Rio Rancho Events Center facts for kids
Rio Rancho Events Center at night
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| Former names | Santa Ana Star Center (2006-2020) |
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| Address | 3001 Civic Center Drive |
| Location | Rio Rancho, New Mexico, U.S. |
| 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) Duke City Gladiators (IFL) (2021–present) New Mexico Pro Hockey Club (ECHL) (Future 2026) |
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The Rio Rancho Events Center is a large building in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. It's a city close to Albuquerque. This center is a place where many different events happen. It can hold up to 7,000 people for some events.
The Events Center is part of a bigger "City Center" area. This area also has a new city hall. The center is designed to host many kinds of fun activities.
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What is the Rio Rancho Events Center?
The Rio Rancho Events Center is a multi-purpose arena. This means it can be used for lots of different things. It's perfect for concerts, hockey games, and basketball matches. You can also see indoor football, family shows, and even rodeos here. The building can change its setup to fit almost any event.
A New Name for a Cool Place
When the arena first opened, it had a different name. It was called the Santa Ana Star Center. This name came from the Santa Ana Star Casino. They bought the right to name the arena for five years in 2006. That deal was worth $2.5 million. In 2020, the agreement ended. So, the arena went back to its original name, the Rio Rancho Events Center.
When Did It Open?
The Events Center cost about $47 million to build. It first opened its doors on October 21, 2006. The very first sports event was a hockey game. It happened on October 27, 2006. The New Mexico Scorpions played against the Arizona Sundogs. A huge crowd watched the game.
Who Manages the Center?
Since April 2009, a company called Global Spectrum has managed the arena. They help make sure all the events run smoothly. The city of Rio Rancho renewed their contract in 2019.
Home to Exciting Sports Teams
The Events Center is home to several sports teams.
- The New Mexico Runners play Major Arena Soccer League 2 games here.
- The Duke City Gladiators play indoor football at the center.
Many other teams have played here in the past:
- The New Mexico Scorpions played hockey.
- The New Mexico Mustangs played hockey.
- The New Mexico Stars played indoor football.
- The New Mexico Wildcats played indoor football.
- The New Mexico Thunderbirds played basketball.
The arena has also hosted events for World Wrestling Entertainment.
More Than Just Sports
Besides sports, the Rio Rancho Events Center hosts many other events. It's a popular spot for concerts. You can also see family shows and trade shows. In 2019, a campaign rally for a president was held there.
