In 2019, New Mexico United kicked off their inaugural season as Albuquerque’s professional soccer team. Playing in the USL Championship, the United have become a popular staple in Albuquerque’s sports scene. I recently attended my first New Mexico United game, and it was a thrilling experience.

Be sure to purchase your ticket online in advance so that you make your seat selection. If you are an avid soccer fan looking to cheer on the team with other high-energy fans,select seats in the general admission section behind the goal on the south end of the pitch. This is by far the rowdiest section of the crowd, with many cheers and chants starting here. But be warned: I spotted a couple soccer balls flying into this section throughout the game.

New Mexico United fans cheer during a game

I opted for a more laid-back option – general admission berm seating. This area has an excellent elevated view of the entire pitch. Plus, if you’re attending an evening game, you get the bonus of watching the sunset behind the stadium.

Fans cheer from the stands during a New Mexico United game

Before the game began, I scoped out some of the merch stands around the stadium. The main merch stand is centrally located on the concourse, and often had quite a line. If you’re looking for a shorter line, head to a merch stand on either far end of the concourse, where I never spotted a line to buy United jerseys, shirts and more.

While walking the concourse, you’ll also pass food vendors selling typical sporting event food, from hot dogs and nachos to the quintessentially New Mexican Dion’s pizza.

A white hand holds a container of tortilla chips and cheese. In the background is the New Mexico United pitch, with players playing soccer.

Make sure you are back in your seat for “New Mexico minute,” which occurs during each game between  19:12 and 20:19 on the clock. Fans cheer and wave flags continuously throughout this time to celebrate the year New Mexico became a state (1912) and the year of New Mexico United’s first season (2019). 

A view from the berm of a New Mexico United game.

One thing about New Mexico United fans is they are passionate. With every kick that was just shy of the goal, a disappointed “Oh” rises up from the crowd. When the winning goal for New Mexico United came from a free kick about 75 minutes in, the crowd went wild. It was a very cool experience to be part of such a family, even for just a game.

If you want to experience what Somos Unidos is all about for yourself, New Mexico United has games through the end of October.

@visitalbuquerque Somos Unidos! @New Mexico United #trueabq ♬ original sound - Sickickmusic