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Creighton seeks street vacations for new athletic complex; neighbors and university reach agreement
Summary
Creighton University asked the council to vacate two streets to move its baseball and softball fields off campus and create a central quadrangle. Nearby property owners told council they signed easements and support the plan; the university provided a construction timeline targeting May 2026 completion for the athletic complex work.
Creighton University representatives told the Omaha City Council on Jan. 28 they seek ordinances vacating portions of Bert Street (and related rights-of-way) to construct a new athletic complex that moves baseball and softball fields off Creighton’s central campus.
Derek Scott of Creighton said the project will allow construction of a five-acre central quadrangle on the existing campus footprint while relocating baseball, softball, practice and intramural fields to property fronting Birch Street. Scott said the university worked with public works and planning staff on storm-water and utility requirements and has reached easement agreements with affected neighbors.
Julie Prescott Burgess, a nearby property and long-time business owner, and other neighbors addressed the council in support, saying Creighton engaged with them and signed easements to keep alley access for deliveries and private driveways, and that they expect to continue operating adjacent businesses. A neighborhood church also participated in communications regarding parking and access, Burgess said.
Creighton told the council it plans to demolish the existing field after the 2025 College World Series practice season and begin demolition and site work in April, aiming to complete construction and have fields usable by May 2026. Planning staff and the planning board recommended approval of the street vacations on the agenda.
Council members and proponents described the project as an effort to consolidate campus greenspace and athletic facilities while preserving access and adjacent small-business operations. Public works and university representatives said they would continue coordination on storm water diversion, utilities and construction staging.
