A stronger tomorrow for North Omaha
After years of being on our community’s wish list, North High is now getting a new stadium worthy of its students. And after decades of being a gathering place for the young and old alike, the Butler-Gast YMCA is getting a modern facility custom-designed for the generations it serves.
Project history
1924
North High opens.
1951
The Near North Side YMCA building opens. The first of its kind in Omaha, it was the first branch outside of the downtown YMCA. John R. Butler, a longtime Omaha YMCA leader, led efforts to establish the branch.
1995
Formerly called the North Branch and Miller Park Branch, the Butler-Gast YMCA opens its doors. The Butler-Gast YMCA name preserved the historical legacy of North Omaha leaders John Butler and Carol Gast, who were pivotal in creating opportunities for Black youth.
2017
North High has won eight state championships, the most recent in 2017.
2020
Longtime North High Principal Gene Haynes announces his retirement after serving in the role since 2001. Haynes has been an instrumental figure in advocating for better sports facilities at the high school.
2025
Work begins on bringing a new North High stadium and Butler-Gast YMCA to North Omaha.
Everybody wins
The future facilities will offer new amenities and serve students, athletes, parents and community members for generations to come. In fact, students and YMCA members will be involved in the design and construction process with the project partners.
A YMCA with you in mind
A new Butler-Gast YMCA will enhance public health and youth achievement in North Omaha by creating accessible, affordable health, wellness and youth development opportunities.
Student impact
This will be more than a football stadium. Students involved in soccer, lacrosse, marching band and more will find a new home here.
The game day experience
The stadium will include a new 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.
What about the existing field?
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.
Project images
Check out the vision of the future Butler-Gast YMCA, North High stadium and the surrounding areas. Designs and renderings are not final. However, updated images will be shared as the design process continues.
Timeline
Timeline
Early 2025
Project design begins
Fall 2025
Demolition and construction begin
Summer 2027
The Butler-Gast YMCA and North High stadium open
Project collaborators
Thank you to the following organizations for their commitment to this project. These teams are closely collaborating as they tour similar facilities to gather insights and best practices. Project Game ON is informed by community feedback received over time.
Omaha Public Schools is Nebraska's largest school district, preparing more than 52,000 students for success in college, career and life. Every day, approximately 7,000 full-time staff welcome students and families at more than 90 schools and programs. From early childhood through graduation and beyond, students benefit from core classes, advanced academics, a wide array of elective options and countless opportunities in athletics, arts and extra-curricular activities.
The YMCA of Greater Omaha’s roots in the Omaha metropolitan area are woven into the fabric of the community. Founded in 1866, the organization has grown to be a leader in providing first experiences to families, individuals and youth for over 150 years. With 13 locations in the Omaha area, spanning four counties in two states, the YMCA of Greater Omaha works to strengthen communities by offering programs and services in three focus areas: youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.
%201.png)
Founded in 1854, the City of Omaha is committed to providing quality services and improving the lives of its residents. The City is a proud partner of all Omaha school districts to ensure that children and families have access to the education and tools they need to succeed.
Formed in 1986, The Lozier Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life for underrepresented communities in the Omaha metro area. Funded by Allan and Dianne Lozier, the foundation’s focus is education, social services and issues involving women and children with an emphasis on the inner city and underrepresented populations.
The Sherwood Foundation provides grants that help make Nebraska a better place to live, work, learn and play.
Based in Omaha, NewStreet Properties has been investing in communities since 1992. Formed to manage the real estate interests of the Lozier family, NewStreet Properties invests its permanent capital base throughout the United States into multi-family, industrial and medical office assets.
People, design and community are at the heart of Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture’s mission. With clients ranging from visionary developers to world-changing non-profits and everything in between, the firm strives to build cities and neighborhoods that add to the social fabric.
%201.png)
Emspace + Lovgren is a full-service communications agency founded in 1992 that develops future-focused messages, campaigns and public outreach strategies to support a strong and connected community. Its award-winning communications team brings true expertise in community services, health, education, transportation, arts, infrastructure and economic development.