OMAHA, Neb. – Alliance Sports today announced its plans for an innovative, state-of-the-art soccer stadium for Union Omaha. Positioned as the centerpiece of an extensive $300 million, 18-acre mixed-use project along Abbott Drive in downtown Omaha, the $60 million stadium is poised to start construction in fall 2024, with doors opening to the public in the spring 2026.
This strategic initiative not only aims to invigorate economic growth but also contributes to the dynamic evolution of downtown Omaha. Additionally, the project is actively pursuing legislation inclusion in the Sports Arena Facility Financing Assistance Act, anticipating a cumulative support of $25 million for the stadium project over 20 years.
The key components of the initial development plan include:
"The development planned by Alliance Sports is another commitment we all have to downtown Omaha and our urban core," said Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert. "It will create additional opportunities for business and talent recruitment, tourism, conventions and meeting bookings and youth sports events, growing our reputation as a sports competition and event destination that promotes Omaha to a national audience."
An economic impact study conducted in 2021 projected the stadium would have a $99 million impact on the State of Nebraska and $168 million on 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. "It falls in line with the Greater Omaha 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."
Union Omaha currently play at Werner Park in Papillion, Neb., sharing the park with the Omaha Storm Chasers, the Triple-A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals. Having the new stadium will allow expansion of the sport of soccer with the future addition of a women's soccer team and a youth academy.
"This project will move professional soccer forward in Omaha and across the state," said Union Omaha President Martie Cordaro. "We anticipate 150 to 200 events a year will take place in the district including 20-plus Union Omaha matches, 15-plus women's soccer matches, 20-plus high school and college soccer matches and 100-plus community events for everyone to enjoy."