It was nearly a year ago that Albuquerque city leaders revealed that Balloon Fiesta Park could be the new home for New Mexico United.
It was nearly a year ago that Albuquerque city leaders revealed that Balloon Fiesta Park could be the new home for New Mexico United.
That comes after voters overwhelmingly rejected a plan to build a new stadium near downtown Albuquerque. City leaders approved a lease for Balloon Fiesta Park late last year, but the battle is far from over.
Team leaders unveiled new renderings of the proposed stadium at a community meeting Wednesday night. It probably won't be all that different from what you've seen, and it's not the final design, but team leaders said there are some new innovations aimed at ensuring the stadium won't cause too much disruption to nearby neighborhoods. It states that it introduces the function.
Current plans call for the approximately 185,000-square-foot stadium to be built on a parking lot hidden behind several power lines and a 50-foot hill. It is approximately 800 meters away from nearby houses.
Designers also say they are taking advantage of Balloon Fiesta Park's existing transportation infrastructure, such as the I-25 entrance ramp. They also said they plan to add 200 parking spaces.
They say there will be additional standing room on the hillside, potentially allowing up to 13,000 fans.
There are plans for a new lounge, plaza and retail area, but developers say this room is actually one of the most important features.
“We prioritize roofs because they are a pathway and one of many ways to reduce sound,” said Matt Proctor of Improve Group. “And the city and team are prioritizing sound systems, lighting systems, and designs that minimize the amount of light and sound transmitted outside the stadium.”
New Mexico United is expected to invest at least $30 million in stadium construction. The state Legislature recently approved an additional $15 million for infrastructure improvements at Balloon Fiesta Park, including a new drainage system and restrooms.
However, not everyone is participating. A large group of nearby neighbors filed an appeal against the city's Environmental Planning Commission's approval, hoping to block construction of the stadium.
Neighbors opposed to the plan say they are most concerned about noise and light pollution, as well as the impact on Bosque's property values and wildlife.
Team leaders said they take these concerns seriously.
“We are doing everything in our power to make it clear that we are listening and are making changes based on the recommendations,” New Mexico United President Ron Patel said in a statement. “At the end of the day, even if there are 50 or 100 people who are against it, there are many more who are for it. That doesn't mean we don't listen to those people. Listen and consider what we can do to address some of those concerns.”
The Environmental Planning Commission is scheduled to make a decision on the neighbors' appeal a week later on Thursday, potentially delaying the entire project. United plans to hold another community meeting next Wednesday to discuss the plan.
