The University of New Mexico (UNM) is progressing with plans to modernize University Stadium and advance the long-term development of the South Campus Sports and Entertainment District.
The UNM said findings of a feasibility study outline a phased approach to addressing critical infrastructure, accessibility, and safety needs at University Stadium.
Work will begin with a proposed $58 million improvement package focused on high-impact, foundational upgrades designed to address the most urgent infrastructure, accessibility, fan experience and safety needs.
The University of New Mexico is a public research university in Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States.
The feasibility study and development plan were completed by renowned architectural firms Dekker and Gensler.
UNM President Garnett S. Stokes said, “University Stadium is an important part of UNM’s campus and a shared public asset for our state.
“This phased approach allows us to address critical infrastructure, accessibility, and safety needs in a thoughtful, responsible way while laying the groundwork for long-term improvements that benefit students, fans, and the broader community.”
Phase 1 prioritizes essential upgrades that improve the overall game-day experience while addressing safety and accessibility constraints.
Priority improvements focus on ingress and egress, expanding concourse space, modernizing restrooms and adding fixtures, expanding concessions, and resolving accessibility and congestion challenges throughout the venue.
The total phase 1 cost is estimated at $58 million, including a new $50 million funding request to the New Mexico Legislature made during the 2026-2027 legislative session, along with $8 million remaining from a prior state appropriation authorized by Governor Michelle Lujan-Grisham
Interim Vice President and Director of Athletics Ryan Berryman said, “The first phase of this plan will be an immediate improvement on how the stadium functions on gameday.
“These improvements will dramatically improve the quality and safety of the experience for every single fan that comes through our gates.”
Critical improvements in Phase 1 of the improvement plan include:
North Entry Plaza and Concourse Expansion
Renovation and construction of a North Entry Plaza and expansion of the existing north concourse – the stadium’s most heavily trafficked arrival point on game days.
The expanded concourse will extend into adjacent parking areas, significantly improving circulation, security screening, and fan flow before and after events.
The expanded entry will add 32 new gate lines and is designed to allow 71% of fans to enter in the first hour of arrival, an increase from 33% today, caused by structural limitations.
Concessions and Restroom Modernization
Adding new concessions infrastructure, including the first full-service kitchen in University Stadium history.
Restroom renovations will increase fixture counts to better align with modern building code and game-day demand, directly improving comfort, efficiency, and service quality.
This phase increases University Stadium’s fixture count by 377 while creating 142 new point of sale options for concessions and merchandise.
East and West Concourse Widening and Accessibility Improvements
Widening of the east and west concourses from 9 feet to 20 feet, resolving configurations that currently falls 11 feet short of code and creates persistent congestion and accessibility challenges.
These improvements will significantly enhance safety conditions and ADA accessibility, while also improving overall fan circulation throughout the stadium.
South End Facilities Renovation
Modernizing gates, restrooms, and concessions areas at the south end of the stadium – much of which date back to the facility’s original 1960 construction – will bring key facilities up to modern standards for safety, accessibility, and operations.
Phase 1 is intentionally designed as a foundational step that supports future modernization opportunities.
Future phases of the University Stadium Improvement Plan will address premium seating, including chairbacks in the lower bowl, hospitality spaces, South Stadium connectivity and videoboards, and renovation of the existing press tower.
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