ALBUQUERQUE, NM – Disney’s “High School Musical 3: Senior Year,” hit the big screen October 24th. The “High School Musical” series is set in Albuquerque, New Mexico (www.itsatrip.org).

The movie’s main character Troy Bolton plans to attend the University of Albuquerque to play basketball. In reality, Albuquerque is home to the University of New Mexico, which is known for its basketball program and its legendary arena, “the Pit”. The Pit has been recognized by USA Today, Sports Illustrated and others as a top sporting venue in the country. As the East High Wildcats from the movie would say, you can “get your head in the game” at sporting events around the city including a Thunderbirds NBA D-League basketball game, an Isotopes AAA baseball game, or a New Mexico Scorpions hockey game among others. 

As is the case in the musical movie, there is nothing better then a live performance. Albuquerque is home to hundreds of events such as your favorite musical at Popejoy Hall to a cultural event at the National Hispanic Cultural Center.

The movie showcases many of the assets you will find in Albuquerque, which is known as the “Hot Air Balloon Capital of the World.” With more than 310 days of sunshine and picturesque scenery, Albuquerque is the perfect place for family fun. Bordering the city are the Sandia, Jemez and Manzano Mountains, just a quick drive away. The high desert climate is perfect for hikers, skiers and mountain bikers. The region is home to several nationally acclaimed golf courses, which provide a diverse offering of landscape from desert links to parkland to mountains. The Albuquerque Biological Park provides an afternoon of fun for families at the Rio Grande Zoo, Aquarium, Botanical Garden and Tingley Beach.

Albuquerque has become a hot spot for the film industry. Recent Albuquerque film projects include: Wild Hogs, Transformers, Terminator Salvation (new in 2009), Swing Vote, Employee of the Month and many more.  

Learn more about visiting Albuquerque, at www.itsatrip.org.


Images are available online:

Sandia Mountains at sunset: www.itsatrip.org

The Pit: www.itsatrip.org  

Ballooning: www.itsatrip.org