There's little downside to the proposed soccer stadium at Balloon Fiesta Park
This rendering shows a New Mexico United multi-purpose stadium at Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque. The Albuquerque City Council has approved a lease to allow the team to build a privately financed stadium at the park.
As the chair of the Board of Directors of the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber, we recognize the importance of focusing on our mission, which includes economic development and enhancing economic opportunities for New Mexicans. That is why the Hispano Chamber board fully supports New Mexico United’s proposed stadium at Balloon Fiesta Park.
The proposed soccer stadium is not just about soccer. It’s about raising New Mexico’s profile. It’s about quality of life. It’s about youth sports. It’s about economic development. It’s about bringing in tourism dollars and economic opportunities.
The United Soccer League, which is one step down from Major League Soccer, requires a soccer-specific stadium within four years for its professional teams. That time has passed, and if we are serious about support for professional soccer, we need to move forward, quickly. Additionally, there is talk of a women’s professional soccer team coming to Albuquerque, and having a quality stadium enhances our chances.
The New Mexico United Stadium will be paid for privately, will bring people not only for games but for other uses like youth sports, special events, and concerts. The sky is the limit, so to speak.
One of the critical elements when companies look to move to Albuquerque is the quality of life. Having a professional sports team and a stadium that offers multi-use options is exactly the type of asset needed in Albuquerque.
As a bonus, the infrastructure improvements are being paid for by funding received from the state specifically to make improvements at Balloon Fiesta Park. Better parking, permanent restrooms, upgraded electricity and paving are some of the improvements that will enhance the experience for everyone attending any event at Balloon Fiesta Park, including the iconic annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.
New Mexico United has promised it will not interfere with any Balloon Fiesta programming, and the stadium’s location is under existing power lines and will in no way impact the fly zones.
We see little downside to the new plan, and we hope the City Council will approve the lease so we can all enjoy professional soccer in a quality multi-purpose stadium for New Mexico United.
Phil R. Casaus is also president and CEO of Brycon Corp. of Rio Rancho.
