Rio Rancho Events Center facts for kids
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| Former names | Rio Rancho Events Center (2006) |
|---|---|
| Location | 3001 Civic Center Drive Rio Rancho, New Mexico 87144 |
| Coordinates | 35°18′37.05″N 106°41′8.98″W / 35.3102917°N 106.6858278°W |
| Owner | City of Rio Rancho |
| Operator | Global Spectrum |
| Capacity | Ice Hockey: 6,000 Rodeos: 6,000 Concerts: 7,500 |
| Construction | |
| Broke ground | June 14, 2005 |
| Opened | October 21, 2006 |
| Construction cost | $47 million USD ($68.2 million in 2022 dollars ) |
| Architect | Sink Combs Dethlefs |
| Project manager | Frew Nations Group |
| Structural engineer | Martin & Martin |
| General contractor | Hunt/Bradbury Stamm |
| Tenants | |
| New Mexico Scorpions (CHL) (2006–2009) New Mexico Wildcats (AIFA) (2008–2009) New Mexico Mustangs (NAHL) (2010–2012) New Mexico Thunderbirds (NBA D-League) (2010–2011) New Mexico Stars (IFL/LSFL/AIF) (2012–2014, 2016) New Mexico Runners (M2) (2018–present) |
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The Rio Rancho Events Center is a large building in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, where many different events happen. It's a multi-purpose arena with 7,000 seats. Rio Rancho is a city located close to Albuquerque, New Mexico.
This arena is part of a bigger "City Center" area. This area also includes a new city hall building.
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What's in a Name?
The arena was first called the Rio Rancho Events Center. In July 2006, a company called Santa Ana Star Casino paid $2.5 million to have their name on the building for five years. So, it became known as the Santa Ana Star Center.
However, the agreement ended in 2020. Because of this, the arena changed its name back to the Rio Rancho Events Center.
Building and Opening
Building the Rio Rancho Events Center cost about $47 million. It officially opened its doors on October 21, 2006.
The very first sports event held there was an ice hockey game. This happened on October 27, 2006. The New Mexico Scorpions played against the Arizona Sundogs. Many people came to watch, but the Scorpions lost the game 3–1.
In April 2009, the city of Rio Rancho chose Global Spectrum to manage the arena. They are in charge of running the events and keeping the building in good shape.
Home to Many Teams
Over the years, the Rio Rancho Events Center has been home to several sports teams. These teams played different kinds of sports.
Some of the teams that played here include:
- The New Mexico Mustangs (ice hockey)
- The New Mexico Scorpions (ice hockey)
- The New Mexico Stars (indoor football)
- The New Mexico Wildcats (indoor football)
- The New Mexico Thunderbirds (basketball)
Other Exciting Events
Besides sports, the arena hosts many other events. It's a place for concerts, shows, and even rodeo events.
The arena has also hosted special events. For example, World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) has held wrestling shows here. In September 2019, it was even the location for a campaign rally for President Donald Trump.
Challenges and Location
Even though it's a great place for events, the arena has faced some challenges. It has sometimes struggled to attract large crowds. Also, it has been difficult for the arena to make a profit.
Some people, like a former team owner, felt the arena was a bit far out. They thought its location made it harder for fans to get there. Despite these challenges, the Rio Rancho Events Center continues to be an important venue for the city.
