ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The city of Albuquerque is set to welcome a major new addition to its westside community: a state-of-the-art indoor sports facility designed to provide families and youth with expanded recreational opportunities. The facility, officially named the Ken Sanchez Indoor Sports Facility, will be built on a 12.78-acre site located at the southwest corner of Coors Boulevard and St. Josephs Boulevard NW.
The city finalized the purchase of the land for $7,786,437 through an agreement with Red Shamrock, 12 LLC. The deal also includes provisions allowing the city to acquire improvements constructed on the property, including the first phase of the sports facility, once they are completed. This strategic acquisition signals Albuquerque’s commitment to expanding community resources, particularly in neighborhoods that have historically lacked access to quality indoor sports spaces.
Facility Features and Capacity
Phase 1 of the Ken Sanchez Indoor Sports Facility is set to be a comprehensive hub for athletic and recreational activities. The planned design includes:
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Basketball courts: The facility will house up to eight full-sized basketball courts, providing ample space for organized leagues, school tournaments, and open gym play.
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Volleyball courts: With the ability to accommodate up to 16 volleyball courts, the facility is expected to become a central location for regional tournaments and recreational leagues.
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Multi-sport adaptability: Beyond basketball and volleyball, the facility will be equipped to host wrestling, cheer, dance, indoor soccer, and other indoor sports activities, making it versatile enough to serve a wide range of community needs.
City officials emphasize that the facility is being designed not just as a venue for sports, but as a space for community building, personal development, and youth engagement. By providing a safe and accessible environment for children and teenagers, the facility aims to encourage healthy lifestyles and promote positive social interactions.
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Community Impact
Mayor Tim Keller highlighted the significance of the project in a public statement.
“For too long Albuquerque families, specifically on the westside, have lacked access to quality indoor sports facilities,” Keller said. “This complex will give our kids and teens a place to play, grow, and connect, right here in their own community.”
The mayor’s office believes that the facility will have broad benefits for Albuquerque residents. In addition to serving as a sports venue, the center is expected to host community events, training camps, and youth programs. It will provide opportunities for families to engage in physical activity together while also offering local sports leagues and schools a professional-grade space to hold competitions and practices.
Origins of the Project
The vision for the indoor sports facility was first proposed more than a decade ago by City Councilor and County Commissioner Ken Sanchez, who recognized the need for accessible recreational spaces in westside Albuquerque. Sanchez’s initial pitch emphasized the importance of providing children and teens with safe spaces to pursue athletic activities, develop teamwork skills, and build self-confidence.
Over the years, the proposal gained traction with city planners and community leaders. The recent land purchase represents a significant milestone in bringing Sanchez’s long-standing vision to fruition. While construction timelines and funding allocations are still being finalized, city officials are optimistic about the facility’s potential to transform westside Albuquerque into a hub for youth sports and recreational activities.
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Economic and Social Benefits
The Ken Sanchez Indoor Sports Facility is anticipated to provide several economic and social benefits to the community:
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Job creation: Both the construction phase and ongoing operations of the facility will generate employment opportunities for local residents. Positions may include facility management, coaching, event coordination, and maintenance.
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Youth engagement: By providing a dedicated space for sports and recreation, the facility aims to keep young people actively engaged, reducing idle time and promoting positive social behaviors.
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Community events: The versatile design of the facility allows it to host tournaments, camps, and recreational leagues that attract visitors from across the region, contributing to the local economy.
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Health and wellness: Access to quality indoor sports spaces encourages physical activity year-round, which can have lasting benefits on public health, including reducing obesity rates and improving overall fitness.
Planning and Future Phases
Phase 1 is only the beginning. City planners have envisioned the facility evolving over multiple phases to include additional courts, training rooms, and possibly outdoor amenities. The city’s acquisition agreement with Red Shamrock, 12 LLC, includes flexibility for expansion, allowing improvements constructed on the property to be integrated into the facility over time.
Officials have stressed that community input will continue to play a key role in the project’s development. Residents will be encouraged to provide feedback on facility features, programming, and scheduling to ensure the sports center meets local needs.
Supporting Albuquerque’s Youth
One of the central goals of the Ken Sanchez Indoor Sports Facility is to serve the city’s youth population. Westside Albuquerque has historically faced gaps in recreational infrastructure, with many children lacking convenient access to indoor gyms or professional-grade sports venues. The new facility is expected to fill this void, offering children and teens a safe, accessible space to practice sports, learn new skills, and participate in team activities.
By fostering athletic development and providing opportunities for mentorship and teamwork, city leaders hope the facility will positively impact both individual youth and the broader community. Programs at the center may also collaborate with local schools, sports leagues, and nonprofit organizations to expand access and participation.
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Conclusion
The announcement of the Ken Sanchez Indoor Sports Facility marks a major step forward for westside Albuquerque, combining community development, youth engagement, and economic opportunity. With its versatile design, multi-sport capability, and commitment to accessibility, the facility is poised to become a cornerstone of recreation and community life.
As construction moves forward, residents and city officials alike are eager to see the long-standing vision of Councilor Ken Sanchez come to life — a vision that will provide Albuquerque families with a state-of-the-art space to play, grow, and connect for generations to come.
