Albuquerque officials and New Mexico United leadership are moving ahead with plans to build a new soccer stadium at Balloon Fiesta Park, even as a legal challenge from neighborhood associations continues through the court system.
The project has sparked months of debate and opposition from nearby residents, with several neighborhood groups filing lawsuits attempting to block construction. Although a judge dismissed the most recent lawsuit several weeks ago, the plaintiffs have now appealed, asking the New Mexico Court of Appeals to review the ruling.
Despite that pending appeal, city leaders and the team say they do not plan to pause progress.
“Change is scary for people, and I respect that. I understand that, but we need to be brave when we’re trying to build the next best version of ourselves,” said Peter Trevisani, CEO and owner of New Mexico United. He added that once the stadium is complete, the community may embrace it, noting, “I think once it’s built, people will kind of question, ‘Why were we making such a big deal about that?’ And it’s actually been really nice to be able to walk to the game with the kids, or to see people leaving with smiles.”
Construction crews have already started preliminary site work at Balloon Fiesta Park. This early phase includes clearing the area, surveying, and basic infrastructure preparations. However, major work is still ahead.
Because the site is susceptible to heavy flooding, crews will need to level large sections of land and build a retaining wall before stadium construction can begin. Those steps must be completed before the city can set an official groundbreaking date.
Trevisani emphasized the team’s commitment to seeing the project through, stating, “There’s a lot of work to be done. Some work has actually already happened here. You just can’t see it, and so we’re really just moving forward as fast as we can. I know the city’s anxious to get their part done, and once they are, we’re also anxious to put some shovels in the ground, so we’re one day closer that I’m sure of, and we’re going to be really excited to break ground together.”
While the stadium remains in development, New Mexico United has signed an extension with the Albuquerque Isotopes, ensuring the team will continue playing its home matches at Isotopes Park for the foreseeable future. This agreement offers stability for fans and the team while construction plans take shape.
The City of Albuquerque has not yet released an updated construction timeline, but officials reaffirmed their intention to proceed unless a court orders otherwise.
As legal proceedings continue and site preparations progress, the project remains one of the most closely watched developments in the region, balancing community concerns with the city’s push for economic growth, recreation, and long-term infrastructure.
Originally reported by Emily Faith in KOB News.
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