OMAHA PERFORMING ARTS

View from the Steelhouse stage looking south into the audience

Steelhouse Omaha, O-pa’s third venue, has come a long way in the year since its groundbreaking on May 20, 2021! The signature steel cladding is being added a panel at a time, and the interior of the live music venue is looking more and more fan-ready. It is scheduled to open mid-2023. 

Are you wondering what makes Steelhouse different from Omaha’s other vibrant venues? 

A big factor is capacity. Steelhouse can accommodate crowds of 1,500 to 3,000, filling a gap between arena size and smaller iconic local venues. It will be larger than O-pa’s other two venues, the Holland Performing Arts Center and the Orpheum Theater, and is designed with a flat floor so patrons will be able to stand and dance through the whole show. Ultimately, Steelhouse will attract artists and shows that have previously bypassed the region because of the lack of a venue that could accommodate them. 

Another aim is to bring more patrons aged 18-45 downtown while giving patrons of all ages another reason to explore the Capitol District and Riverfront. Surrounded by Dodge and Capitol, 11th and 12th Streets — Steelhouse lies in the very heart of the extensive renovation of Omaha’s downtown. You can see the new Gene Leahy Mall across the block! It is expected to have a transformational impact on the regional music scene, as well as the ongoing redevelopment of the city’s urban core and riverfront. A UNL Impact Study estimated an annual economic impact of $13M with estimated attendance of 155,000.

O-pa will be partnering with Live Nation, the world’s leading live entertainment company, as exclusive promoter to bring in exciting new shows. In addition, the design of the space will make it a highly accessible and versatile space for community events. The unique performance space will provide the opportunity to present new and innovative programs in non-traditional layouts and it will provide an exciting place for local artists and community groups to innovate and create! 

Explore a gallery of photos and learn more at o-pa.org/steelhouse. You can also track its progress with “Steelhouse Monday” updates on Linkedin, Twitter and Facebook every other Monday!