North Omaha Wins with Project Game ON

(April 4, 2025)

A game-changing development is beginning in North Omaha.

Project Game ON includes a home field football and soccer stadium at North High School and a new Butler-Gast YMCA at 34^th and Ames. Retired North High Principal Gene Haynes, Mayor Jean Stothert, the YMCA of Greater Omaha, and Omaha Public made the announcement Friday.

The modern facilities will enhance athletics and school engagement at North High while creating accessible, affordable health, wellness and development opportunities for North Omaha communities. The stadium and the Butler-Gast YMCA will open in the summer of 2027.

"When I heard about this project, I was knocked off my feet," said Haynes, also known as "Mr. North High" for his 40-year career at OPS. "The first game at the new stadium will be a homecoming for all of the current students, and on top of that, for generations of former students."

Located along the Ames Avenue corridor, this project will revitalize the physical infrastructure of the area without demolishing any residential homes or using eminent domain. The project is currently fully funded by local, private foundations and a North and South Omaha Recovery Grant from the Nebraska Department of Economic Development.

The current Butler-Gast YMCA, completed in 1995, will be retired this fall. The YMCA will relocate to the corner of North 34th Avenue and Ames Avenue as part of this transformational project.

"Together, these facilities create an environment for excellence in competition, sportsmanship and teamwork, access to fitness, recreation and wellness programs, and a community space where Viking fans will gather to celebrate victories of years past and future," said Mayor Stothert.

The new YMCA will enhance public health and youth achievement by creating accessible, affordable opportunities for wellness, personal growth and community connection - continuing to serve as a gathering place for all ages.

"This is an exciting moment for North Omaha, and we are thrilled to see the vision for a modern Butler-Gast YMCA come to life," said Rebecca Deterding, YMCA of Greater Omaha President and CEO. "Through innovative partnerships like this, we are not only creating a new facility but also driving long-lasting community change, ensuring that families have access to the health, wellness and youth development opportunities they deserve for generations to come."

Construction on the new North High stadium will also begin later this year. The stadium will include a press box, concessions, restrooms, team rooms and equipment storage, with accessibility top of mind. Stadium capacity will be similar to other Omaha Public Schools stadiums, like Northwest High and Central High.

Students involved in football, soccer, lacrosse, marching band, drum line, drill team, step team, JROTC and more will call the new stadium home. North High has achieved high levels of success in many activities that utilize a stadium setting, winning eight state football championships, the most recent in 2017.

"Our students are amazing. For more than 100 years, North High has been a destination for academics, athletics, arts and activities," said Omaha Public Schools Superintendent Matthew Ray.

"We are thrilled to see the project take shape and are grateful for the generous support of our partners. This transformational effort benefits the entire student experience, boosting generations of Viking pride throughout our community," said Omaha Public Schools Superintendent Matthew Ray.

The current field will remain and will continue to serve as a practice field and the home of North High's track and field team. Seating, concessions and restrooms around the field will be renovated and improved.

The future facilities will offer new amenities and serve students, athletes, families and fans for generations to come. Students and YMCA members will be involved in the design and construction process alongside project partners.

"Every student athlete who takes the field here, and every young player who hopes to wear a Viking unform someday, will gain confidence, learn leadership and social skills, and be motivated and inspired by fans," said Mayor Stothert.

A new project website, called Project Game ON, launched this week at projectgameon.org and includes ongoing project updates, renderings and opportunities for future community engagement.

Project timeline:

• April 2025: Project announcement
• Fall 2025: Demolition and construction start on the Butler-Gast YMCA and North High stadium
• Summer 2027: Butler-Gast YMCA and North High stadium open