A move to build a modern $100 million soccer stadium in Albuquerque is gaining traction.
The Albuquerque-based New Mexico United soccer team, which became a part of the United Soccer League in the summer of 2018, has proven wildly popular in the metro area, attracting on average around 12,600 spectators.
Although the team has for the most part played at the city’s Isotopes Park, team officials and fans have for months been advancing the idea of building a new stadium that could house as many as 18,000 seats.
Now, members of the New Mexico State Legislature’s Economic and Rural Development Committee have heard a presentation by New Mexico United chief executive officer Peter Trevisani, who argued that the simple fact of the Albuquerque soccer games being so well attended is argument enough for building a stadium.
Noting the 12,600 average turnout, Trevisani said, “That’s better than the hockey teams in New York and Canada.”
Trevisani also noted that a stadium partly built with state funds would guarantee not only an annual season of 30 soccer games, but also “maybe other teams like a women’s professional team, other events, and as a cultural center it could be something that’s open every day with restaurants and bars.”
Hopes are currently resting on the Legislature approving a $30 million capital outlay in the coming winter session for the stadium project.
By Garry Boulard