&sq=Google&lang=en&file=File:Pit_mainentrance.jpg) Northeast entrance in 2011 | |
 | |
| Former names | University Arena (1966–2014) WisePies Arena aka The Pit (2014–17) Dreamstyle Arena (2017–2020) |
|---|---|
| Location | Avenida Cesar Chavez & University Blvd SE, Albuquerque, New Mexico |
| Coordinates | 35°04′01″N 106°37′55″W / 35.067°N 106.632°W |
| Owner | University of New Mexico |
| Operator | University of New Mexico, Associated Students of UNM |
| Capacity | Basketball: 14,831 (1966–1975) 18,018 (1975–2008) 14,586 (2009 renovations) 15,411 (2010–present) Concerts: up to 13,480 (2009–present) |
| Construction | |
| Broke ground | December 1965 |
| Opened | December 1, 1966 57 years ago |
| Renovated | 2009 |
| Expanded | 1975 |
| Construction cost | $1.4 million ($13.1 million in 2023[1]) $60 million (renovations) |
| Architect | (original) Joe Boehning (2009 renovation) Molzen Corbin, Architect of Record Sink Combs Dethlefs, Arena Design Consultant |
| Tenants | |
| New Mexico Lobos (NCAA) (1966–present) New Mexico Activities Association State Basketball Tournaments (1990–present) 1983 NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship | |
The Pit is an indoor arena in Albuquerque, New Mexico, serving primarily as the home venue of the University of New Mexico Lobos basketball teams. The facility opened in 1966 as University Arena but gained the nickname "The Pit" due to its innovative subterranean design, with its playing floor 37 feet (11 m) below street level. The arena is located on the UNM South Campus and has a seating capacity of 15,411 for basketball and up to 13,480 for concerts, with 40 luxury suites and 365 club seats.
The Pit has frequently hosted NCAA basketball tournament games, including the 1983 Final Four, which featured North Carolina State's upset win over Houston.
- ^ 1634–1699: McCusker, J. J. (1997). How Much Is That in Real Money? A Historical Price Index for Use as a Deflator of Money Values in the Economy of the United States: Addenda et Corrigenda (PDF). American Antiquarian Society. 1700–1799: McCusker, J. J. (1992). How Much Is That in Real Money? A Historical Price Index for Use as a Deflator of Money Values in the Economy of the United States (PDF). American Antiquarian Society. 1800–present: Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. "Consumer Price Index (estimate) 1800–". Retrieved February 29, 2024.