After extended legal battles between the neighborhood associations near Balloon Fiesta Park and the City of Albuquerque, a major legal hurdle has finally been cleared for New Mexico United. The Second District Court on Monday dismissed a lawsuit aimed at blocking the proposed stadium at Balloon Fiesta Park.
In the ruling, the courts affirmed the decision made by the city’s Environmental Planning Commission (EPC) last November, and granting approval for the project to proceed. For supporters of the Black & Yellow, the decision represents a turning point in what has been a years-long push to give the club — and its fans — a true home of their own.
“This project represents more than a soccer stadium,” said Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller. “It’s the culmination of decades of effort and location changes to make generational investments that will create safe ‘third places’ for our families to gather.”
Located in northern Albuquerque, the site for the proposed stadium will be on top of the existing parking lot at the venue. This location was one of the preferred sites due to its access to major roadways, ample parking, and potential to enhance the park’s existing programming.
Stadium Project Highlights:
- Location: Balloon Fiesta Park, Albuquerque, NM
- Capacity: 8,000 to 10,000 seats
- Funding: New Mexico United will privately finance stadium construction; the City of Albuquerque will fund supporting infrastructure
- Investment: Minimum of $30 million by New Mexico United
- Use: United matches, high school tournaments, community events, and potential professional women’s team
Leading up to the decision, the City had already begun making significant improvements to Balloon Fiesta Park, including new restroom facilities, upgraded electrical systems, and the addition of thousands of parking spaces — setting the stage for construction to begin once the land is prepared.
New Mexico United President Ron Patel praised the court’s decision and emphasized its importance to the club’s future.
“It’s a really positive step towards a future stadium for all of New Mexico,” Patel said.
While there are no outstanding legal challenges following the dismissal, the stadium timeline still hinges on the city completing its site preparations. The club has previously hoped to have the stadium open in time for the 2027 season, which is only 20 months away, but the length of the legal challenges may not meet that, but there is still hope.
“Now that we have the go-ahead to start construction, we can look to begin once a pad-ready site is turned over to us,” Patel explained. “When they [the city] can give us a timeline on the site, we will be able to give a more accurate timeline on an estimated opening date.”
United CEO Peter Trevisani also expressed his enthusiasm after the ruling, calling it a crucial win for the club and its community.
“We are thrilled with the District Court’s ruling that agrees with the EPC’s decision to allow the New Mexico United Stadium at Balloon Fiesta Park,” Trevisani said.
Currently sitting atop the USL Championship Western Conference standings, New Mexico United has been playing its home matches at Isotopes Park, a minor league baseball stadium that requires significant conversion to accommodate soccer. The new venue will end that logistical juggling act and offer fans a purpose-built matchday experience — a long-awaited milestone for one of the most passionately supported clubs in American lower-division soccer.
With the legal clouds now lifted, the dream of a soccer-specific stadium in the heart of Albuquerque is finally within reach.