The University of New Mexico announced on Oct. 2 that it would be opening a Feasibility and Development Plan Study, which is expected to aid in developing the South Campus area, as well as bringing on a strategy to modernize University Stadium.
The announcement comes on the heels of UNM selling out University Stadium for their win over the New Mexico State Aggies on Sept. 27. The stadium originally opened in 1960, and recent upgrades have included a new video board and a currently under construction team room.This new study hopes to provide the University with the means to assess University Stadium from a structural standpoint to help determine the condition of the property as a whole, along with construction estimates and renderings for the University to have phasing options for the improvements.
UNM President Garnett Stokes expressed excitement about the study in the announcement, and hopes that it will lead to greater and better things for both the University and the state in a statement on the announcement of the study.
“This study is an important step toward reimagining University Stadium as a modern, multipurpose venue, while also positioning South Campus as a center of student life, athletics, and economic development that benefits Albuquerque and all of New Mexico,” Stokesshe said.
The New Mexico architectural firm Dekker was selected for the study, alongside global firm Gensler, which most recently helped fellow Mountain West conference member San Diego State University develop its new football stadium, Snapdragon Stadium.
The study will also look to provide UNM with plans to create a better fan experience, with game-day facilities such as restrooms, locker rooms, concessions and any other infrastructure that may be found to need updating.
UNM is also looking to improve parking and better connectivity between South Campus and the sports complexes including The Pit, University Stadium and the baseball fields.
Another goal of the study is to make University Stadium a year-round facility that is capable of hosting community and statewide events, concerts and other revenue-generating events for the local economy.
UNM’s Vice President and Director of Athletics Fernado Lovo said the study is a “pivotal moment for Lobo Athletics” in a statement on the announcement of the study.
“We envision University Stadium as a true community hub — not just for seven football games a year, but for year-round events that bring people together from across New Mexico,” Lovo said.
Wyatt S. Padilla is a freelance reporter for the Daily Lobo. He can be reached at news@dailylobo.com or on X @wyattspadilla
Get content from The Daily Lobo delivered to your inbox
