URL: http://www.abqjournal.com/AED/505098west_news10-22-06.htm

Sunday, October 22, 2006
Rio Rancho Residents Turn Out to See the Newly Opened Santa Ana Star Center
By Sean Olson
Journal Staff Writer
    They built it ... and people came. Thousands took their first trip on Rio Rancho's newly opened Paseo del Volcan on Saturday to get a whiff of the Santa Ana Star Center's new-arena smell.
    The venue's doors opened at 10 a.m., and lines of people already waiting poured inside to get their first look at Rio Rancho's new premier event center.
    "Rio Rancho needed something like this," said Rio Rancho resident Dora Rodriguez. "It's awesome not having to go into Albuquerque."
    Since plans for the Santa Ana Star Center were unveiled in November 2004, Rio Rancho has been waiting for its opportunity to host the New Mexico Scorpions hockey team, concerts and other special events.
    The $47 million building is the first to open in what will soon be Rio Rancho's new downtown. City officials have said the Santa Ana Star Center will be the cornerstone of the area, which will also include a new City Hall, Lions Gate Studios and a University of New Mexico campus.
    But on Saturday, it was all about the arena.
    Visitors were overwhelmingly positive about their first look at the venue.
    Jose Velez, an Albuquerque resident, took his 12-year-old son, Jaz Velez, to see the New Mexico Scorpions' new digs. He said he was impressed by everything from individual seats— as opposed to the benches at the Scorpions's former home, Tingley Coliseum— to cup holders, wide rows and other little details.
    "It's not that volcano pitch like the Pit," he said. "Now, I like the Pit, but it's outdated."
    Scorpions fans were also on hand to scope the franchise's new home.
    Maurine Andrews, a Rio Rancho resident, said it was nice to know the Scorpions would be back after taking the 2005-2006 season off following tensions with its former landlord.
    "We're transplanted Michigan-ers; we need hockey," she said.
    Andrews was also pleased to have more women's bathrooms in the arena than Tingley and a shorter commute to see the games.
    Rodriguez said there was plenty to be said about the building's design, and she was excited to start seeing events.
    "It's very well planned out," she said. "It seems like any of the seats would be a very good view."
    City officials were also on hand to see the doors open and have the project viewed by the public.
    Rio Rancho City Manager Jim Palenick said he had seen the building many times throughout its construction, but it was an entirely different experience seeing people walk through the doors.
    "That just about gave me goose bumps," he said.
    Mayor Kevin Jackson said the building exceeded his expectations, and he was pleased it was finally complete.
    "It's a reality," he said. "And that's what we're doing; we're turning the City of Vision into the city of reality."
    Rio Rancho also tied its 25th birthday bash into the event and gave away gift bags to the first 2,500 people at the event.
    One concession area, operated by Boston Culinary, was open, selling cheeseburgers, hot dogs, pretzels and other food that will be available at most events. The city also sponsored 25-cent sodas and popcorn for the anniversary.
    Scorpions fans were treated to gifts like seat cushions and white Scorpions towels and even had the opportunity to meet Scorpions personnel and get autographs.
    But the Santa Ana Star Center remained the real star of the day.
    Bob Trautman, a 25-year resident of Rio Rancho, said he couldn't resist a first look inside the arena.
    "I've been in a whole bunch of facilities all across the country," he said. "My first impression (of the Santa Ana Star Center): It's as good as the best."