Opening Weekend in Dreamstyle Arena to Feature Five NM Schools
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The University of New Mexico men’s basketball season will have a special look to its season opener. For the first time in New Mexico history, Dreamstyle Arena will be hosting several squads from around the state during the November 11-12 weekend.
“The opening of college basketball season around this great state has always been a special time,” said head coach Paul Weir. “I am hopeful this is the beginning of a terrific weekend where everyone from around the state can come together and tip everything off with the prestige that it deserves. Thank you so much to these coaches and programs for jumping on board with this project. Lobo basketball has a duty to give back as often as possible and I hope this serves their programs and fans well.”
The weekend will include the Lobos’ season-opener with Northern New Mexico. Other teams participating in the event will include Eastern New Mexico, Western New Mexico, New Mexico Highlands and Fort Lewis.
Schedule
Nov. 11 – Eastern NM vs. Fort Lewis (12:30 p.m.), NM Highlands vs. Western NM (3 p.m.), Lobos vs. Northern NM (7 p.m.)
Nov. 12 – Fort Lewis vs. Western NM (3 p.m.), NM Highlands vs. Eastern NM (5 p.m.)
*Games listed are Mountain Time and subject to change. Ticket information for the event will be announced at a later date.
Northern New Mexico is affiliated in the NAIA and in the Associations of Independent Institutions. The Eagles are located in Espanola, New Mexico. Ryan Cordova, a native of Northern New Mexico, will be in his eighth season as head coach of the Eagles. The contest against the Lobos will be the first appearance inside The Pit in program history.
“The opportunity to play on the Pit floor, againt a well-coached team like the one that Coach Weir is going to put together will be a privilege,” said Cordova. “Our instate players grow up hoping to play on the Pit floor, but as kids they probably hoped it would be wearing the silver and cherry. This is the next best thing for them. This game will really help our recruiting efforts, as well as marketing efforts for years to come.”
Eastern New Mexico is located in Portales, New Mexico and is an NCAA affiliate in the Lone Star Conference. Last season, the Hounds had a five-game winning streak in their last six games, the first time they had accomplished the feat since 2006. Tres Segler is entering his second year as head coach of the Hounds.
“We are very excited and blessed to be once again playing in Dreamstyle Arena,” said Segler. “UNM brought us up to play them last year, and our kids were blown away by the history of the Pit. I think that New Mexico has some incredible Division II basketball programs, and I am so hopeful that the UNM and Albuquerque area basketball fans will come out to see some great D2 basketball. We are proud to be affiliated in any way with the Lobos and what Coach Paul Weir is going to do for them in the future!”
Western New Mexico is also a member institution of the Lone Star Conference. The Mustangs are located in Silver City, New Mexico. Head coach Matt Enriquez will be in his second season in the 2017-18 season. The Mustangs have visited Dreamstyle Arena in the past with their most recent stop last season for an exhibition contest.
“Getting the chance to play in this early season tournament will give us a chance to play some of the top teams in our region,” Enriquez said. “You don’t get the chance to play in a setting like Dreamstyle Arena every day, so I know that our players will be looking forward to the opportunity.”
New Mexico Highlands is located in Las Vegas, New Mexico and is a member institution of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference. Craig Snow, a former assistant coach for the Lobos, enters his fourth season as head coach of the Cowboys. The last visit to the Pit for the Cowboy was on Nov. 5, 2012.
“The idea of “playing in the Pit” carries such significance in our state,” said Snow. “Whether its high school athletes who dream of leading their team there in the state tournament, or one day suiting up for the Lobos, The Pit is central to basketball in New Mexico. I’m thankful for UNM and Coach Weir in embracing the idea and I’m very hopeful that this is something the entire state can support.”
Official season ticket renewal information will be mailed out the first week of July and fans can renew their seats up until August 11. Season ticket renewals and new season ticket accounts can be made in person at the Lobo Ticket Office, the northeast corner of Dreamstyle Arena. Fans can also renew online at unmtickets.com or by calling (505) 925-LOBO or (505) 925-1620.