LINCOLN — Gov. Jim Pillen is weighing whether to support state tax incentives for two major Omaha soccer projects, including a proposed downtown Union Omaha stadium and upgrades to Tranquility Park. During a State Capitol hearing, Pillen pressed developers and city officials on how much private investment and new tax revenue the projects would generate, signaling a more open but still cautious stance toward the proposals.

The projects are seeking assistance through the state’s Sports Arena Facility Financing Assistance Act, which allows developers to use future sales tax revenue from surrounding areas to help fund construction costs. Supporters, including Omaha city officials and business leaders, argue the developments would boost tourism, retail growth, and urban redevelopment, while critics continue to question the use of public incentives for sports facilities.

Pillen has not committed to supporting either proposal, saying each project must be evaluated on whether it delivers clear benefits for taxpayers and avoids diverting existing state revenue. The incentive board is expected to make decisions on pending applications in the coming weeks.

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