UNM launches development, feasibility study for stadium upgrades, sports entertainment district

By geoff grammer

Even before 37,000 fans walked through the gates of University Stadium to watch this past weekend’s Rio Grande Rivalry football game, the ball was rolling.

It didn’t take the long lines, crowded concourses or a bathroom shut down for the University of New Mexico to know it was long overdue for an in-depth look into what it might take to revamp the school’s six-decade old football stadium, home to Saturday’s 38-20 UNM Lobos win over the NM State Aggies.

Thursday, UNM announced the launch of a “comprehensive development planning and feasibility study to create a long-term vision and implementation action plan for modernizing University Stadium and revitalizing South Campus as a mixed-use, economic development district.”

The entire study is expected to take up to a year to complete, but stadium recommendations could be finalized by early 2026.

The plan, UNM says, is to not only outline the options for stadium modernization and upgrades, but also detail development opportunities around what it calls “South Campus,” essentially the sports entertainment district near the intersection of Avenida Cesar Chavez and University.

“At UNM, we are committed to creating facilities that inspire pride, bring people together, and serve the needs of our state,” said UNM President Garnett S. Stokes. “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.”

The Journal reviewed a copy of the contract between UNM and the developers, which indicates the area of the plan includes development of land east of Interstate 25, south of Basehart Road and north of Gibson Boulevard and east of University Avenue. It also includes the stadium area — east of University, south of Avenida Cesar Chavez, north of Sunshine Terrace and west of Buena Vista Boulevard. It does not include the areas of Milne Stadium, CNM, Isotopes Park or the BMX track north of the football stadium.

The study is expected to cost $970,868, with the UNM Athletics Department footing the bill on at least the $368,980 said to be dedicated toward the “Stadium of the Future” portion of the study.

UNM Athletics can pay for its portion of the study from the $11.5 million in capital outlay money it secured this past legislative session to renovate the stadium.

“This is a pivotal moment for Lobo Athletics as we work to modernize University Stadium to create a ‘Stadium of the Future’ and align it with the needs of today’s college athletics,” said Vice President and Director of Athletics Fernando Lovo. “Our goal is to create a venue that is both highly competitive and a welcoming gateway that connects South Campus, our student body, and the city of Albuquerque.”

The school has selected New Mexico firm Dekker, which has “extensive campus and regional experience,” according to a news release, and Gensler, which works in the stadium design space, including having helped on recently formulating UCLA Athletics Master Plan and fellow Mountain West member San Diego State’s Snapdragon Stadium.

According to UNM, the collaborative effort will “evaluate existing infrastructure and deferred maintenance needs, with an emphasis on enhancements to fan experience, operations, accessibility, connectivity, and supporting campus uses.”

Among the items the study is tasked with covering, per UNM, include:

• A full assessment of University Stadium’s current conditions (structural, mechanical, accessibility, circulation, utilities).

• A focused plan reviewing fan experience, premium amenities, revenue generation, concessions and restrooms, and other essential game day infrastructure.

• A stadium design to support year-round, multi-purpose events, including concerts, community gatherings, high school championships, and statewide events that deliver significant economic and community impact.

• Construction estimates and renderings providing clear phasing options for University Stadium improvements to guide informed discussions with donors, state officials, and university leadership.

• An analysis for mixed-use growth within the South Campus Tax Increment Development District, enhancing campus life and deepening connections between UNM and the city of Albuquerque.

• Prioritized improvements planning for parking, multimodal access, and connectivity across South Campus to create a safe, welcoming, and convenient experience for students, fans, and the community.

• Stakeholder engagement with students, faculty, staff, community members, donors and municipal partners.

• Preliminary financial modeling, phasing recommendations and implementation planning.

You can reach Geoff at ggrammer@abqjournal.com or follow him on Twitter (X) @GeoffGrammer.