Albuquerque, NM
Review by Mike
Santa Ana Star Field is the home of the 5-time National Champion University of New Mexico Lobos baseball team. The home of the Lobos has stood on this site for many years, although I have not been able to determine just when play started on this field. The current stadium, however, was built in 2013 as part of a larger sports complex for UNM.
This is a very basic ballpark with neither a frill nor an extra, but everything it does have is nicely done. The grandstand is made up of three connected pieces; a fixed-back seating section behind home plate and a pair of metal bleachers down each baseline, extending to the bases. The seats behind the plate and the facing below the bleacher benches are done in Lobo red, along with the trim around the press box.
The dugouts, which are actually a little below field level, are cut into the first couple of rows of the bleachers. The press box seems like an afterthought as it dangles off the back of the home plate grandstand, supported by long poles that extend all the way to the ground and seem far too skinny for the purpose. I’m sure it’s structurally sound, but still, I would not throw a party in that press box.
There are no concessions stands, but a UNM hospitality food truck stood just beyond and behind the 3rd base stand. It was closed, so I couldn’t get a look at the offerings, but I am assuming standard ballpark fare. There is a restroom building, also on the 3rd base side to handle that need. From the outside, the ballpark has no markings at all, nothing to indicate the name of the stadium or the history of the team. I was there after the season, so perhaps some banners are draped over this plain white exterior to rev up the crowd as they walk in.
The team clubhouse is down the rightfield line and, on top of that building, is a hospitality area with an outdoor seating deck. It's very low-key and the railing runs perpendicular to the foul line, so anyone sitting along the railing will need to turn and look down along the railing to see home plate. I imagine dozens of alumni swaying their heads back and forth trying to see around the bobbing head of the person sitting closer to the plate than they are.
The turf field features the outstanding UNM logo of a truly fierce looking wolf. Beyond the outfield fence is a view of the football stadium, some trees and, just visible in the distance beyond the left-centerfield fence is Isotopes Park, the magnificent home of the AAA Albuquerque Isotopes. Santa Ana Star Field is beautifully maintained, an entirely suitable NCAA Division I ballpark that could do with just a bit of flair. A roof would do wonders, or at least a nice red awning like I saw at Riggs Stadium in Mesa, AZ. Thanks to Matt for letting me inside for a look around.
--
2025
282
--
