The City of Albuquerque is recommending that Creative Arts Agency Icon (CAAI) should be hired to research the location of a New Mexico United stadium, as the USL Championship team continues to work on a permanent facility.
The team currently plays out of Isotopes Park, the baseball home of the Albuquerque Isotopes, on a temporary basis. Local health regulations presented New Mexico United from allowing any fans into the stands this season.
The state of New Mexico allocated $4.1 million toward venue planning, which covers site selection and feasibility. The scope of the project has changed over time, going from a large multi-purpose development to a more modest soccer stadium occupying some five to 10 acres. The vision for the project is a 10,500- to 15,000-seat multi-purpose stadium with a natural grass field designed for professional soccer. The project may also include an art/cultural center component which could potentially house a variety of exhibits, cultural and community events, and/or commercial/retail space and housing.
CAAI was one of several firms to response to an RFP for the site-selection study. The RFP calls for a three-phase feasibility review to eliminate unworkable sites, conduct a next-level analysis of remaining sites, and conduct further due diligence on a final preferred site.
The study should be completed 100 days after the project is awarded.
“We are beyond excited the City is taking this next step in building a world class, multi-purpose soccer stadium,” said New Mexico United President/CEO Peter Trevisani via press release. “We’d like to thank Mayor Keller, Lawrence Rael and everyone involved in this process and we look forward to the results.”
Rendering courtesy New Mexico United.
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