Are you a college basketball fan in New Mexico, eager to cheer on your team live? Or maybe you’d rather rock out at a concert for a major artist. Either way, you’ll need to visit one of the largest arenas in New Mexico.
Let’s see where you might end up.
1. The Pit
The Pit’s former name is Dreamland Arena.
Seating capacity: 15,411
Location: Albuquerque
Get ready to yell! The largest arena in New Mexico is The Pit, home of the University of New Mexico Lobos. It seats an impressive 15,411 for basketball games and a little over 13,000 for concerts. Not only does it boast a noticeable size, but it’s also recognized as one of the loudest arenas in college sports.
However, don’t let the noise stop you from catching a game or show here. The Pit is consistently praised as a venue. Sports Illustrated once listed the arena among the top 15 sports venues in the country.
2. Pan American Center
The first game played at the Pan American Center was in 1968.
Seating capacity: 12,572
Location: Las Cruces
We’re staying on college grounds for our number two entry, the Pan American Center. This arena at New Mexico State University can fit 12,572 fans. Basketball and volleyball teams dominate the space during the school year, while concerts and festivals take over the summers.
Construction on the Pan American Center finished in 1968. For the next few years, the university won numerous sports championships and cemented a reputation for difficult play at the Center. The screaming fans cheering their teams to victory were dubbed “Panamaniacs.”
3. Tingley Coliseum
Most people come to Tingley Coliseum to see a show.
Seating capacity: 11,571
Location: Albuquerque
The Tingley Coliseum dream began in 1916 when the New Mexico State Fair was canceled partly because there was nowhere to host it. The fair languished for the next 22 years until Governor Clyde Tingley stepped in to build the Tingley Coliseum and its surrounding fairgrounds.
The State Fair restarted in 1938 when the grounds were completed, but it would take another two decades to complete work on the Coliseum. Today, Tingley Coliseum is a mixed-use arena hosting shows from various performers, including famous names like Red Hot Chili Peppers and Shakira.
4. Hill Exhibit Hall at Albuquerque Convention Center
New Mexico’s largest convention center hosts one of its largest arenas, Hill Exhibit Hall.
Seating capacity: 9,048
Location: Albuquerque
Within the Albuquerque Convention Center, you’ll find Hill Exhibit Hall. It can hold almost 10,000 people and is often used as a sports and concert arena and an exhibition hall. Currently, it’s home to the Duke City Derby roller derby team and the University of New Mexico indoor track team.
The Albuquerque Convention Center also has two additional exhibition halls that are much smaller. It’s New Mexico’s largest convention center and was once even featured in an episode of Breaking Bad.
5. McGee Park Memorial Coliseum
Rodeos are among the most common events at the Memorial Coliseum.
©cynoclub/Shutterstock.com
Seating capacity: 8,137
Location: Farmington
McGee Park houses the Memorial Coliseum and a convention center. The Coliseum is extremely popular for concerts and rodeos despite having just two concession stands for a maximum of 8,137 people.
Rodeos come to Memorial Coliseum because it has features like holding pens and a roping chute. The World’s Largest Rodeo has stopped at this New Mexico arena.
6. Rio Rancho Events Center
Before 2020, the Rio Rancho Events Center was the Santa Ana Star Center.
Seating capacity: 7,000
Location: Rio Rancho
Come to the Rio Rancho Events Center to see the New Mexico Runners or the Duke City Gladiators. A total of 7,000 fans can pack in at once. If sports aren’t your thing, the events center also hosts concerts, rodeos, festivals, etc.
The Rio Rancho name didn’t become official until 2020. From 2006, the events center’s construction to 2020, it was known as the Santa Ana Star Center. The name came from the Santa Ana Star Casino.
In 2019, President Trump held a rally at the center.
7. Lea County Event Center
Many business conventions are held at the Lea County Events Center.
©G-Stock Studio/Shutterstock.com
Seating capacity: 6,071
Location: Hobbs
You can see almost any major event at the Lea County Event Center, from concerts and conventions to graduations and seminars. Its 6,071-person capacity works well for the 75,000 residents who live in Lea County.
Around 50 events per month are hosted by the Lea County Event Center, although many are closed to the public.
Summary of the 7 Largest Arenas in New Mexico
| # | Name | Seating Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Pit | 15,411 |
| 2 | Pan American Center | 12,572 |
| 3 | Tingley Coliseum | 11,571 |
| 4 | Hill Exhibit Hall at Albuquerque Convention Center | 9,048 |
| 5 | McGee Park Memorial Coliseum | 8,137 |
| 6 | Rio Rancho Events Center | 7,000 |
| 7 | Lea County Event Center | 6,071 |
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