Omaha Acquires Key Downtown Land for Future Soccer Stadium
The City of Omaha has successfully acquired a crucial piece of land in north downtown, paving the way for a new professional soccer stadium. This strategic purchase was announced on Friday, marking a significant step toward enhancing the city’s sports and development landscape.
Known as “Home Plate” due to its proximity to the College World Series venue, this 25-acre lot was previously owned by Union Pacific. The company utilized the space to park historical railcars during special events. While Omaha now owns the majority of the land, Union Pacific will continue to have access to six acres for similar purposes.
The city invested $18.5 million in the acquisition. Plans for the site include not only a stadium for Union Omaha, the city’s professional soccer team, but also a mixed-use development. This development will feature apartments, restaurants, retail spaces, and a city parking garage near the Millwork Commons area. Additionally, the city has outlined intentions for significant infrastructure projects, such as a combined sewer treatment facility.
With a projected total cost of $332 million, the redevelopment is a substantial financial undertaking. The stadium alone is anticipated to cost $140 million. According to a city press release, leasing agreements with Union Omaha alongside various financing strategies are expected to ensure the project is self-sustaining.
To support this redevelopment, the Omaha City Council had earlier approved $48 million in tax increment financing. The upcoming stadium will boast 6,500 seats with the potential to accommodate up to 8,500 attendees.
Mayor John Ewing expressed his enthusiasm for the acquisition, describing it as a “home run.” He stated, “This purchase puts us at the plate, pun most definitely intended, to swing for the fences on creating a more exciting Omaha.”
