proposed albuquerque soccer stadium in line for state funding

Nearly $4.1 million has been approved by state lawmakers in Santa Fe for the construction of a much talked-about soccer and multi-sports center in Albuquerque.

The proposal is part of a much larger $528 million total capital outlay bill, introduced as House Bill 349, and now awaiting New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan-Grisham’s signature.

The soccer complex has received particular attention, owing to the growing popularity of the New Mexico United soccer team, which has been attracting record crowds to their matches at the Isotopes Park.

On average, nearly 12,600 people have been turning out to watch the team, far above the attendance recorded by other United Soccer League teams. Ticket prices have ranged between $13 and just under $100.

The new stadium, as proposed, could seat up to 18,000 people. It is thought that it will ultimately cost around $100 million to build the new stadium.

Last year, Peter Trevisani, chief executive officer of the New Mexico United, suggested to members of the New Mexico State Legislature’s Economic and Rural Development Committee that a new multi-use facility could also be used for artistic and retail space.
​
An analysis of this year’s capital outlay projects by the Legislative Finance Committee notes that each proposal was subject to “site visits, review of infrastructure capital improvement plans, monthly meetings with major departments, and testimony held in the interim.” 

​By Garry Boulard

---