UNO Proposes New Athletics Facility to Replace Historic Sapp Fieldhouse
The University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) is gearing up for a significant upgrade to its athletic infrastructure. A new athletics training facility is on the agenda for approval by the Board of Regents, as revealed in a recent agenda release.
With an estimated budget of $55 million, the proposed Omaha Athletics Training Facility is set to replace the aging Sapp Fieldhouse. This facility, originally constructed in 1949, is the second oldest on UNO’s campus and currently serves as the practice site for Maverick volleyball, basketball, and track teams. Its replacement will be funded entirely through private donations.
Although UNO officials were unavailable for comments, the agenda underscores the need for modernizing the university’s sports facilities. The new complex aims to address the outdated infrastructure that hampers the competitiveness of Maverick Athletics with its Division I counterparts.
The project memo states, “While the Fieldhouse has played an invaluable role in the history of UNO, the facility no longer meets the current needs and expectations of a modern NCAA Division I athletics program.” It highlights issues such as outdated infrastructure, limited training and support spaces, and the lack of crucial technology, wellness, and recovery resources.
Should the project receive approval, construction is slated to begin in October of the following year, with completion anticipated by the end of 2028. President Jeffery Gold has expressed support for the initiative, recommending the board to approve the plan.
The Board of Regents is scheduled to convene at 9 a.m. CT on December 5 at Varner Hall in Lincoln, where they will deliberate on this proposal.
