SportsEvents is edited for those who plan tournaments or other sports events.
Issue link: https://sportsevents.epubxp.com/i/362723
August 2014 56 www.sportseventsmagazine.com ith its temperate climate, diverse topography and wealth of natural beauty, New Mexico is a natural destination for sports events. From ski resorts to golf courses, ballparks to bike trails, the state offers something for everyone. "New Mexico is a playground for all types of sports," said Jolene Mauer, communications manager for the New Mexico Tourism Department. "The weather, affordability and overall beauty of the state allow us to attract a wide range of sports. Cyclists enjoy riding through the mountains of northern New Mexico, while southern New Mexico takes great pride in their first-class softball facilities. Albuquerque is the hub of the state because of the airport and infrastructure and has attracted large events, from the NCAA basketball tournament to U.S. Youth Soccer's Far West Regional Championships." ■ www.sportseventsmagazine.com What's Going On… W Albuquerque In the central portion of the state is Albuquerque. While it may be New Mexico's largest city, Albuquerque offers ease of travel. Drive time around the city is about 15 minutes or less. Albuquerque also offers facilities such as the recently renovated Albuquerque Convention Center. Hotel rooms: 18,000 Major facilities: Isotopes Park is a 11,000-seat ballpark. The Pit on the cam- pus of the University of New Mexico seats 15,000 for basketball. UNM Stadium is a 40,000-seat football facility. Johnson Center at the University of Mexico is a 3,500-seat, multi-sport venue. Balloon Fiesta Park houses 22 soccer fields that can be used for a wide variety of sports. The New Mexico Soccer Tournament Complex offers 22 soccer fields. Community Stadium seats 7,500 for football and can seat another 2,500 at an adjacent track stadium. Convention center: The Albuquerque Convention Center offers 107,000 square feet of contiguous space and is within walking distance of two hotel districts. Contact: Albuquerque CVB, www.visitalbuquerque.org. Farmington Farmington, in northwest New Mexico, is known for its pleasant year-round climate. The city boasts opportunities for essential- ly any type of sporting event, from auto racing to water sports. Hotel rooms: 1,831 Major facilities: Ricketts Park is a 6,100-seat baseball park. The 156-acre Farmington Sports Complex contains three soccer fields, eight lighted tennis courts, four baseball fields and four softball fields. Justis Park is a 9.1-acre lighted park. Worley Baseball Field is a ballpark that can seat more than 200 spectators. NEW MEXICO BMX is popular in Albuquerque, as it is home to the Duke City BMX venue. S I T E S E L E C T I O N G U I D E | N E W M E X I C O ▼ Albuquerque CVB