OMAHA, Neb. – Union Omaha, in partnership with the City of Omaha, announced an agreement for the development of a professional soccer stadium and mixed-use district in north downtown Omaha.  

The new stadium will house Union Omaha, Nebraska’s premier professional soccer team and two-time USL League One champion, and a future women’s professional team. If approved, a groundbreaking would occur in 2026 with the stadium slated to open in 2028. For its upcoming 2026 season, Union Omaha will play at Creighton University’s Morrison Stadium. 

“Union Omaha was founded to unite our city around the world’s game,” said Gary Green, co-owner of Union Omaha and CEO of Alliance Sports. “This stadium and district aren’t just a venue, they’re a statement. They are a statement that Omaha is here to compete with any city, on any stage, and that we’re investing in our future, our identity, and the strength of our community, all in close partnership with City Hall. When we take the field with Union Omaha across our chest, we’re building something that will propel this city forward for decades to come.” 

The stadium will anchor a 20-acre district of retail, dining, housing and green space. It will accentuate a rapidly evolving area that includes the Hot Shops Art Center and Millwork Commons, adding a walkable, vibrant and transit-oriented destination. 

“This is huge for Omaha,” said Omaha Mayor John Ewing. “The stadium and surrounding district would offer another reason to live, work and play downtown, strengthening our urban core. It will be an engine for jobs, housing, entertainment and urban living. It demonstrates what’s possible when public and private partners share a vision for growth that benefits the entire community.” 

The project will rise on a largely unused site north of Cuming Street that Union Pacific Railroad currently owns and is in the process of selling to the City of Omaha. Redeveloping this property allows Omaha to extend its urban fabric, strengthen basic infrastructure, and create a walkable connection between the expanding downtown district and the neighborhoods to the north. 

The development is projected to create hundreds of construction and other jobs, with future phases offering the promise of more permanent positions in soccer operations, retail, hospitality, and housing.

 

“Union Omaha’s success on the pitch has always reflected the passion of the Omaha community,” said Alexis Boulos, General Manager of Union Omaha. “Union Omaha’s motto is ‘One Means All,’ and this new downtown home will give fans, families, students, businesses, and visitors a place to celebrate that spirit together and showcase Omaha on the national stage.” 

The stadium will bring professional soccer to the heart of Omaha, creating a premier venue for matches, community events, and youth engagement. As part of the larger mixed-use district, it reflects Union Omaha’s commitment to community impact by hosting youth tournaments, school championships, and learning opportunities that connect young people to the excitement of the game and inspire the next generation of players and fans. 

“This is exactly the kind of catalytic project that will continue our city’s growth,” said Heath Mello, President and CEO of the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce. “It adds energy to our urban core, helps recruit and retain the workforce of the future, and creates a professional sport destination that strengthens Omaha’s competitiveness with other growing U.S. cities.” 

Currently, the stadium is estimated to cost $114 million. There will be additional infrastructure costs as well, depending on upcoming City Council review and approval of the land purchase with Union Pacific and a separate Union Omaha application for State of Nebraska turnback tax funding. There will also be future City Council approvals needed for financing sources to include tax increment financing and occupation tax requests as well as potential direct city financing, such as bonds or capital improvement dollars. 

Union Omaha selected Hines as the development lead for the stadium, with HOK as the design architect. Other identified partners include RDG Planning & Design for landscape architecture and the Sports & Entertainment practice group at global real estate services firm JLL. The group has in-depth experience with sports anchored mixed-use development projects across the United States.