The City of Albuquerque is asking for capital outlay funding of up to $40 million to build a long-planned soccer stadium.
The facility would belong to the popular New Mexico United soccer team, which was formed in 2018 and plays most of its games in the city’s Isotopes Park.
Team owner and chief executive officer Peter Trevisani has spoken to both state and city officials about the possibility of building the new stadium in downtown Albuquerque.
In a statement, Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller described securing funding for the stadium as a “legislative priority,” adding the city officials were committed to working “closely with the state to keep the project moving.”
As envisioned, the stadium would be large enough to provide seating for up to 15,000 and could ultimately cost as much as $75 million to build. The larger stadium site may also include residential and restaurant space.
While New Mexico United’s matches have regularly attracted upwards of 13,000 to 15,000 fans, suggesting that a new stadium would be well attended, another source of support is seen in a recent survey showing 63% of respondents expressing approval of the project.
Last year state lawmakers passed legislation providing more than $4 million in support to both acquire land for the stadium and produce a design.
By Garry Boulard
