Union Omaha, the city’s proud professional soccer team, is actively pursuing its long-standing goal of constructing a state-of-the-art soccer stadium in the heart of downtown Omaha. This vision could soon become a reality with the help of a proposed bill in the Nebraska Legislature that could provide the necessary funding.
For several years now, Union Omaha has been seeking to establish its own dedicated stadium, instead of playing in a baseball stadium like Werner Park, which has been serving as the team’s home field. Despite the limitations posed by playing in a baseball stadium, Union Omaha President Martie Cordaro recognizes the benefits it has brought to the team, serving as a home-field advantage and creating a strong sense of community.
However, a dedicated soccer stadium would take Union Omaha to the next level and provide an even better experience for fans and players alike. With its prime location in the heart of the city, it would also contribute to the growth and development of Omaha.
With the proposed bill in the Legislature, Union Omaha is one step closer to realizing its dream of a new downtown soccer stadium, which will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the city and its passionate soccer community.
Union Omaha, the city’s professional soccer team, has called Werner Park home for some time now. Although the stadium has served the team well on the soccer field, it has become clear that it falls short in meeting the team’s business needs. In an effort to continue growing and expanding, Union Omaha is now focused on constructing a new, dedicated soccer stadium.
President Martie Cordaro sees this new stadium as not only a way to support Union Omaha but also as a means of expanding the team’s reach by launching a women’s team and establishing a youth academy to retain local talent. With these additions, young players in Omaha would no longer need to leave the city for elite training.
The cost of this 10,000-seat stadium is estimated to be $100 million, and a feasibility study has recommended building it just north of downtown Omaha. In order to make this dream a reality, Union Omaha is hoping to receive a $50 million grant from the state’s cash reserve fund through a bill introduced by Nebraska Senator Mike McDonnell, LB621. If the bill passes, Union Omaha will be required to match the grant with an additional $50 million.
Senator McDonnell believes that this investment would be a wise decision due to the growing popularity of soccer, especially among younger generations across the world. With a new, soccer-specific stadium, Union Omaha would be able to enhance the experience of its players and fans while also contributing to the growth and development of the city.
The proposed new soccer stadium in Omaha has the potential to be much more than just a soccer arena for Union Omaha. According to Senator Mike McDonnell, the investment in the stadium could serve as a magnet for attracting and retaining younger people to the city and state, providing a new entertainment venue, and generating positive revenue for the community.
Not only would the construction of the stadium create over 200 new jobs, but it would also provide nearly 200 people with employment once completed. The stadium is envisioned not only as a hub for soccer but also as a venue for hosting community events and accommodating other field sports.
Senator McDonnell views the new stadium as a multi-use facility that will be a source of pride and benefit for both the community and the state. The bill was presented to a committee on Monday, and Senator McDonnell is hopeful that it will reach the floor, bringing a valuable asset to the city and its residents.