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New Mexico United Unveils New Stadium Proposal

By USLChampionship.com Staff, 07/24/21, 8:35PM EDT

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Bond issue – which would not raise local taxes – to be presented on August 2nd, vote expected later in month


A rendering of New Mexico United's proposed new stadium project, released as part of a feasibility study commissioned by the City of Albuquerque, that would become the USL Championship club's permanent home with a potential capacity of 15,000 seats.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – New Mexico United and the City of Albuquerque announced on Saturday that a bond issue would be presented to the Albuquerque City Council at its meeting on August 2, marking the next step in bringing the club’s proposed Stadium and Cultural Center Complex into existence. The overall project is expected to initially cost between $65-70 million with the venue seating an initial capacity of 10,000+ seats with the potential to expand to 15,000 seats.

United Owner and President Peter Trevisani and Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller announced the news to fans prior to the club’s game against El Paso Locomotive FC at Isotopes Park, New Mexico’s current home venue. A vote on the bond by the City Council – which would not raise local taxes in any form – is expected to be held later in August. A feasibility study produced by the City of Albuquerque in cooperation with CAA ICON was also published on Friday offering new renderings and possible locations for the project.

“Before we ever kicked a soccer ball, our goal has always been to improve our community with everything we do,” said Trevisani. “This is a massive step toward that goal and – if approved – would create multi-generational change in the state of New Mexico. I want to thank Mayor Keller for his incredible commitment to and support of this project. Together we can transform Albuquerque and our state, and show the entire world what New Mexicans have to offer.”

New Mexico United has been among the best-supported clubs in the USL Championship since its inaugural 2019 season, when it led the league in average attendance at 12,693 per game at Isotopes Park. This season as United has returned to action at the venue after local health protocols saw the side spend the duration of the abbreviated 2020 season playing games on the road, the club has welcomed 8,383 fans per game while hosting contests under attendance restrictions.

New Mexico this season sits second only in the league in attendance to Louisville City FC, which began its history in 2015 at Louisville Slugger Field. The club – now a two-time USL Championship Title-winner – grew attendance year-on-year through its final season at the venue in 2019 where it averaged more than 9,000 fans per game. Louisville’s box office success led to a similar stadium proposal to that of United, which was approved in 2018, leading to LouCity last year opening its new 15,304-capacity home Lynn Family Stadium in the Butchertown District of the city, where the club has this season welcomed five-figure attendances following its full opening earlier this month following the rollback of local health precautions.

The proposal for United’s new venue – which would also include numerous other amenities beyond the Cultural Center – has been overwhelmingly supported by local residents. In a poll conducted by Research and Polling, Inc. this past January, Albuquerque residents responded in favor of the new stadium by a margin of nearly 3-to-1, with widespread support being registered among respondents who identified as male, female, Hispanic, Anglo, age 18 to 34, age 35 to 49, age 50 to 64, as well as across all levels of income, education, length of residence in Albuquerque, and region of Albuquerque residence.

“This is the start of an exciting conversation about a facility that could be a game changer for our community and the state,” said Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller. “Since the team came in 2018, New Mexico United has captured the spirit of our city and become an outstanding community partner. While we face challenges on a number of fronts in our city, we must also look forward and invest in projects that will lift up our state for decades to come. This facility will draw fans from across the state for sporting events, concerts, and will be an asset to local businesses in the community. With strong support from Council, Albuquerque families will get the chance to decide on this.” 

If the proposed bond is approved by City Council, it would go on the November ballot for Albuquerque voters. If approved by voters, the funding would add to the approximately $8 million previously raised by New Mexico United, as well as additional private funding to be determined.

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