The Pit - Powered by Nusenda has served as home for Lobo hoops since the first game was played Dec. 1, 1966, with New Mexico defeating Abilene Christian, 62-53. Entering the 2026-27 season, the Lobos are 829-199 in 1,028 games, good for a stunning .806 winning percentage. UNM's 1,000th game in The Pit was played on January 3, 2025, with UNM winning 82-81 in overtime over Nevada on a buzzer-beater from 15 feet at the end of a broken play by Nellie Junior Joseph.
What is even more impressive about UNM’s home court is that over 15 million fans have flocked into this sunken edifice to see their beloved Lobos play basketball. The exact figure stands at 15,179,263 entering the 2026-27 season. The Lobos have averaged an astounding 14,766 fans the past 60 years.
The Lobos have finished second in the nation in attendance five times, third on four occasions, and fourth six times, and they have been in the top 30 in attendance in 55 of the last 60 years.
The women's basketball team has been formidable in the venue as well, going 500-236 over the years, a .679 mark entering the 2026-27 season. The 2026 season will mark the first season that Lobo volleyball will play most of its matches inside the venue as well.
The building ushered in a new era on February 26, 2026, when The University of New Mexico, UNM Sports Properties, and Nusenda Credit Union announced an historic 10-year partnership that provides an average annual value of $1.74 million in support of UNM Athletics. As part of the agreement, University Arena – The Pit officially was renamed The Pit - Powered by Nusenda, preserving the iconic identity of one of college basketball’s most storied venues while recognizing Nusenda’s longstanding investment in the University and the state.
“We are thrilled to enter into this historic partnership between two of New Mexico’s most identifiable brands – the University of New Mexico Lobos and Nusenda Credit Union,” said Vice President and Director of Athletics Ryan Berryman in a university release. "In this era of collegiate athletics, sustained excellence requires collective investment. This agreement provides meaningful operating support for our programs while honoring the tradition and legacy of The Pit. I hope that our community will be inspired by what is possible through The Power of We.”
UNM hosted the NCAA Championship in 1983, won by North Carolina State over Houston; the 1968, ’78, ’92 and 2000 West Regional; the 1985 and 1996 West Region First and Second Rounds; and the 1988 McDonald’s High School All-American basketball game. The NCAA Men’s First and Second Rounds were here in 2002, followed by the Women’s First and Second Rounds and the Midwest Regional in 2003. UNM hosted the women’s first and second rounds in 2004, 2008, and 2011, followed by the men’s Albuquerque Regional in 2005, the West Regional for the women’s tournament in 2006, and the 2012 men’s second and third rounds.
The Pit is built in a 37-foot hole on Albuquerque’s southeast mesa. First the roof was constructed, then the hole was dug, and the arena was built. That all happened in 1966. Contractors set up the unique Behlen roof (338 by 300 feet), and then removed 55,000 cubic yards of earth. About 28,000 yards of concrete were poured during the initial construction, resulting in a seating capacity of 14,831. The cost was an incredibly economical $1.4 million.
Expansion was undertaken when it became apparent that fan interest was too great even for the original structure. The 1975 expansion cost nearly $2.2 million and involved extending a cantilevered deck above the existing facility. There were six rows in the deck, with a seating capacity of 2,300. Reserved standing-room-only spots increased The Pit’s capacity to 18,018.
The Pit underwent a massive upgrade and expansion, completed in time for the 2010-11 season, including $60 million in improvements. Among the improvements were luxury suites and club-level seating, upgraded lower-bowl seating, two end-wall video boards, ribbon boards, a unique graphics package showcasing the history of Lobo basketball and UNM athletics, upgraded concessions areas, the new Lobo Den Store, and a remodeled concourse. NBA locker rooms were added for both the men’s and women’s teams along with a player’s lounge. The facility currently has a capacity of 15,411.
A new practice facility and coaches’ offices for UNM men’s and women’s basketball were completed in April 2006. The new practice facility is named the Rudy Davalos Basketball Center after former UNM athletics director Rudy Davalos.
The facility is located at the south end of the building. It includes a practice floor with six baskets, offices for men’s and women’s basketball, a video viewing room, and an area to accommodate media needs for Lobo games and upcoming NCAA basketball tournaments. The 2010 renovations successfully integrated the Davalos Center with The Pit, allowing Lobo men’s and women’s basketball teams to move seamlessly between the two facilities for practices, games, and camps.
Bob King Court
On October 2, 1992, University of New Mexico President Richard E. Peck announced that the basketball court in the building would be named in honor of Bob King, former UNM basketball coach. King coached the UNM men’s basketball team to national prominence in the 1960s.
“We wanted to recognize Coach King’s contributions to Lobo basketball,” Peck said. “UNM’s Memorial Committee recommended that we honor Coach King’s accomplishments, and the naming of the court has allowed us to do so without diminishing the recognition which has already been paid to his colleagues, including former Director of Athletics Pete McDavid. The Bob King Court and the Pete McDavid Lounge are a tribute to two of the men who are responsible for the success of the facility we fondly call The Pit.”
The Bob King Court was dedicated at formal ceremonies on Dec. 1, 1992.