Sept. 7, 2006
The 2006-07 men’s and women’s basketball seasons at the University of New Mexico will be a year-long recognition and dedication to the former student-athletes who have graced the floor of The Pit over the past 40 years.
UNM athletics director Paul Krebs and head basketball coaches Ritchie McKay and Don Flanagan made the announcement today at a news conference on the floor of the Lobos’ famed arena.
Highlights of the 40th Anniversary Celebration of The Pit
A 40th anniversary logo was created by Albuquerque’s Esparza Advertising…the UNM men’s and women’s teams, spirit squad and Lobo Louie and Lobo Lucy will all wear the logo patch on their home uniforms during the 2006-07 season…40th anniversary apparel will be available at the Lobo Store soon
Throwback Night will be Friday, Nov. 10, when the Lobo men host Abilene Christian…Abilene Christian was UNM’s first opponent in The Pit on Dec. 1, 1966…members of the 1966-67 New Mexico squad will be recognized at this game while the 2006-07 Lobos will wear retro uniforms from that first game in The Pit
Special murals will hang above all entrance doors inside The Pit…the displays will highlight former Lobo greats alongside current team members…photos of former Lobos and the 40th anniversary logo will also be displayed prominently throughout the arena
A former Lobo team will be highlighted at each home game, including a player from that team…each game will feature specific themes (game program, music, trivia, prizes, etc.) from that era
Special promotions/giveaways at selected home games
Notes on the 1966-67 Lobos
43-year-old Bob King was in his 5th season as head coach
UNM defeated Abilene Christian 62-53 on Dec. 1, 1966, in front of a crowd of 12,020…seating capacity was 14,831
Lobos started the season 6th in the nation in the Associated Press poll and climbed to 3rd in the nation after an 11-1 start…that remains the highest ranking for a Lobo men’s basketball team
New Mexico finished the season 19-8 overall and 5-5 in the Western Athletic Conference…UNM lost to Rutgers in the semifinals of the NIT in New York City
UNM’s average attendance at The Pit was 12,778 for 15 games to rank 2nd nationally…UNM went 14-1 at home, the only loss coming to Wyoming (65-64) in the last game of the regular season
Senior Mel Daniels became the first Lobo to receive All-America recognition…Daniels and teammate Ben Monroe were both named first team all-WAC
1966-67 Ticket Prices (15 games)
Chairbacks, Season – $30
Chairbacks, Single Game – $2.50, and $3 for Lobo Invitational (Colorado State, New York University and Texas A&M)
Reserved bench, Season – $22.50
Reserved bench, Single Game – $2, and $2.50 for the Lobo Invitational
General Admission, Season – $20
General Admission, Single Game – $1.50, $2 for Lobo Invitational