dome - Cedar Falls, IA

There aren't really that would fit the bill mostly because most are too big, like Ford Field, Alamodome or Ceasars, or populations are too small, like in Fargo or Moscow ID. Possible existing facilities that could work with sufficient sized populations look like JMA Wireless in Fargo and Tacoma Dome. Otherwise, the new USL top tier league will likely have mostly new facilities.

[omaha79]

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

Maybe that's what will differentiate them from MLS. Players can play and fans enjoy soccer in climate protected facilities. Or they expect these top tier teams to be located in less than ideal weather locations, ie. midwest, northeast locations?

Anyway, here's a wiki-list of enclosed stadiums. Right off the bat, the 15k+ ones that don't already have an MLS team are:

Alamodome - San Antonio
Allegiant Stadium - Las Vegas
Fargodome - Fargo
Ford Field - Detroit
JMA Wireless - Syracuse, NY
Kibbie Dome - Moscow, ID
Ceasars Super Dome - New Orleans
Tacoma Dome - Tacoma
UNI Dome - Cedar Falls, IA

There aren't really that would fit the bill mostly because most are too big, like Ford Field, Alamodome or Ceasars, or populations are too small, like in Fargo or Moscow ID. Possible existing facilities that could work with sufficient sized populations look like JMA Wireless in Fargo and Tacoma Dome. Otherwise, the new USL top tier league will likely have mostly new facilities.

No chance on most of those, honestly. Most of those are football stadiums. USL has essentially been clear that they are not interested in football stadiums. They are not even putting games on television for teams that play in football or baseball stadiums as the aesthetics are not soccer centric. They do not want football lines or baseball infield lines on television. Makes it look minor league. And, none of these facilities are going to re-do the turf to take off football lines. They also don't want mega NFL stadiums that stand no chance of filling and end up 1/3 full, at best.

Just like MLS, they are favoring cities willing to build soccer specific facilities only.

[Bomaha]

Could the Physician's Mutual site be an option? I thought there have been rumblings in the past of them maybe trying to build anew somewhere else in the metro. (Unless I am just confused) The site is kind of amazing and add in a district and could be quite the development.

This could also be my dreams coming out as well.

[Garrett]

Could the Physician's Mutual site be an option? I thought there have been rumblings in the past of them maybe trying to build anew somewhere else in the metro. (Unless I am just confused) The site is kind of amazing and add in a district and could be quite the development.

This could also be my dreams coming out as well.

Yeah they could definitely fit a stadium there in theory. Roughly, it’s about 9 city blocks compared to the Civic site’s 4, but a lot of the space on the western and northern edges is taken up by 480 so functionally it’s probably closer to 6 blocks.

[ita]

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

Maybe that's what will differentiate them from MLS. Players can play and fans enjoy soccer in climate protected facilities. Or they expect these top tier teams to be located in less than ideal weather locations, ie. midwest, northeast locations?

Anyway, here's a wiki-list of enclosed stadiums. Right off the bat, the 15k+ ones that don't already have an MLS team are:

Alamodome - San Antonio
Allegiant Stadium - Las Vegas
Fargodome - Fargo
Ford Field - Detroit
JMA Wireless - Syracuse, NY
Kibbie Dome - Moscow, ID
Ceasars Super Dome - New Orleans
Tacoma Dome - Tacoma
UNI Dome - Cedar Falls, IA

There aren't really that would fit the bill mostly because most are too big, like Ford Field, Alamodome or Ceasars, or populations are too small, like in Fargo or Moscow ID. Possible existing facilities that could work with sufficient sized populations look like JMA Wireless in Fargo and Tacoma Dome. Otherwise, the new USL top tier league will likely have mostly new facilities.

No chance on most of those, honestly. Most of those are football stadiums. USL has essentially been clear that they are not interested in football stadiums. They are not even putting games on television for teams that play in football or baseball stadiums as the aesthetics are not soccer centric. They do not want football lines or baseball infield lines on television. Makes it look minor league. And, none of these facilities are going to re-do the turf to take off football lines. They also don't want mega NFL stadiums that stand no chance of filling and end up 1/3 full, at best.

Just like MLS, they are favoring cities willing to build soccer specific facilities only.

Yeah, for sure.

Relatedly, while Omaha could be a destination for a top tier team, unfortunately, it's unlikely without additional changes to the turnback tax financing legislation. That's limited to an 8000 seat soccer stadium. I don't think the current state administration and senate would be in favor of further expanding the definition. Additionally, Gary Green and his group have not been able to make any known progress on the current stadium plans, so an even bigger stadium is not going to happen.

[almighty_tuna]

Ya know, at this point let's just get a well placed, dedicated soccer stadium somewhere in downtown or midtown.

[nebport5]

Ya know, at this point let's just get a well placed, dedicated soccer stadium somewhere in downtown or midtown.

No doubt.

Getting Union in the top tier division may be viable as a long term goal. For now, a dedicated facility with the capacity in the 7k-8k range strategically designed for future expansion would be the ideal play.

