New Union Omaha Stadium To Anchor Downtown Development

A new Union Omaha stadium is set to anchor a $300-million, 18-acre downtown mixed-use project along Abbott Drive, with an opening planned for the 2026 USL League One season.

The club is owned by Alliance Sports, which also owns and operates MiLB’s Omaha Storm Chasers; the home of the Storm Chasers, Werner Park, also currently serves as home to Union Omaha. The new 7,000-seat stadium carries a hard cost of $60 million, with construction planned to start in the fall of 2024.

The mixed-use project is also slated to feature approximately 330 residential units, comprising a mix of apartments and townhomes; a retail component of around 100,000 square feet featuring shopping and restaurants; and a 140-key hotel.

An economic impact study conducted in 2021 projected the stadium would have a $99 million impact on the State of Nebraska and $168 Million to the City of Omaha from the stadium alone. The surrounding development is expected to further contribute with a projected $200 million impact and the creation of 450 new jobs.

“This district will help add to the exciting development already happening in downtown Omaha,” said Gary Green, co-founder of Alliance Sports, via press release. “It falls in line with the Chamber’s Urban Core Strategic Plan for bringing economic development and jobs to the heart of the city and we are very excited to see it moving forward.”

There are still some details to fill in any funding plan for a new Union Omaha stadium. At a press conference announcing the facility, Green said Alliance Sports will be seeking $25 million in financial support for the stadium from the Nebraska Legislature. In addition, a TIF district could also be part of the funding plan.

“This project will move professional soccer forward in Omaha and across the state,” said Martie Cordaro, Union Omaha President, via press release. “We anticipate 150 to 200 events a year will take place in the district including 20+ Union Omaha pro soccer matches, 15+ women’s team soccer matches, 20+ high school/college soccer matches, and 100+ community events for everyone to enjoy.”

Renderings courtesy Union Omaha.