EDITORIAL: City Council Needs to Vote No on NM United Stadium at Balloon Fiesta Park

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November 20, 2023, 2:16 am

By: ABQ RAW editorial board

Posted: 11/20/2023 8:00AM

On November 2nd, 2021, the Albuquerque voters overwhelmingly voted down the idea of the City of Albuquerque using our funds to construct a stadium for the New Mexico United. During the courting of votes from anyone who would listen, Mayor Tim Keller and NM United owner Peter Trevisani were attached at the hip pitching the stadium idea to voters.

ABQ RAW did a public records request for any and all emails between Mayor Keller and Trevisani only to be told they existed but due to executive privilege they will not ever release them. Here is the story: Click Here for the Story. We have also heard rumors that former right hand man to Mayor Keller, Lawerence Rael is going to be appointed to oversee the New Mexico United Stadium Construction.

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The cooling off period of an agonizing defeat had Mayor Keller’s administration and NM United ownership re-strategizing a new game plan to get a stadium again built with taxpayer funds. The new idea was to use the Balloon Fiesta Park as a new location with minor improvements to be completed with the funds. Both the United ownership and Mayor Keller held press conferences to woo the community about the great new idea.

The proposed New Mexico United Soccer Stadium at Balloon Fiesta Park presents a contentious issue that demands thoughtful consideration. While the development of a soccer stadium might seem appealing to sports enthusiasts, it’s crucial to acknowledge the potential drawbacks and implications, particularly when it involves repurposing a cherished community space like Balloon Fiesta Park.

Firstly, Balloon Fiesta Park holds a significant place in Albuquerque’s culture, serving as the premier location for the world-renowned Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. This event draws thousands of visitors annually, contributing to the city’s economy and promoting its unique identity. Introducing a soccer stadium could disrupt this tradition, potentially altering the park’s landscape and ambiance, and overshadowing the Balloon Fiesta’s importance.

Moreover, repurposing public parkland for a sports stadium raises concerns about accessibility and public use.

While a soccer stadium might have its benefits, the proposal’s potential negative impacts on a beloved public space like Balloon Fiesta Park cannot be overlooked. According to the Balloon Fiesta, in 2022 it generated $203.19 million of total economic impact for businesses in the Albuquerque metropolitan area.

The New Mexico United’s limited schedule and difficult scheduling for outside entities to use the stadium would make it difficult for the New Mexico United to ever reach that economic impact.

Balloon Fiesta Park is a communal space enjoyed by residents for various activities beyond the Balloon Fiesta itself, including picnics, outdoor recreation, and family gatherings. Introducing a soccer stadium WILL limit public access, restrict certain areas, and change the park’s dynamic, excluding those who don’t have an interest in soccer or sports-related activities.

NM United and the Keller administration have come up with New Mexico United math that would add additional parking to the Fiesta grounds. We are not urban planners and this does not make sense unless 900 vehicles can park inside the stadium.

It’s essential to explore alternative locations or consider revitalizing existing sports facilities rather than compromising a cherished community asset. Prioritizing the preservation of public spaces and community needs should remain at the forefront of any developmental decisions to maintain the city’s cultural integrity and ensure equitable access for all residents.

The balloon community has already sounded the alarm that having this stadium on the Balloon Fiesta grounds would bring the world renowned event to a slow and painful end. Other balloon festivals around the country and world would be the new spot for the festival.

Scott Appelman President CEO of Rainbow Ryders, Inc Hot Air Balloon Company said in a Facebook post:

Between the challenges with the flying area, the ongoing ups and downs with Sandia reservation. The fact that Balloon Fiesta Park master plan does not include a Stadium.

This is without a doubt the start of the end for the event and happening that made the 505 famous and World renowned for ballooning.

His company is one of the largest players in the Balloon Fiesta and has grown his company to be one of the top businesses in New Mexico.

Murray Conrad who owns World Balloon also told us:

“I land there periodically (on fiesta grounds). They will be taking away a huge landing area and not to mention parking during Fiesta. Balloon Fiesta is the premier event for Albuquerque. There are so many other places they could build”.

Conrad’s business often launches off site, but his customer base would most definitely be impacted by this stadium.

There are plenty of other locations around Albuquerque that could be used for a premiere soccer stadium. Funds from this project could be used to help make Albuquerque better. The voters have already said no to using city resources for this stadium. Trevisani and the New Mexico United deep pockets should not get any favors or handouts from the city and build a stadium with their own money.

Trevisani is a smart businessman who comes from an investment career who was taught how to turn millions into billions of dollars. He could easily privately fund a stadium in the Duke City with a few handshakes and phone calls.

We urge the City Council to vote NO on this because of the lack of transparency and trickery involved. The voters have already said no, and and are for funds being used in other ways to improve our city.

This editorial appears on ABQRAW’s social media and website. It was written by members of the editorial board and is unsigned as it represents the opinion of the news site rather than any specific writers.

ABQRAW welcomes all opinions and anyone can submit their content to post in our opinion section. Send your opinion 500 words or less to info@abqraw.com .

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2 thoughts on “EDITORIAL: City Council Needs to Vote No on NM United Stadium at Balloon Fiesta Park”
  1. Is any organization, such as Common Cause, pursuing legal action to challenge the city’s pursuit of the new stadium after the clear bond measure defeat last November?

  2. I was at the meeting where they failed to notify. I got 30 min notice. I and others brought up several problems that needed correction. At the end of the meeting a person asked “what’s next?” The woman responsible for the report replied “The deadline for the report is 8am the next day and we will be recommending that the stadium be built”. I then asked “Will any of the feedback from today’s meeting be in the report.” No lie, I had to ask that question at least 4 times because of they would not answer it. Finally the woman answers in exasperation “Do you want me to stay up all night?” There was no intention at all to hold an honest meeting with the park neighbors and users. That was clear when she said the quiet part out loud.

    The editorial understates one critical point regarding NM United’s ability to pay. Spoiler, they can’t

    The Baloon Fiesta Park is closed for two months starting September 1 to prepare for the fiesta and to take it down and repairs.

    This means that the entire portion of United’s schedule that takes place between Sept 1 and Oct 31 will be required to take place at a different location. Including any tournament games which traditionally bring in the most money.

    What’s missing is that the team will require 2 stadiums.

    Other deficiencies include but are not limited to
    – No lighting for the parking lot creating dangerous conditions for attendees
    – No access to public transport thus requiring special busses etc at city’s expense
    – barely enough parking for stadium at current attendance levels. Not full capacity. Moreover this means if United needs to expand stadium, they can’t because there isn’t parking. They could build parking garage but that is a Fiesta killer right there.
    – Never ever will United bring $200+ million to the city. In any reasonable evaluation of best use of the park it should always go to the fiesta.
    – They promised neighbors that they would pay for security but refused to sign a legal agreement.

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