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Aggie Memorial Stadium - home of New Mexico State in Las Cruces, NM
NCAA FBS

Aggie Memorial StadiumLas Cruces, New Mexico

New Mexico State

πŸ‘₯
Capacity
28,853
πŸ†
Conference
CUSA
πŸ“…
Opened
1978
🌱
Surface
FieldTurf Classic HD with CoolPlay (installed 2023)

πŸ“–About Aggie Memorial Stadium

Aggie Memorial Stadium opened September 16, 1978 on the New Mexico State University campus in Las Cruces, NM, with the Aggies defeating UTEP 35–32. Built for $4 million, the stadium's distinctive earth-berm design β€” excavated soil moved to the sides to support the upper bowl β€” divides seating into lower and upper tiers via a street-level concourse. Capacity is 28,853. The field surface is FieldTurf Classic HD with CoolPlay, installed in 2023.

πŸ›οΈAggie Memorial Stadium History

Origins

Opened September 16, 1978 with 16-8 loss to UTEP. Built for $3.5M to replace Memorial Stadium. Named to honor New Mexico service members.

Major Renovations

1999Press box and luxury suites renovated
2014New video board installed
2020S5-M synthetic turf installed

Notable Moments

Oct 6, 2018NMSU upset #25 Libertyβ€”first win over ranked team in years
2023Returned to Conference USA after independent era
Sep 2, 2024New coach Tony Sanchez's first home game

🎟️Visiting Aggie Memorial Stadium

Best Seats

West side offers Organ Mountains views. Premium seating in Aggie Athletic Club. East side is more exposed to sun.

Parking Tips

Campus parking available. Las Cruces is easy to navigate. Good tailgating culture in surrounding lots. Lots 29 and 30 are the traditional heart of gameday.

Game Day

Organ Mountain backdrop is stunning at sunset. Pistol Pete mascot fires after scores. Green chile influence in concessions. Rivalry with UTEP (Battle of I-10) is historic. Clear bag policy enforced.

πŸ—ΊοΈLocal Recommendations

🍺Bars & Drinks

The Game Sports Bar and Grill

$$

The premier NMSU sports bar with outdoor seating and a great selection of local drafts.

πŸ“ 1.1 miles2605 S Espina St, Las Cruces, NM 88001

πŸ’‘ A very popular spot for Aggie fans. Their nachos are legendary.

Bosque Brewing Co. Public House

$$

Local craft brewery with multiple locations in Las Cruces serving excellent IPAs and pub fare.

πŸ“ 2.4 miles2102 Telshor Blvd, Las Cruces, NM 88011

πŸ’‘ Great for a more relaxed craft beer vibe. The 'Elephants on Parade' is a local favorite.

🍽️Restaurants

Andele Restaurant

$$

Famed Mexican spot known for its salsa bar and authentic green chile dishes.

πŸ“ 3.5 miles1950 Calle Del Mercado, Las Cruces, NM 88005

πŸ’‘ Try the green chile chicken enchiladas. It's a must-visit for anyone new to Las Cruces.

La Posta de Mesilla

$$

Historic restaurant located in a mid-19th century stagecoach station in Old Mesilla.

πŸ“ 4.1 miles2410 Calle De San Albino, Mesilla, NM 88046

πŸ’‘ Known for its unique atmosphere with tropical birds and piranhas in the lobby. A true New Mexico experience.

Habanero's Fresh Mex

$

Excellent fast-casual Mexican spot located near the university campus.

πŸ“ 2.1 miles600 E Amador Ave, Las Cruces, NM 88001

πŸ’‘ A favorite for students looking for quick, authentic, and affordable gameday fuel.

🏨Hotels

Courtyard by Marriott Las Cruces at NMSU

$$$

Modern hotel located directly adjacent to the university campus and stadium complex.

πŸ“ 0.4 miles456 E University Ave, Las Cruces, NM 88005

πŸ’‘ The absolute best location for football games. Within walking distance of the stadium and tailgating lots.

Hilton Garden Inn Las Cruces

$$$

Comfortable and well-equipped hotel located near the I-25 corridor and campus.

πŸ“ 1.8 miles2550 S Don Roser Dr, Las Cruces, NM 88011

πŸ’‘ A reliable secondary option with easy access to both the university and local dining.

🎭Attractions

Historic Mesilla Plaza

Free

The heart of Old Mesilla, filled with shops, galleries, and historic sites including the Basilica of San Albino.

πŸ“ 4.2 milesMesilla Plaza, Mesilla, NM 88046

πŸ’‘ Spend an afternoon walking through history and browsing local art and southwestern jewelry.

Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument

Free

Stunning mountain range with numerous hiking trails and scenic overlooks just east of the city.

πŸ“ 12.0 milesDripping Springs Rd, Las Cruces, NM 88011

πŸ’‘ A beautiful scenery for a morning hike. The Dripping Springs trail is a popular and relatively easy hike.

πŸ…ΏοΈParking Options

πŸ…ΏοΈ

Lot 30 (Free/Tailgate)

Free
LotπŸ“ 0.2 miles

πŸ’‘ The traditional heart of Aggie tailgating. Free on gamedays but fills up very fast; arrive by 10 AM for a plum spot.

πŸ…ΏοΈ

Lot 29 (Overflow Parking)

Free
LotπŸ“ 0.4 miles

πŸ’‘ Recommended as a reliable secondary option if Lot 30 is full.

Suggest a Tip

Know a great bar, restaurant, hotel, attraction, or parking spot near Aggie Memorial Stadium? Share it with us.

πŸ”₯New Mexico State Rivals

Closest Stadiums to Aggie Memorial Stadium

Frequently Asked Questions About Aggie Memorial Stadium

What is the capacity of Aggie Memorial Stadium?
Aggie Memorial Stadium has a seating capacity of 28,853.
Where is Aggie Memorial Stadium located?
Aggie Memorial Stadium is located in Las Cruces, NM.
What team plays at Aggie Memorial Stadium?
Aggie Memorial Stadium is the home stadium of New Mexico State in the CUSA.
When was Aggie Memorial Stadium built?
Aggie Memorial Stadium opened in 1978.
Where are the best seats at Aggie Memorial Stadium?
West side offers Organ Mountains views. Premium seating in Aggie Athletic Club. East side is more exposed to sun.
What are the best parking tips for Aggie Memorial Stadium?
Campus parking available. Las Cruces is easy to navigate. Good tailgating culture in surrounding lots. Lots 29 and 30 are the traditional heart of gameday.
What type of surface does Aggie Memorial Stadium have?
Aggie Memorial Stadium has a fieldturf classic hd with coolplay (installed 2023) playing surface.
What stadiums are near Aggie Memorial Stadium?
The closest stadiums to Aggie Memorial Stadium are Sun Bowl Stadium (38 mi), University Stadium (193 mi), Casino Del Sol Stadium (261 mi), Jones AT&T Stadium (296 mi), Frank Kush Field, Home of the ASU Sun Devils/Mountain America Stadium (312 mi), Chase Field (319 mi).
Who are New Mexico State's biggest rivals?
New Mexico State's rivals include New Mexico (Rio Grande Rivalry), UTEP (Battle of I-10).

References

Content sourced from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) and official team sites. Additional information verified against public sources.