Project Game ON, a redevelopment initiative near 35th & Ames Avenue, will include a new football stadium for Omaha North High School and a completely rebuilt Butler-Gast YMCA building.
Retired North High Principal Gene Haynes, Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert, and officials from Omaha Public Schools and the YMCA of Greater Omaha announced a plan yesterday to build North High’s future home stadium for football and soccer, among other sports and activities. The new Butler-Gast YMCA will be right next to the stadium.
After years of community discussion and anticipation, both the YMCA and stadium will be ready for the public in the summer of 2027.
“When I heard about this project, I was knocked off my feet,” said Haynes, who was a teacher and an administrator in the Omaha Public Schools for more than 40 years. “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 south side of Ames Avenue, the 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 building, 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 the project, bringing both a new stadium and a reimagined YMCA to North Omaha.
“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,” Stothert said.
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.”
The YMCA is committed to ensuring continued membership access to all 12 YMCA locations at no cost for all active Butler-Gast YMCA members as of April 4, following the facility closure and construction. Additional details will be shared directly with those YMCA members. The YMCA of Greater Omaha is supporting Butler-Gast YMCA staff by offering employment opportunities at its other locations following the facility closure.
Construction of the stadium will also begin later this year. The stadium will include a new press box, concessions, restrooms, team rooms and equipment storage. 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 stadium home. Over its 101-year history, North High has won eight state football championships, the most recent in 2017.
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.
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
