University Stadium is an outdoor football stadium on the south campus of the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. The home field of the New Mexico Lobos has been the host for every New Mexico Bowl since its inception is 2006. The inaugural game, on December 23, 2006, was the first Division I bowl game played in the state of New Mexico. The stadium had previously hosted the Division Il national championship, named the Zia Bowl, in early December 1979 and 1980.
The stadium opened in September 1960 and currently has a seating capacity of 39,224. However, the capacity for the Gildan New Mexico Bowl is 37,457. The recently installed synthetic turf surface field runs in the traditional north-south configuration and sits at an elevation of 5,100 feet above sea level.
University Stadium boasts the largest video board in the Mountain West Conference as well as a newly installed state of the art sound system. The press box, located on the west side of the stadium, holds eight luxury suites and two levels of premium, covered seating. The L.F. “Tow” Diehm building sits at the south end of the field, housing a palatial suite, the US Bank End Zone Club, on the third floor and home team locker room on the first floor.
Fans are encouraged to bring ONLY necessary items to football games at University Stadium. For the safety and enjoyment of all fans, we request that you assist us by leaving prohibited items at home or in your vehicle. We regret that we are unable to provide storage for any of these items.
The following items will not be allowed into any UNM Athletic Department Venue:
- food, water or beverages of any kind
- cans
- bottles
- alcohol
- baby seats
- balloons
- beach balls
- coolers
- explosives
- fireworks
- folding chairs
- illegal drugs
- laser pointers
- artificial noisemakers such as horns, drums, bells, whistles, etc. per Mountain West Conference rules
- pets (except service animals assisting those with disabilities)
- weapons of any kind
- any other item that in the judgment of game management staff poses a safety hazard or detracts from the ability of others to enjoy the event. Prohibited
- items must be returned to the owner’s vehicle or discarded. Any unlawful items are subject to confiscation, and the person in possession of such items is
- subject to ejection from the stadium and /or arrest.
Banners and signs are allowed inside University Stadium provided they are of reasonable size (as determined by event staff) and contain no advertising, offensive material or language. Signs cannot obstruct the view of other patrons during the game or they will be confiscated.
Bags of reasonable size (as determined by event staff) will be allowed into the stadium, but all bags will be searched. Pocketbooks, computer bags and the like will be subject to searches as well, for the safety of those in attendance.
Still frame cameras are permitted inside the stadium, however, video cameras are not.
Yes, fans wishing to bring a chairback seat can do so, but they must have the seat checked at the entrance. Chairback seats larger than 11″ x 18″ are not permitted into University Stadium.
Fans wishing to rent a chair back seat can do so on the concourse at a cost of $5 per game. All proceeds go to the UNM baseball program and UNM spirit program.
Yes, there are two elevators on the west side of University Stadium near gate 3.
Only team personnel, media and credentialed event management staff are authorized to be on the field before, during or after the game. Anyone going onto the field without proper authorization is subject to expulsion from the stadium and could face prosecution. This also applies to anyone throwing objects onto the field or in the stands.
Emergency assistance is available at the Command Post located on the concourse level at the north end of the stadium or by dialing 925-5506. Contact any usher or ticket taker wearing an Event Staff shirt, and they will be able to assist and get EMTs to respond.. There is also a Police Command Post, which is located on the concourse level at the north end of the stadium near gate 5. First aid, lost and found and lost children are located here. The phone number is 925-5506.
Parents and/or guardians with a lost child should contact the nearest law enforcement officer or event staff member. Lost children will be taken to the Command Post at the north end of the stadium near Gate 5.
Lost and Found is at the Command Post located on the concourse level at the north end of the stadium near gate 5 during games and can be contacted by dialing 925-5506. During the week call the UNM Police at 277-2241.
Fans are not permitted to bring in any outside food or drinks, including bottled water. Fans entering the stadium will be asked to finish, dispose of, or return items to their vehicle.
Exceptions will be made for the needs of babies/small children/elderly and fans with medical conditions.
Re-entry is not permitted at University Stadium. If you need to re-enter, please go to the Customer Service Tent located near the Command Post near Gate 5. The Customer Service representative will make the decision if you’re able to re-enter. Emergencies will be the only purpose.
Strollers are permitted but must be collapsible and fit under your seat.
There are nearly 200 wheelchair spaces in University Stadium. They are located on the upper west concourse level, the east mid-concourse level and at the north end. Wheelchair spaces on the west side of the stadium can be reached by the elevator on the west side of the press box. Spaces on the north side are on ground level. Tickets are available by contacting the ticket office at 925-5626.
University Stadium is an outdoor venue, and as such smoking is allowed, but only in designated areas inside the stadium. Smoking areas are located on the southwest (near Gate 1) and southeast corners (near Gate 9) of University Stadium.
Individuals of legal drinking age – 21 or older – who have a ticket to the game that day may consume alcoholic beverages in the parking lots in accordance with University policy. Consumption of alcohol by minors is illegal. In addition, it is illegal to provide alcohol to minors. The following additional rules apply to alcoholic beverages at University Stadium.
- No glass bottles are permitted.
- No common source alcohol is permitted, including party balls or kegs.
- No alcohol, outside food or drink may be brought into the stadium.
The University of New Mexico Athletics Department reminds all fans to not drink and drive. Please choose a designated driver before you consume any alcoholic beverage.
Fans needing assistance can get instant access to event management by texting “Lobos” to 78247. Event staff will then text back and fans can request assistance or ask questions. If necessary, event staff can quickly dispatch safety/security, medical or guest services staff to the appropriate location.