Politicos, fans celebrate with ribbon-cutting
The renovated and less-falling-apart Pit opened Monday for the first time since the $60 million upgrades were completed.
Lobo basketball fans and state politicos including Gov. Bill Richardson and Mayor Richard Berry, as well as UNM Executive Vice President for Administration David Harris, attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony, see the men’s team practice and explore the arena.
“If you’re here, you’re like me. You’re a die-hard Lobo fan,” Berry said in the echoing arena. “It’s important to know how much this means to our city.”
Each speaker stressed the importance for fans to fill the renovated arena and how it will benefit the state.
Richardson said The Pit is a gathering spot for New Mexicans and a source of state pride.
“When I first became governor, I wondered why this magnificent facility had not been renovated,” Richardson said. “I’m proud of our state for taking this step through funding and through bonding. At a time when New Mexico’s finances were strong, we invested in facilities like The Pit because they bring New Mexicans together. I want to thank the Lobo fans for being the best basketball fans in America.”
Some Lobo basketball fans lauded the renovations, but others had mixed reactions to the price tag, even though the stadium was funded through bonds and loans.
Student Jeff Breuer said the facility was in desperate need of repairs.
“It started to be decrepit and the ceiling was falling apart,” he said. “Now you don’t have to stand outside to get your ticket. I’m totally willing to pay for this.”
Kelli Chesire said she like the new changes and that the $60 million spent was worth it.
“The bleachers were very shaky, and it sucked,” she said. “They were screwing them in as we were sitting down. They’ve had the old Pit for a long time. I think it was time for something new.”
But students Alec Loeser and Cory Bowden said the renovation was money that could have gone toward other expenses.
“I think that it’s (expletive) stupid, to be completely honest,” Loeser said.
Bowen added, “It’s a lot of money, considering they’re raising tuition next year. I’m living off of scholarships — that’s the only reason I’m capable of coming here. So when they raise tuition, I have to pay out of pocket, as well as pay for the way overpriced books”
Fancy stadium inspires Lobos to hit the court
For fans, the wait is over.
UNM basketball aficionados came out in droves during a ribbon-cutting ceremony Monday at The Pit. Athletics Director Paul Krebs welcomed fans who came out to get a sneak peek of the 44-year-old arena.
“This is a great celebration,” he said.
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Much to the players’ excitement, the UNM basketball programs hit the court at the renovated Pit at a public grand opening.
The renovated Pit was open to UNM students and the public from 2:30-6 p.m.
The Lobos practiced until 5 p.m., where the men’s team showed off its skills to fans and stirred excitement for the upcoming season. The back-to-back Mountain West Conference regular-season champions hit the court Wednesday for an exhibition with Eastern New Mexico.
While the Pit will be open for concerts and other events, basketball is its main function, and members of the Lobo men’s and women’s teams said they are anxious to play their first game in the new Pit.
Point guard Amanda Best said Oct. 11 that she toured The Pit over the summer, and she has anticipated playing in the building since construction started.
“I took a tour of it with Coach Flanagan back in August and it looked awesome,” she said.
Before the men’s team moved into The Pit on Saturday, Gordon couldn’t wait to play on the court.
“Well sometimes, someone — I am not going to say any names — tries to sneak in and see some of those new rooms in The Pit,” he said.
