After more than three years of trying, a move to build a new professional soccer stadium in Albuquerque is on the verge of becoming reality.
Members of the Albuquerque Environmental Planning Commission have now given their unanimous approval to seeing the facility built at the city’s spacious Balloon Fiesta Park.
The commission vote comes after voters in the city in the fall of 2021 turned down a proposed $50 million bond to build the stadium.
In the wake of that defeat, officials with the New Mexico United team vowed to find a new way of building a stadium that could house up to at least 10,000 seats.
As planned, the project is expected to be built on some 7 acres to the east of the field where the colorful international balloon fiesta is held every October at 4401 Alameda Boulevard.
In a statement, Ron Patel, New Mexico United team owner, remarked: “We still have a lot of work to do with the neighbors, city, and state.” But he hailed the commission vote as “an important and positive step to bringing a multi-use stadium to Balloon Fiesta Park.”
The team, in a lease agreement with the City, has pledged to commit at least $30 million to the building of the facility.
According to city documents, the stadium is expected to measure around 185,000 square feet, with a maximum height of 65 feet above pitch level, and a roof overhang that will cover the entire seating bowl.
The project, which was approved last November by the Albuquerque City Council, could see work beginning either later this year or in 2025.
By Garry Boulard
