The first time I attended a New Mexico United game, it was for a fundraiser and team-building night with my son’s soccer team. Well, now we’re hooked. These games are so, so fun.
My budding soccer players have definitely increased my interest in the sport, and now I’m a full-blown fan of our amazing local team. My little goalkeeper knows the goalies by name and screamed so hard that he lost his voice during a recent game that ended in penalty kicks (and our United came out on top!).
NM United plays in the United Soccer League (USL), which is the second division of men’s professional soccer in the USA.
Our local United team consistently draws some of the largest crowds in the league thanks to their strong performance as a top USL team and their amazing fanbase, whom they lovingly refer to as la familia.
And it really does feel like one big happy family. NM United has a positive, fun, and passionate fanbase that makes the games so fun. These games showcase a lot of New Mexico pride, too; soon you’ll be screaming “Somos unidos” or jumping out of your seat at 19:12 to celebrate the year New Mexico was founded.
NM United’s mission is to “be an agent of positive change in New Mexico” and “bring people together in ways they’ve never come together before.” They give back to our community in so many ways. I mean, how cool is this TopSoccer League for soccer players of all abilities? This would be so perfect for my oldest son, and we hope to try it out next season.
Ready to check out a game?
Where?
Rio Grande Credit Union Field (where the Isotopes play) | 1601 Avenida Cesar Chavez SE
more matchday info and RGCUF policies —> here
NM United has plans for a new stadium at Balloon Fiesta Park that will hold 10,000+ fans! They are working through funding and community concerns, but they are optimistic about having a new stadium in the next few years.
When?
The season goes from about March to November. It’s long, and it encompasses all the best Albuquerque weather.
check out the schedule and all the fun themed nights —> here
How long?
Home games usually start at 7:00 p.m., and if you have little ones, you could expect to wrap up around 9:00 – 9:30 p.m.
How much?
Tickets usually start around $20-25. My family often purchases one of the cheapest options, and we’ve always been able to see well.
buy a ticket —> here
Where should I sit?
The berm, the grassy area on the east side of the field, is a nice, affordable option for families because kids can play on the nearby playground and run around if they get antsy. You can bring picnic blankets!
The seats on the west side will be more expensive. These areas have gorgeous views of the Sandias at sunset and go into the shade first.
Sections 116 and 118 are the Supporters Sections, located behind the South goal. This is where the rowdiest (and funnest) fans will be cheering, chanting, and waving their flags.
Where do I park?
Parking is $15 in many of the nearby UNM parking lots.
check out the parking lots and tailgate areas —> here
Need to fundraise?
When we’ve attended these events, United offers discounted group seating where $5 from each ticket goes back to your local organization. Kids even get a meet-and-greet with players. Reach out to their sales department to inquire.
Tips for Families
- RGCU Field has a clear bag policy. If you have a diaper bag or medical supplies, you can bring these in a non-clear bag. It may be subject to search.
- Bring sealed bottled waters in your clear bag! Now, I may pay $15 for a beer at the game, but I will surely not be paying stadium prices for water.
- The Supporters Section is not the best place for small children due to the noise and the flags which can make it hard for littles to see. Sitting nearby (but not in) the Supporters Section has worked well for our family.
- My son with sensory sensitivities loves United games, but we had to solve the noise problem. Bring noise-cancelling headphones; we tried this low-profile option, but my son actually prefers this kind.
- If it’s a hot summer day, the berm and the seating in the southeast corner will stay sunny the longest. We recently sat there on a 95-degree day, and it wasn’t bad at all. It’s a dry heat, after all.
- We usually arrive about 30-45 minutes early to acquire the needed snow cones, ice cream, and/or beer. We like to park in the lot just west of the stadium, and it’s a shorter walk than my usual walk from the parking lot to Costco.
Right now, our NM United are sitting in first place in their conference. And did I mention that these games are FUN?
In no time, you’ll be high-fiving a stranger or encouraging your child to chant “pobrecito” at an opposing player (all in good fun, of course).