[ita]

Question about relegation and stadium requirements. If the top tier requires 15k stadiums, and USL Championship 8k, if a USL Championship team moves up, does the team have to expand? Or do they just keep it 8k for a certain amount of years while in the Division One tier, then they expand? Many USL stadiums on every level will be new built for purpose stadiums, so now they all have to be able to expand based on relegation?

[omaha79]

Question about relegation and stadium requirements. If the top tier requires 15k stadiums, and USL Championship 8k, if a USL Championship team moves up, does the team have to expand? Or do they just keep it 8k for a certain amount of years while in the Division One tier, then they expand? Many USL stadiums on every level will be new built for purpose stadiums, so now they all have to be able to expand based on relegation?

Good question and I've been wondering that as well. I feel like the devil is in the details on that. And, I can't imagine they'll let a club that plays on a baseball field like Omaha or Albuquerque go all the way to the top for very long playing on a baseball stadium. The whole thing is a good idea, and they got some attention here, as well as they did with the new league tier, but the viability and sustainability of both of these things are somewhat suspect, IMO and I think they will find major issues in the implementation.

[jjjjhskr]

I’m close with someone who is working on the finance and legal side. The stadium is expected to be built downtown in a place this forum should like. Unfortunately I can’t divulge the location. A significant amount of money has been raised and the mayor is involved in making it happen.

[skinzfan23]

Hopefully we can keep the same mayor to see it through.

[almighty_tuna]

Great update, hope it comes to fruition. Any announcement timeline?

[MadJack]

Hopefully we can keep the same mayor to see it through.

From your lips to God's ears! We have to do whatever it takes to get her reelected. Whether you like her or not, she's our best hope to keep up this historic momentum.

[Doctor Fate]

What sites are possibilities? Based on what has been said on here, the Civic site and maybe Lot B? Lot D? Maybe Physicians Mutual land? What else?

[jjjjhskr]

Great update, hope it comes to fruition. Any announcement timeline?

I’m guessing it will be relatively soon, the mayor wants a big project announcement

[Garrett]

What sites are possibilities? Based on what has been said on here, the Civic site and maybe Lot B? Lot D? Maybe Physicians Mutual land? What else?

Stothert being involved definitely rings bells that Lots B and D may be on the table, as well as the Civic site since it should be reverting to city ownership soon.

[nebport5]

What sites are possibilities? Based on what has been said on here, the Civic site and maybe Lot B? Lot D? Maybe Physicians Mutual land? What else?

U.P. land east of Millwork.

[skip]

What sites are possibilities? Based on what has been said on here, the Civic site and maybe Lot B? Lot D? Maybe Physicians Mutual land? What else?

U.P. land east of Millwork.

Correct^^

[omaha79]

What sites are possibilities? Based on what has been said on here, the Civic site and maybe Lot B? Lot D? Maybe Physicians Mutual land? What else?

U.P. land east of Millwork.

That would be a great spot.

[Doctor Fate]

What sites are possibilities? Based on what has been said on here, the Civic site and maybe Lot B? Lot D? Maybe Physicians Mutual land? What else?

U.P. land east of Millwork.

That would be a great spot.

Is this the 25 acre lot?

[omaha79]

Stothert seems to be really ramping up the project announcements as she tries to secure another term as mayor. So far, nothing on the stadium front. I'd have to think if we don't hear something by the first week of May, it will be a really bad sign for this project. But, a few weeks to hope that something comes out.

[jomaha9]

Random thought. I have been seeing more dialog about The Stitch concept at 30th and Dodge. One recent article from one of the news stations mentioned that Charles Schwab Field could for within the area designated for this concept.

Could this location be a potential spot for a new soccer stadium as an anchor for development? I know a substantial amount of earthwork is needed, but I figured this might also be a catalyst for the overall concept.

[GenX]

Random thought. I have been seeing more dialog about The Stitch concept at 30th and Dodge. One recent article from one of the news stations mentioned that Charles Schwab Field could for within the area designated for this concept.

Could this location be a potential spot for a new soccer stadium as an anchor for development? I know a substantial amount of earthwork is needed, but I figured this might also be a catalyst for the overall concept.

I personally think this is where it will end up going.

[ita]

Random thought. I have been seeing more dialog about The Stitch concept at 30th and Dodge. One recent article from one of the news stations mentioned that Charles Schwab Field could for within the area designated for this concept.

Could this location be a potential spot for a new soccer stadium as an anchor for development? I know a substantial amount of earthwork is needed, but I figured this might also be a catalyst for the overall concept.

I personally think this is where it will end up going.

Based on the report and the presentation, they are really looking to create housing and a connection between Gifford Park, the Atlas/Creighton and Midtown Crossing. Additionally, Gary Green wants to move Union as soon as possible, and the Stitch is still at least a year or two away from predevelopment, from my understanding. Also, I don't think Gifford Park folks would appreciate the challenges of being neighbor to an 8000 seat stadium. It's very unlikely that it ends up there.

[jomaha9]

Random thought. I have been seeing more dialog about The Stitch concept at 30th and Dodge. One recent article from one of the news stations mentioned that Charles Schwab Field could for within the area designated for this concept.

