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Board approves funding agreement with Omaha Public Schools Foundation for North High stadium project
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Summary
The Omaha Public Schools Board of Education approved a funding agreement with the Omaha Public Schools Foundation to build a new stadium and renovate campus facilities at North High School as part of the community-funded Project Game On.
The Omaha Public Schools Board of Education voted to approve a funding agreement with the Omaha Public Schools Foundation on April 21 to construct a new stadium and renovate existing facilities at North High School as part of Project Game On.
Superintendent Wray told the board the project — supported by the Lozier and Sherwood foundations and other donors, together with a land donation and a partnership with the YMCA of Greater Omaha — is “game changing” for North High students and the North Omaha community. Charles Wakefield, chief operations officer, said the memorandum of understanding before the board “facilitates our portion of Project Game On” and described a venue that could host up to about 2,500 guests and include concessions, ticket booths, restrooms and team rooms. Wakefield said work is scheduled to begin in 2025 and conclude in summer 2027, in time for the 2027 football season.
Trey Breshear of the Lozier Foundation said the foundation’s mission is “leveling the playing field” and described the project as long-awaited by students and community members. Tara Thomas, vice president of advancement at the YMCA of Greater Omaha, said the stadium and a reimagined Butler-Gas YMCA will create new youth programming and local opportunities to attend events and sports on the same field. Gene Haines, a former North High principal who helped shepherd the idea years ago, urged the board to “make that dream true.”
The project team told the board the stadium and related improvements are fully funded by private donors and partner contributions and that the land enabling the project was given to the partners so no eminent domain is involved. Wakefield and others also said the project website (projectgameon.org) includes renderings, frequently asked questions and project updates.
Board discussion emphasized community partnerships and the project’s expected benefits beyond athletics, including arts and physical education. Several trustees noted the project is an example of a public–private partnership that can deliver facilities the district could not fund alone.
The board approved the funding agreement on a roll call vote; the motion was made by Ms. Magnuson and seconded by Mr. Smith and was recorded as passed. Members who recorded “aye” included Vice President Snipes, Mr. Thielen, Ms. Almanza, President Erdenberger, Ms. Paul, Ms. Ratke, Ms. Magnuson and Mr. Smith.
The district and partners said they expect construction to start in 2025, complete in summer 2027, and that the project will be used for school and community events. Board and district officials said they will post detailed timelines and construction updates on the project website and the district’s site.
