New Butler-Gast YMCA and North High School Stadium Announcement
On April 4, 2025 retired North High Principal Gene Haynes, along with Mayor Jean Stothert, Omaha Public Schools, the YMCA of Greater Omaha and other city and community leaders, announced a plan to build North High a game-changing home field and a new stadium for football and soccer, among other sports and activities, along with a new Butler-Gast YMCA to better serve the North Omaha community.
After years of community discussion and anticipation, both the YMCA and stadium will be ready for the public in the summer of 2027. These modern facilities will enhance athletics and school engagement at North High while creating accessible, affordable health, wellness and development opportunities for North Omaha communities.
“When I heard about this project, I was knocked off my feet,” said Gene Haynes, formerly the principal of North High and a teacher and an administrator in the Omaha Public Schools for more than forty 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 in a highly visible place along the Ames Avenue corridor, this 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, 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 this transformational 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," said Mayor Jean Stothert.
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 prioritizing and 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 12 other locations and program sites following the facility closure.
Construction on the new North High stadium will also begin later this year. 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.
Students involved in football, soccer, lacrosse, marching band, drum line, drill team, step team, JROTC and more will call the new stadium home. North High has achieved high levels of success in many activities that utilize a stadium setting — winning eight state football championships, the most recent in 2017.
"Our students are amazing. For more than 100 years, North High has been a destination for academics, athletics, arts and activities. We are thrilled to see the project take shape and are grateful for the generous support of our partners. This transformational effort benefits the entire student experience — boosting generations of Viking pride throughout our community,” said Omaha Public Schools Superintendent Matthew Ray.
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.
A new project website, called Project Game ON, launched this week at projectgameon.org and includes ongoing project updates, renderings and opportunities for future community engagement.
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