Alliance Sports announces Development Manager and Design Firms for new downtown stadium

Alliance Sports has revealed its selection of a development manager and design firm team for the mixed-use development that includes a state-of-the-art soccer stadium for Union Omaha and a future professional women’s soccer club.

Gary Green, co-founder of Alliance Sports, said:

It’s extremely impactful for us to add two world-class firms to this very important project for downtown Omaha. Their expertise, as well as their commitment to excellence, will be invaluable as we move forward and work together to make a significant impact on our community.

Hines, a global real estate investment manager, has been selected as the development manager for the 18-acre mixed-use project along Abbott Drive. Global architecture and design firm, Perkins&Will, in partnership with Omaha’s RDG Planning & Design, will be the lead architects for the project.

Brad Soderwall, Managing Director at Hines, said:

We are honoured to participate in the creation of a transformative and diversified placemaking village in downtown Omaha, with the new stadium at its heart. Together with Alliance Sports, we look forward to creating an exciting, year-round destination, and bringing our extensive experience and track record of seamless integration to the Omaha community.

Jeff Sittner, Managing Principal and Stadium Design expert for Perkins&Will, said:

We’re thrilled to collaborate with our local partners and the team in envisioning a new downtown neighborhood and a new home for Union Omaha. A downtown stadium will energise the fan base and help introduce Omaha to the greater soccer community. We’re fully committed to this exciting vision.

John Sova, RDG Managing Principal and local Omaha lead, said:

RDG is thrilled to be selected as the local design partner for Union Omaha and Alliance Sports in creating their new stadium, a pivotal project along Omaha’s riverfront that will enable the team to advance to USL Championship level. Omaha has a rich history of supporting sports, and we are proud to advance that tradition by creating a top-tier facility that will strengthen community ties, support local sports and entertainment, and provide a dynamic place for fans and athletes alike.

The 18-acre mixed-use project is anchored by the new stadium for Union Omaha. The project will include new residential and retail development to create a 24/7 district activated by sports, entertainment, shopping and new residences.

As Union Omaha continues its historic run of success in USL League One at Werner Park, this development will allow the team to transition to Championship level, while maximising the fan experience.

Alliance Sports will also add a level one professional women’s soccer team and youth academy.

The Abbot Drive project not only aims to invigorate economic growth and the growth of soccer, but also contributes to the dynamic evolution of downtown Omaha.

Martie Cordaro, President, Union Omaha, said:

The addition of Hines as our master developer, as well as Perkins&Will and RDG as our lead architects, is an exciting step for this project. We are incredibly pleased to welcome them to the team creating this mixed-use development that will feature a world-class professional soccer facility here in Omaha.

Architecture & Design, Customer Journey, Fan Experience, Hospitality, Fit-Out & Interiors, Premium Sales & Service, Sustainability, Technology, and Venue Commercialisation are among the key pillars of the SVB LIVE series of events, focused on elevating and innovating the live experience at stadia, arenas, sporting and entertainment events and venues.

ABOUT HINES

Hines is a leading global real estate investment manager. They own and operate $93.2 billion of assets across property types and on behalf of a diverse group of institutional and private wealth clients. Every day, our 5,000 employees in 30 countries draw on our 65-year history to build the world forward by investing in, developing, and managing some of the world’s best real estate. To learn more, visit www.hines.com and follow @Hines on social media.

ABOUT PERKINS&WILL

Since 1935, Perkins&Will has believed that design has the power to make the world a better, more beautiful place. We collaborate with clients and communities across the globe to create unifying spaces to live, work, learn, and play. We are the premier USL Stadium designers, partnering with various teams across the United States to create impactful stadiums that benefit all users and drive positive economic change for their communities. With over 2,400 professionals globally, we offer comprehensive services in architecture, interior design, branded environments, and landscape architecture—all driven by our commitment to the greater good.

ABOUT RDG PLANNING & DESIGN

RDG Planning & Design is a nationally recognized, interdisciplinary design firm offering professional services in architecture, landscape architecture, interiors, lighting, strategic planning, urban and comprehensive planning, graphic design, and integrated public art since 1965. Diverse in knowledge and experience, we are united in our pursuit to create meaning together with our clients and in our communities, and by our drive to live life responsibly and do it well. Decades of dedication to success have taken us throughout the United States, and today, our 240 employees have a commitment to communication and technology that allows us to engage clients anywhere from our offices in Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri, Colorado, and Wisconsin.

ABOUT ALLIANCE SPORTS

Alliance Sports, founded in 2008 by Gary Green and Larry Botel, owns and operates the Omaha Storm Chasers, the Triple-A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals; the Richmond Flying Squirrels, the San Francisco Giant’s Double-A affiliate; the Montgomery Biscuits, the Tampa Bay Rays’ Double-A affiliate; and Union Omaha, a USL League One team. Alliance Sports also owns the digital platform and publication Baseball America Magazine.

Source & imagery, courtesy: Union Omaha

Sports Venue Business has launched a raft of new offerings under the SVB LIVE banner, including Networking Events & a Webinar Series, culminating in the annual SVB LIVE Conference & Exhibition, being held at Croke Park in Dublin, Ireland, on October 9th and 10th, with an Opening Night Icebreaker on October 8th, 2024.