Could this location be a potential spot for a new soccer stadium as an anchor for development? I know a substantial amount of earthwork is needed, but I figured this might also be a catalyst for the overall concept.

I personally think this is where it will end up going.

Based on the report and the presentation, they are really looking to create housing and a connection between Gifford Park, the Atlas/Creighton and Midtown Crossing. Additionally, Gary Green wants to move Union as soon as possible, and the Stitch is still at least a year or two away from predevelopment, from my understanding. Also, I don't think Gifford Park folks would appreciate the challenges of being neighbor to an 8000 seat stadium. It's very unlikely that it ends up there.

You are probably right. I was thinking from the perspective that The Stitch is close to both the Interstate and the ORBT/Streetcar lines. If the soccer stadium was located here, it might also help spur development at Midtown Crossing East and Mutual of Omaha.

[NEDodger]

I think the additional cost of having the site ready for development would be a major blocker too.

[Omahayngin]

all i have to say is that i really really hope it comes to fruition, especially at the spot it was proposed originally. the renderings, near the river, sky like in the back, and extend development that way. it all seems great to me

[Gobears27]

Could an alternate site be just west of 13th street at Frederick Street? The McDonald’s, Casey’s, jimmy John’s, and scooters would have to be bought out. However being right next to the interstate and along a potential street car expansion route would be nice.

[Nosebot]

Could an alternate site be just west of 13th street at Frederick Street? The McDonald’s, Casey’s, jimmy John’s, and scooters would have to be bought out. However being right next to the interstate and along a potential street car expansion route would be nice.

I feel like at that point purchasing a block of housing would be cheaper then trying to buy out 4 businesses.

[omaha79]

With Ewing as the new mayor, I'm wondering what the future of this project looks like. I'd heard that they were close with a site plan, etc. but will be basically starting over trying to sell Ewing on the plan. I don't know what his temperature looks like on this.

[Garrett]

With Ewing as the new mayor, I'm wondering what the future of this project looks like. I'd heard that they were close with a site plan, etc. but will be basically starting over trying to sell Ewing on the plan. I don't know what his temperature looks like on this.

Yeah it'll be interesting to see how he is with TIF policy.

[Greg S]

With Ewing as the new mayor, I'm wondering what the future of this project looks like. I'd heard that they were close with a site plan, etc. but will be basically starting over trying to sell Ewing on the plan. I don't know what his temperature looks like on this.

Yeah it'll be interesting to see how he is with TIF policy.

Yeah I thought of this too. I would hate to see Omaha lose out on this.

[InTheRoom]

With Ewing as the new mayor, I'm wondering what the future of this project looks like. I'd heard that they were close with a site plan, etc. but will be basically starting over trying to sell Ewing on the plan. I don't know what his temperature looks like on this.

Yeah it'll be interesting to see how he is with TIF policy.

Heard him speak recently and to be honest it didn't sound like he really understood what it was. He referred to it as "debt" and didn't come across as in favor of it. Concerning from a development standpoint. Frankly, it didn't really seem like he was well versed in any of the economic/financial issues, which I found surprising given his previous role.

[Garrett]

With Ewing as the new mayor, I'm wondering what the future of this project looks like. I'd heard that they were close with a site plan, etc. but will be basically starting over trying to sell Ewing on the plan. I don't know what his temperature looks like on this.

Yeah it'll be interesting to see how he is with TIF policy.

Heard him speak recently and to be honest it didn't sound like he really understood what it was. He referred to it as "debt" and didn't come across as in favor of it. Concerning from a development standpoint. Frankly, it didn't really seem like he was well versed in any of the economic/financial issues, which I found surprising given his previous role.

I read he’s actually keeping Stothert’s chief of staff as they happen to be childhood friends, so hopefully he has a good group of people around him to keep the ship going

[skinzfan23]

Yes that will be huge to help get him up to speed. I think a lot of people forget that it’s not just the mayor making things happen, they have a whole team of people working with them. The mayor is basically the main public face. I hope by keeping the chief of staff they can continue momentum with all the developers.

[NEDodger]

Yes that will be huge to help get him up to speed.

It’s inexcusable if the country treasurer doesn’t know how TIF works.

[omaha79]

Yes. The general outlook I'm hearing is that the Union people feel they will have way more work to do now with the new admin as they knew where the old admin stood, but don't know about the new admin.

[Greg S]

Yes. The general outlook I'm hearing is that the Union people feel they will have way more work to do now with the new admin as they knew where the old admin stood, but don't know about the new admin.

I am sure they are not the only ones. One of the few things Ewing was specific on was that the city under him will not use TIF near as much. I am sure the developers are a bit up in the air going forward.

[Louie]

Curious if developers will make a push to get a glut of TIF deals across before Ewing takes office.

[Brad]

Curious if developers will make a push to get a glut of TIF deals across before Ewing takes office.

Couple things. He takes office in 3 weeks. Tiff is approved by planning then city council. If they haven't already submitted anything, they have missed the June 2025 planning board deadline, so if it was submitted now, it would go to Planning in July, After planning approves, it goes on to City Council.