Information
Landmark: Ak-Sar-BenCity: Omaha
Country: USA Nebraska
Continent: North America
Ak-Sar-Ben, Omaha, USA Nebraska, North America
Overview
Ak-Sar-Ben-Nebraska spelled backward-has long been woven into Omaha’s cultural and entertainment story, first tied to the old arena, race track, and civic center where the smell of popcorn drifted through the stands, and now linked to the neighborhood and a revitalized arena in midtown.It captures the weight of history while embracing the fresh energy of a city remade.Back in 1920, the original Ak-Sar-Ben opened as a bustling horse racing track, run by the Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben-a civic group devoted to boosting Omaha’s economy and giving back to the community.They’d flipped “Nebraska” around for fun, and the quirky name carried the smell of hometown pride and a shared sense of belonging.As the years passed, the site grew to include the Ak-Sar-Ben Arena and Civic Auditorium, where crowds packed in for concerts, ball games, conventions, and community events for decades.The track and arena grew into the heart of Omaha’s social scene, drawing crowds from miles away-some arriving with dust on their boots and a grin on their face.Built in the 1940s, the Ak-Sar-Ben Arena drew thousands of spectators, hosting basketball games, ice hockey matches, concerts, and other major events under its bright, echoing roof.The arena hosted University of Nebraska–Omaha Mavericks basketball games, professional wrestling bouts, dusty rodeos, and big-name concerts that rattled the seats.Ak-Sar-Ben buzzed with energy, its arena and nearby facilities pulling in crowds from Omaha and far beyond.Race Track and Horse Racing LegacyOne of the Midwest’s earliest tracks drew crowds for decades, hosting spirited thoroughbred races beside weathered grandstands, busy training stables, and the sharp scent of fresh turf near the betting windows.In Omaha, racing drew crowds for the thrill of the sport while also fueling charitable causes, with the roar of engines echoing across the fairgrounds.Part of the money from racing events once went to local charities, a tradition that showed the Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben’s civic spirit-much like handing a check to the food bank on a crisp autumn morning.In the early 2000s, horse racing stopped, the arena went quiet, and most of the old Ak-Sar-Ben buildings came down, clearing space for new development.Today, people call it Ak-Sar-Ben Village, a lively mix of apartments, shops, offices, restaurants, and green spots where you can hear kids laughing near the fountain.The redevelopment keeps the Ak-Sar-Ben name, nods to the area’s history, and builds a modern urban space where glass fronts catch the afternoon sun.Ak-Sar-Ben Village is a walkable neighborhood where you can browse local shops, grab dinner, or catch a show, with weekends often bringing farmers markets, lively community gatherings, and colorful street festivals.Midtown Omaha sits right next to Elmwood Park and other leafy midtown spots, so it’s easy to slip outside for a jog or a slow walk under the trees.Plaques, murals, and vivid pieces of public art scattered through the village honor its past-from the thundering drama of horse races and lively arena events to the proud tradition of the Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben.In the Ak-Sar-Ben area, visitors step into a place where old brick facades meet sleek new cafés, blending rich history with the pulse of modern city life.As you stroll through the village, old stone markers and weathered woodwork hint at its history, while lively cafés, small breweries, and quirky boutiques draw you in today.Seasonal festivals and bustling markets fill the air with music and chatter, turning midtown Omaha into a vibrant center for friends, food, and local culture.Ak-Sar-Ben captures Omaha’s transformation-from the cheers of horse races and bustling civic events to a lively, mixed-use neighborhood that blends its storied past with the energy of modern city life.For locals, it’s a touchstone from the past; for newcomers, it’s a place to explore, where the scent of fresh bread drifts past old brick storefronts and community pride meets history and modern culture in one lively spot.
