The University of New Mexico has a tremendous tradition of achievement in intercollegiate athletics. The tradition is in many ways tied to and symbolized by University of New Mexico Arena, called The Pit. The design process followed the completion of the Program Document for The Pit that was used to guide the planning and design. The guiding mission:
"Our goal is to create the best collegiate basketball venue in the nation"
Paul Krebs, Vice President for Athletics
Don't Change The Pit
Maintain and improve the fan experience
Keep it intimate
Respect its history
Keep its mystique
Maintain great site lines
Maintain current bowl seating mix
Embrace technology
The Result
The $60 million arena renovation will include:
60,000 square feet of new space
Doubling the concessions point of sale
Doubling total number of restrooms
Expanding concourse to enhance pedestrian traffic flow
Extensive glasswork as well as increased ceiling height will allow patrons to take advantage of views including the Sandia Mountains and Downtown Albuquerque
New state-of-the-art locker room facilities for both the men's and women's basketball teams
Addition of new weight room and training room dedicated to men's and women's basketball
Addition of Lettermen's Lounge to provide access to Alumni Lettermen from all UNM sports
Increased technology to enhance the fan experience including video boards, ribbon boards and digital signage throughout the arena
Extensive signage and graphics package to highlight the history of Lobo Athletics
Addition of 38 suites and 244 club seats
New commissary to support improved concessions as well as club and suites
The Lobo Store will be expanded to 2500 sq. ft. nearly doubling the current size
Ticket office will be expanded and re-located
The building will feature a distinct architectural look that will be the envy of basketball arenas nationally
The Pit Renovations
10-15-09 PIT RENOVATION PHOTO GALLERY
10-5-09 PIT RENOVATION PHOTO GALLERY
8-28-09 PIT RENOVATION PHOTO GALLERY
8-19-09 PIT RENOVATION PHOTO GALLERY
8-13-09 PIT RENOVATION PHOTO GALLERY
7-22-09 PIT RENOVATION PHOTO GALLERY
7-1-09 PIT RENOVATION PHOTO GALLERY
6-11-09 PIT RENOVATION PHOTO GALLERY
6-4-09 PIT RENOVATION PHOTO GALLERY
5-27-09 PIT RENOVATION PHOTO GALLERY
5-19-09 PIT RENOVATION PHOTO GALLERY
5-15-09 PIT RENOVATION PHOTO GALLERY
STEVENS: UNM Seeks Artifacts From The Legendary Pit for Documentary
STEVENS: The Pit Renovations Will Polish the Lobos' Crown Jewel
STEVENS: Pit Renovation Benefits New Mexico Workers
Watch the Press Conference on All-Access
Lobos Announce Detailed Plans of The Pit Renovation
Photo Gallery of The Pit Renovations
Renovation Rendering in PDF Format
