Will there be or not be a multi-purpose stadium built in Albuquerque? That is the question and one that was addressed by city officials Thursday afternoon at Balloon Fiesta Park.
The city shared plans that are currently under consideration that would place a stadium near the field used during the annual Balloon Fiesta.
The footprint of this proposed multi-sports complex would be built to the East where a parking lot is currently situated and located in a place that would not interfere with balloon flights in October.
City officials were adamant throughout Thursday's press conference that this idea was in the very early stages of being discussed and assured the citizens of Albuquerque that the city would never sell any part of Balloon Fiesta land.
However, the idea of leasing land to a prospective buyer is on the table.
This is not the first time the city has considered stadium development plans.
Back in 2021, voters shot down a measure that would’ve provided public funds to help finance the construction of a soccer stadium for the New Mexico United that would’ve been located in downtown Albuquerque.
With that fully in mind, city officials said this new stadium, if the decision was made to move forward, would be funded exclusively by state funds already in-place.
A little over $8 million dollars to be exact, with a possible addition of $5 million dollars in state capital outlay money, if Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham decides to sign off on it before April 7th.
If this funding is secured, Albuquerque Chief Administrative Officer Lawrence Rael said numerous infrastructure projects would need to be completed to make way for stadium construction.
“These funds would be used to build the necessary infrastructure like storm drainage, electrical lines, plumbing and water and sewer. Potentially even creating additional parking opportunities, parking spaces etc and looking at the entrances and exits of the actual park to ensure that if this becomes the site, that the infrastructure, at least from the transportation standpoint is kept to a minimum as it relates to the impacts of the surrounding community”.
Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller also added that the process of a stadium will still face the scrutiny of city council votes and community reaction.