Project Game ON will advance youth achievement and public health in North Omaha by constructing a new Butler-Gast YMCA building and a game-changing stadium for North High. The project will create accessible, affordable health, wellness and youth development opportunities through the new YMCA while enhancing athletics and school engagement at North High.

These beautiful, modern facilities will deliver a home field advantage, and a multi-generational community impact, our community has long desired.

North High has achieved high levels of success in many activities that utilize a stadium setting — and the school is now getting a new stadium worthy of its students. Those events and celebrations serve as a source of community, connection and pride for many students, families and supporters.

After decades as a community gathering place for people of all ages, the Butler-Gast YMCA is now getting a modern facility custom-designed to meet the needs of the generations it serves. This welcoming facility is being designed with an intentional layout to better serve the community now and into the future. Amenities will include:  

• Wellness floor with new equipment  
• Gymnasium
• Group exercise studio
• Pool
• Childwatch, youth space and community rooms

This project is sure to become a hub of daily life around education, health, wellness, athletics and community. With spaces designed to promote physical activity, foster well-being and encourage personal growth, current and future generations in North Omaha will have access to the equipment and programs that inspire a lifelong commitment to wellness.

Omaha Public Schools and the YMCA are working together to build synergies between the new stadium and the new YMCA building that will benefit North High students and the community.

The project is also expected to have an economic impact on the community. Home football games, soccer matches, marching band competitions and many other stadium events have the potential to bring in hundreds of spectators to nearby local businesses.

The YMCA of Greater Omaha’s leadership and board generously donated a portion of the Butler-Gast YMCA property to make this project possible. Located in a highly visible place along the Ames Avenue corridor, this project will revitalize the physical infrastructure of the property, eliminating the need to demolish any homes.

The proximity of the new stadium and Butler-Gast YMCA to North High and Skinner Elementary means easy access for students and their families. With the 30-year history of the Butler-Gast YMCA at this location, and the longstanding history of North High in this area, we look forward to seeing this space evolve and grow for our community’s benefit.

No homes will be demolished, and eminent domain will not be used. The YMCA, which owns the land for the stadium, is collaborating with Omaha Public Schools on the project.

This project is a partnership among Omaha Public Schools, the YMCA of Greater Omaha, the City of Omaha, NewStreet Properties, Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture, The Lozier Foundation, The Sherwood Foundation and Emspace + Lovgren. Learn more about the project collaborators here.

This project is currently fully funded by local, private foundations and the Nebraska Department of Economic Development through a North and South Omaha Recovery Grant. Other funders with interest in the project will be further explored and evaluated after final project costs are determined.

Access: During construction of the Butler-Gast YMCA, current Butler-Gast YMCA members will have access to the YMCA’s other 12 locations, including the Maple Street YMCA and the Downtown YMCA, which are close to the Butler-Gast YMCA location.

Membership fees: Butler-Gast YMCA members as of April 4 will retain their current membership type at no cost during the closure and construction of the new Butler-Gast YMCA. Butler-Gast YMCA monthly dues will continue until the current facility closes, with the YMCA of Greater Omaha providing a 30-day notice before the closing date. To receive this benefit, Butler-Gast YMCA members as of April 4 must remain in good standing and keep their memberships active until the closure of the Butler-Gast YMCA.

Butler-Gast YMCA staff: The YMCA of Greater Omaha is committed to supporting Butler-Gast YMCA staff by offering employment opportunities at its 12 other facility locations and program sites, including the Maple Street YMCA and the Downtown YMCA, which are close to the Butler-Gast YMCA location.

Questions: Butler-Gast YMCA staff are accessible via phone, email or by visiting the location to assist with any inquiries.

Project updates: Regular updates will be shared via this website and Project Game ON social channels, as well as the YMCA’s website, email newsletters and social media channels.

Safety and security will be top-of-mind throughout the construction process. The site will be secured with fencing and screening with limited access points, and full-time cameras will be present throughout the property. Contractors will also coordinate with the neighboring schools to ensure the safety of students and staff.

This project has been built on decades of feedback provided by staff and students at Omaha Public Schools and members of the Butler-Gast YMCA. The new YMCA will be designed with members in mind, and North High students will be involved in the design and construction process with the project partners. All feedback is being used to inform the design and amenities, and accessibility and inclusivity will continue to be prioritized as the project progresses.

Omaha Public Schools’ facilities are available for use following an application process. You can download the application and a list of requirements here.

By working together, the YMCA of Greater Omaha and Omaha Public Schools are creating opportunities for YMCA youth sports, summer day camps and outdoor wellness programs to take place at the new North High stadium.

Fall 2025: Demolition and construction begin on the Butler-Gast YMCA and North High stadium
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Summer 2027: Butler-Gast YMCA and North High stadium open

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 YouTurn building, currently used as an administrative building by the organization, will be cleared. Their meaningful and vital work will continue at a new location. For any additional information regarding YouTurn’s new location, please contact Teresa Negron, YouTurn’s executive director, at 402-933-7850.

The project’s partners include experienced contractors, project managers and designers with strong track records of delivering stellar projects on time and on budget. If weather or other unforeseen factors result in a new timeline, this information will be communicated.

A site civil survey and a traffic study will inform the project design and assess the local impact on traffic. Additional details will be shared as the project progresses.

We anticipate a general contractor will be in place by May 2025.

Project partners will create opportunities for YMCA members to share input on elements that enhance the overall experience, ensuring the space meets community needs.

Students will be involved in the design and construction process with the project partners. Enhanced learning opportunities such as job shadowing, presentations and more will be coordinated with North High and Skinner Elementary.

Omaha Public Schools Board Policies guide the naming of all district schools and facilities.

We’re excited to share this project with our community, and we’re eager to hear your questions, feedback and enthusiasm.

A neighborhood meeting about the project is scheduled for 5:30-7 p.m. Tuesday, April 22, 2025, in the North High Viking Center.

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