The original official name of the indoor venue was University Arena. The venue's name was changed to Dreamstyle Arena in 2017, but it is better known as The Pit. The name comes from its innovative sunken edifice. It was built between 1965 and 1966 to provide a bigger venue for the crowds that were turning up for sold-out New Mexico Lobos basketball games.
To create The Pit, builders first constructed a 338-by-300-foot roof above street level and then excavated 37 feet below street level to form the arena bowl. As there is no need for roof-supporting pillars in the venue, the audience gets an unobstructed view from any seat in the house.
Today, the once brick facade of the arena has become a 56-foot glass tower with a steel superstructure. It offers amenities such as digital video and signage boards, extra restrooms, more concession stands, and a Lobos store. The arena can seat more than 15,000 for basketball games and more than 13,000 for concerts. It regularly hosts NCAA basketball tournament games.
What Are Some of the Budget Hotels Near UNM – the Pit?
You can find many good budget hotels near UNM – The Pit. The three-floor Super 8 by Wyndham Albuquerque Airport, at 2231 Yale Blvd. SE, has 62 rooms with comfortable king and double beds and amenities like televisions, telephones, hair dryers, and ironing facilities. The nine suites have refrigerators, microwaves, ice makers, and tea and coffee makers. Guests can access the indoor swimming pool between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. and also use the Jacuzzi and fitness center. The hotel offers its guests a daily shuttle to and from the Albuquerque International Sunport and a complimentary hot breakfast.
The Ramada by Wyndham Albuquerque Airport has three floors, 115 rooms, and an outdoor heated swimming pool and Jacuzzi that you can access from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. The rooms have king or double beds, kitchen facilities, and entertainment amenities. The complimentary breakfast is from 6-10 a.m. and includes waffles, eggs, bacon, bread, cereal, juice, milk, hot chocolate, coffee, and yogurt.
The hotel offers a daily complimentary shuttle that runs between 4: 30 a.m. and 11 p.m. to and from Albuquerque International Sunport. There is also a local shuttle service from 4 a.m. to midnight to ferry guests within a 2-mile radius. Additionally, the hotel offers free Wi-Fi, local calls, newspapers, and parking. You can bring pets up to 50 pounds for a specified pet fee per night, but you must make arrangements in advance. If you don't, you will be charged extra for cleaning fees.
What Are Some of the Top Hotels Near UNM – The Pit?
For a stay in one of the top hotels near UNM – The Pit, head for the Sheraton Albuquerque Airport at 2910 Yale Blvd. SE. Located at Albuquerque International Sunport's entrance, the hotel has 276 rooms, 22 meeting rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, and a fitness center. The rooms have king, queen, or double beds with plush mattresses, hypoallergenic pillows, and soft sheets.
Guests can use the ironing and laundry facilities as well as a laundry valet service. You can brew a hot beverage with the tea and coffee makers and order a paid breakfast via the 24-hour room service. The hotel restaurant also serves breakfast, and you can have a drink at the bar when you're ready for a break.
Free Wi-Fi is available in the lobby along with free printing services, coffee, TV, and newspapers. There is a nominal charge if you want to use Wi-Fi in your room. The hotel offers a complimentary 24-hour shuttle to and from the airport, and a local shuttle to destinations within a 3-mile radius of the hotel. Pets are welcome.
The Hampton Inn & Suites Albuquerque Airport at 1300 Woodward Road SE is a four-floor property with 91 rooms. Along with comfortable Hampton king, queen, double, or sofa beds, the rooms have refrigerators, microwaves, wet bars, coffee makers, televisions, telephones, and desks. Thanks to the soundproof windows, you can enjoy a quiet stay and remain connected to the free Wi-Fi. The hotel's free hot breakfast includes waffles, oatmeal, eggs, muffins, and fruit. Afterward, you can swim in the heated indoor pool, get in shape at the fitness center, and relax in the welcoming lobby with its large picture windows.
What Are the Best Discounts Near UNM – The Pit?
The great thing about discounts is that they can help you to extend your visit. Discounts available at the Quality Suites include AAA, AARP, government, military, and senior rates. The hotel, which is at 1501 Gibson Blvd. SE, is a three-floor property with 73 rooms, a business center, a convenience store, an indoor swimming pool, and a whirlpool spa. The rooms are spacious and come with king or queen beds that have comfortable bedding and soft pillows.
Guests can make use of in-room amenities like refrigerators, coffee makers, microwaves, irons and ironing boards, hair dryers, televisions, and phones. Enjoy the hotel's free breakfast as well as the free coffee and afternoon tea. The hotel also offers free newspapers, parking, local calls, and Wi-Fi. It also provides daily shuttle to Albuquerque International Sunport. The hotel welcomes pets for a specified per-night pet fee.
The Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Airport Albuquerque offers AAA, AARP, government, and senior discounts. Located off I-25 at 2331 Centre Ave. SE, the hotel offers many amenities to its guests. Start your morning with a complimentary Daybreak breakfast, then work out at the fitness center and have a refreshing swim in the indoor pool. From 6-9 p.m., have some coffee, toast, and soup. The hotel has a free daily shuttle to and from the Albuquerque International Sunport for its guests and also offers them Wi-Fi, free local calls, free USA Today newspapers, and free parking.
What Are the Nightlife Options Near UNM – The Pit?
For a fine nightlife option near UNM – The Pit, consider visiting The Copper Lounge at 1504 Central Ave. SE. Along with a great atmosphere, the stylish bar offers a good selection of cocktails, wine, and beer. While you're there, try their popular cocktails — The Kentucky Ninja, the Nettle Gimlet, the Ocean Watermelon, and Thai Tropics. The dinner menu includes nachos, fries, salad, oysters, sliders, burgers, tacos, chocolate cake, and coconut tres leches.
The bar hours are from 3 p.m. to midnight Monday-Thursday, 3 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Friday, and 6 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. on Saturday. Happy Hour is from 3-6 p.m. Monday through Friday. On Tiki Thursdays, which are from 6 p.m. to closing time, you can sip Tiki cocktails and listen to Polynesian music.
The festive Bandido Hideout, which is at 2128 Center Ave. SE, serves authentic Mexican cuisine in a colorful interior. You can have breakfast, lunch, dinner, desserts, and beverages here, and takeouts and deliveries are available as well. The restaurant is well-known for dishes like chicken fajitas, Mar Cielo Y Tierra, Agua Frescas, Horchata, Tacos Al Pastor, Camarones Costa Azul, flan, and Salsa de Cacahuates con Guajillo.
Bandito Hideout is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday-Thursday, from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday-Saturday, and from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday.
FAQs about hotels near University of New Mexico Arena
How much does a cheap hotel near University of New Mexico Arena cost per night?
In the last year, a 2 star hotel near University of New Mexico Arena can be as cheap as $75.21 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a 3 star hotel near University of New Mexico Arena cost per night?
In the last year, the average 3 star hotel near University of New Mexico Arena has been $102.65 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a luxury hotel near University of New Mexico Arena cost?
In the last year, the average 4 star hotel near University of New Mexico Arena has been $128.97 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)