Feasibility Study to Focus on New Albuquerque Soccer Stadium Project

The next step leading to the construction of a long-hoped for soccer stadium in Albuquerque has been taken.

The name of a consulting company with experience in stadium work has been advanced to the Albuquerque City Council to study the project’s feasibility.

That firm, Creative Arts Agency Icon, which is based in Denver, is one of a handful of firms that responded to a Request for Proposals issued by the city last month.

That RFP was looking for a firm to conduct a multi-purpose stadium feasibility study, exploring such matters as site evaluation and the economic impact of a facility that could house anywhere from 10,000 to 15,000 seats.

The RFP also noted that the project might well include an “art/cultural center component,” which could house art exhibits and cultural events, along with some commercial, retail and housing development in the overall site.

The stadium idea has been enthusiastically embraced by local and regional soccer fans and the leadership of the Albuquerque-based New Mexico United soccer team.

Earlier this year, members of the New Mexico State Legislature approved $4.1 million in capital outlay funds for the stadium project, including paying for the feasibility study.

Creative Arts Agency Icon has taken on successful and large stadium projects in Arizona, California, and Colorado, among other states.

The New Mexico United soccer team, playing in the United Soccer League Championship, was established in the summer of 2018 and has regularly attracted upwards of 14,000 spectators per game.

In a statement, State Senator Jacob Candelaria, who long supported construction of a new stadium, said the proposed soccer complex will serve as an economic catalyst that “reimagines what a multi-use facility can be for the community.”
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If approved by the city council, Creative Arts Agency Icon is expected to take around 100 days to complete the feasibility study.

By Garry Boulard

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