UNM Launches Feasibility & Development Plan Study to Modernize University Stadium and Develop South Campus

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The University of New Mexico (UNM) is launching a comprehensive development planning and feasibility study to create a long-term vision and implementation action plan for modernizing University Stadium and revitalizing South Campus as a mixed-use, economic development district.

The plan created through this process will outline modernization options for the stadium and explore development opportunities that benefit students, fans, and the community. The initial planning phase is supported, in part, by state capital outlay funding authorized by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham.

UNM selected a joint proposal from Dekker, a New Mexico-based firm with extensive campus and regional experience, and Gensler, a global leader in stadium and athletics design whose recent projects include UCLA’s Athletics Master Plan and San Diego State’s Snapdragon Stadium. The joint team will evaluate existing infrastructure and deferred maintenance needs, with an emphasis on enhancements to fan experience, operations, accessibility, connectivity, and supporting campus uses.

“At UNM, we are committed to creating facilities that inspire pride, bring people together, and serve the needs of our state,” said University of New Mexico President Garnett S. Stokes. “This study is an important step toward reimagining University Stadium as a modern, multipurpose venue, while also positioning South Campus as a center of student life, athletics, and economic development that benefits Albuquerque and all of New Mexico.”

“This is a pivotal moment for Lobo Athletics as we work to modernize University Stadium to create a “Stadium of the Future” and align it with the needs of today’s college athletics,” said Vice President and Director of Athletics Fernando Lovo. “Our goal is to create a venue that is both highly competitive and a welcoming gateway that connects South Campus, our student body, and the city of Albuquerque.”

“We envision University Stadium as a true community hub—not just for seven football games a year, but for year-round events that bring people together from across New Mexico. We are deeply grateful for the support of Governor Lujan Grisham and the state legislature in making this initial planning phase possible.”

The study will include:

• A full assessment of University Stadium’s current conditions (structural, mechanical, accessibility, circulation, utilities).
• A focused plan reviewing fan experience, premium amenities, revenue generation, concessions and restroom and other essential game day infrastructure.
• A stadium design to support year-round, multi-purpose events including concerts, community gatherings, high school championships, and statewide events that deliver significant economic and community impact.
• Construction estimates and renderings providing clear phasing options for University Stadium improvements to guide informed discussions with donors, state officials, and university leadership.
• An analysis for mixed-use growth within the South Campus Tax Increment Development District, enhancing campus life and deepening connections between UNM and the City of Albuquerque.
• Prioritized improvements planning for parking, multimodal access, and connectivity across South Campus to create a safe, welcoming, and convenient experience for students, fans, and the community.
• Stakeholder engagement with students, faculty, staff, community members, donors, and municipal partners.
• Preliminary financial modeling, phasing recommendations, and implementation planning.

“While University Stadium is central to this study, our vision extends beyond the stands,” said UNM Vice President for Institutional Services Shawna Wolfe. “We see South Campus as an opportunity to weave athletics, student life, civic engagement, and University growth in a cohesive way.”

UNM anticipates the study will be completed within 6–12 months, with stadium findings available in early 2026.  The University expects the resulting plan to help guide strategic investments, strengthen connections between athletics and the community, and elevate the game-day environment for decades to come. Additional phases will inform next steps in fundraising, design, and implementation.

 

About Dekker
Dekker is a leading New Mexico-based architecture and planning firm, creating innovative, sustainable sports and community venues that inspire people and strengthen connections. With decades of experience working on UNM’s campuses, Dekker brings valuable insight and commitment to the project.

About Gensler
At Gensler, the value of our work stems from its positive impact on the human experience. We are a dynamic and collaborative design firm uniting creativity, research, and innovation to solve complex problems for our clients. Our work challenges conventional ideas about architecture and the built environment. We aren’t just designing buildings — we are reimagining cities and places that make a difference in people’s lives. Founded in 1965, Gensler has built a team of 6,000 professionals who partner with clients in over 100 countries each year. Everything we do is guided by our mission: to create a better world through the power of design.

Gensler is also at the forefront of athletics master planning and the development of sports venues and training facilities. Recent highlights include the completion of Snapdragon Stadium at San Diego State University, the UCLA Athletic Master Plan and Basketball Training Facility, the Moody Center, renovations at Darrell K. Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium, and ongoing projects at the University of Texas at Austin.