The $140 million soccer stadium planned near 10th and Izard Streets is expected to open in 2028 as part of a larger $330 million redevelopment in north downtown Omaha.
By Hola Nebraska
OMAHA, Neb. — The Omaha City Council unanimously approved the redevelopment agreement and stadium lease for Union Omaha’s planned downtown soccer stadium on October 27, 2026, advancing the approximately $140 million project toward construction.
The stadium will be built near 10th and Izard Streets, north of Cuming Street and Charles Schwab Field Omaha. It will anchor a larger public-private redevelopment district expected to represent approximately $330 million in total investment, including housing, restaurants, retail, entertainment and public spaces.
The approval marks a significant step since Union Omaha and the city announced the project in November 2025. Construction is targeted to begin in late fall 2026, with the stadium expected to open in 2028.
How the $140 million Union Omaha stadium will be financed
The City of Omaha will own the stadium and plans to issue lease-purchase bonds to help pay for construction.
The approved redevelopment agreement authorizes financing of up to $106.5 million for stadium construction costs and reimbursement of up to $10.5 million for public infrastructure improvements.
The infrastructure work includes roads, sidewalks, sewer and water systems needed to support the development. These amounts are components of the financing plan, not additional costs to be added to the stadium’s approximately $140 million estimate.
Union Omaha has committed $23 million in direct private equity toward construction and will make annual lease payments to the city to help repay the bonds.
The plan also includes tax-increment financing, which directs additional property tax revenue from new development toward eligible project costs; an occupation tax within the district; and a state sales-tax incentive approved in May 2026.
Potential revenue from stadium naming rights, parking and events could also help cover debt payments and future improvements.
City officials and Union Omaha say the financing structure is intended to cover most stadium costs through private investment and revenue generated by the development rather than existing taxpayer funds. However, the arrangement also uses city-issued financing and public economic development incentives. Repayment depends partly on the revenue the development produces.
The larger $330 million investment estimate includes the surrounding mixed-use district and should not be confused with the stadium’s construction cost.
The city purchased the stadium site in June 2026. The private developer is expected to purchase surrounding land for the mixed-use development, helping offset the city’s acquisition costs.
New Omaha stadium planned for approximately 8,500 spectators
The planned venue will have approximately 6,500 fixed seats, with overall capacity reaching about 8,500 spectators when additional viewing and standing-room areas are included.
The stadium is intended to become the permanent home of Union Omaha, the city’s professional men’s soccer club competing in USL League One.
Plans also include a future women’s professional soccer team and a youth academy. The women’s team has not yet launched, and Union Omaha has said that the stadium must be completed before it can move forward with that plan.
Beyond professional soccer, the stadium is expected to accommodate concerts, nonprofit events, youth tournaments, school championships and other community activities.
The surrounding development is intended to connect areas including Millwork Commons and Future Forward with other parts of downtown Omaha. Housing, commercial spaces and public areas are planned, although individual projects and their completion dates remain subject to further development.
Construction is targeted for late 2026, with opening planned for 2028
Following the council’s approval, the city and project partners are moving toward final construction arrangements. A groundbreaking is targeted for late fall 2026, while the stadium’s opening remains planned for 2028.
The city is selecting a construction manager, with a council vote on the contract expected in early December 2026.
The Metropolitan Entertainment & Convention Authority (MECA) is expected to participate in the stadium’s construction and operations. MECA, the city and Union Omaha have signed a memorandum of understanding, with more detailed partnership agreements targeted by the end of 2026.
During construction, Union Omaha has an agreement to play its 2026 and 2027 seasons at Creighton University’s Morrison Stadium.
The club expects to begin accepting deposits for future ticket options in late 2026. Specific deposit dates, seating packages and prices have not yet been announced.
Fans can follow the official Union Omaha stadium project and review the club’s stadium FAQ for updates on construction, tickets and project plans.
The next milestones include finalizing construction arrangements and beginning work at the site, with the first games in the new stadium targeted for 2028.
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