The Pit (arena)

The Pit (arena). Officially known as University Arena, this iconic college basketball venue on the campus of the University of New Mexico is renowned for its unique subterranean design and intimidating atmosphere. Home to the New Mexico Lobos men's basketball and New Mexico Lobos women's basketball teams, it is celebrated as one of the most challenging road environments in the NCAA Division I. The arena earned its famous nickname due to its construction 37 feet below ground level, creating a cauldron-like effect that amplifies crowd noise and has been a cornerstone of Albuquerque sports culture since its opening.

History

The facility was constructed in 1966 under the direction of then-athletic director Pete McDavid and head coach Bob King to provide a dedicated home for the burgeoning New Mexico Lobos basketball program. Its innovative below-ground concept was initially met with skepticism but quickly proved a masterstroke in acoustics and fan engagement. The venue gained national prominence during the 1983 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament when it hosted the West Regional finals, a memorable game featuring Michael Jordan and the North Carolina Tar Heels against the Houston Cougars. In 1999, the arena was officially renamed "The Pit" in recognition of its iconic moniker, and a major $60 million renovation was completed in 2009, modernizing amenities while preserving its distinctive character.

Design and features

The most defining architectural feature is its excavation 37 feet below the existing grade, with spectators entering at street level and descending to their seats, which fully encloses the court and traps sound. The original design created a steep seating bowl that places fans exceptionally close to the action, a layout that has been meticulously maintained through renovations. The 2009 upgrade, led by architect Bradley Davidson, added the spectacular Dreamstyle Arena club level and modernized concourses while increasing capacity to over 15,000. The arena floor sits at an elevation of approximately 5,100 feet above sea level, adding a physiological element of Altitude training that can challenge visiting teams not acclimated to the Southwestern United States.

Notable events

Beyond hosting countless Mountain West Conference games and tournaments, the venue has been a frequent site for NCAA Tournament games, including the aforementioned 1983 West Regional. It has also staged major concerts by artists like Elton John and Metallica, and other sporting events such as World Wrestling Entertainment shows. The arena was the site of a historic 1980 regular-season game where the UNLV Runnin' Rebels, led by coach Jerry Tarkanian, had their 23-game winning streak snapped by the Lobos. In 2012, it served as the host for the NCAA women's basketball tournament first and second rounds, bringing national spotlight to Albuquerque.

In popular culture

The intimidating atmosphere and unique design have been featured in numerous national sports broadcasts by networks like CBS Sports and ESPN, often highlighted as a quintessential example of a home-court advantage. The arena was a key filming location for the 2010 sports drama film "The Last Shot," which depicted a fictional championship game. Its distinct roar is frequently referenced in sports journalism, including publications like Sports Illustrated, which has often ranked it among the toughest places to play in college basketball. The venue's lore is a staple in the history of NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament.

See also

* Allen Fieldhouse * Cameron Indoor Stadium * McCarthey Athletic Center * Marriott Center * NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament * List of NCAA Division I basketball arenas

Category:Basketball venues in the United States Category:University of New Mexico Category:Buildings and structures in Albuquerque, New Mexico