Union Omaha, Nebraska’s first and only professional soccer club, has ambitious plans to build a world-class $100 million soccer stadium in Omaha. The stadium will have a seating capacity of 10,000 and will serve as the home base for the club, providing an exceptional experience for fans of the sport. The stadium will not only host the professional soccer team but also act as a hub for a new women’s team and a youth training academy, allowing the state’s top soccer talent to hone their skills and reach their full potential.
The objective of this project, according to Martie Cordaro, President of Union Omaha, is to establish a professional soccer operation that will make the Omaha metro and the state proud. The organization is working towards creating a first-class soccer experience that will attract fans from across the region.
While the exact location of the stadium has not been disclosed yet, Cordaro revealed that a feasibility study has shown that midtown and north downtown would be the ideal locations for the club. Union Omaha is actively working with property owners to secure the land for the stadium and bring on a lead project developer. The organization’s goal is to ensure the project moves forward smoothly and meets all requirements for a successful construction and operation of the stadium.
Union Omaha has set its sights on playing in a new soccer-specific stadium by 2025 or 2026, with more details to be worked out in the current calendar year. However, the realization of the new stadium is dependent on securing local or state support.
To secure funding for the project, Union Omaha has approached the Nebraska Legislature for assistance. Senator Mike McDonnell of Omaha has introduced Legislative Bill 621, which would allow Union Omaha to apply for a grant of up to $50 million from the State Department of Economic Development. The bill recently went through a hearing with the Banking, Commerce and Insurance Committee.
McDonnell believes that the construction of the new stadium could bring a significant economic boost to the city of Omaha, particularly in the Millwork Commons area near Gallup and north of the CHI Health Center. Along with LB 621, McDonnell has also introduced LB 622, which aims to amend the Sports Arena Facilities Financing Act to make it possible for projects like Union Omaha’s stadium to receive turnback financing.
McDonnell sees the project as a way to raise the standard of living in Nebraska, particularly for young people who are drawn to living in a state that has a professional sports team. He feels that having a professional soccer team in the state is something that residents can be proud of and enjoy.
In order to secure the $50 million, the bill introduced by State Senator Mike McDonnell requires a letter of support from the primary tenant of the stadium, proof of $25 million raised through private funds, and a letter of support from Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert. Although the Mayor’s Office has had several meetings with Union Omaha, including a meeting with Stothert, the city has yet to provide a letter of support and has asked for further information and steps from the club.
The stadium is projected to have a seating capacity of 10,000, but the exact number of seats, suites, and other amenities are still being determined. Nevertheless, Martie Cordaro, President of Union Omaha, expressed confidence in the estimated $100 million cost of the stadium, as the planning for the project has been underway since June 2021.
Martie Cordaro, President of Union Omaha, believes that having full control over the schedule of building the new stadium is of utmost importance. He believes that having control over the construction process would give the team the flexibility to expand the facility in the future. The goal of Union Omaha is to not only be the city’s professional soccer team but also to establish a women’s team and a youth training academy. Cordaro views the new stadium as an opportunity to keep young talent in the state and prevent them from relocating to other cities that offer better training opportunities.