Photos (credit to National Horseshoe Pitchers Association): https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/cozmkxccmc2co4zlb2fg9/AIrqPeRNfzc9y1gYYUY_a20?rlkey=35ahr96t1qt69bqn3ng9glszg&st=tro2bko6&dl=0
Media Contact:
Brenna Moore/Visit Albuquerque
Office: (505) 222-4349
Moore@VisitABQ.org
Onsite Contact:
Ryan Abeyta/Albuquerque Sports Commission
Mobile: (505) 222-4328
National Horseshoe Pitchers Association Brings 2026 U.S. Open to Albuquerque
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – (April 10, 2026) – Albuquerque will host top horseshoe pitchers from across the country at the 2026 U.S. Open Horseshoe Tournament, set to take place at Mariposa Basin Park beginning today, April 10, through April 12. The national event is expected to bring 350 competitors, supporters and spectators from across the U.S. to Albuquerque and contribute $150,000 in estimated direct spend to the local economy.
Organized by the National Horseshoe Pitchers Association (NHPA) in partnership with the Albuquerque Sports Commission and the New Mexico Horseshoe Club, the tournament is one of the sport’s premier regional championship events. Competitors are anticipated to travel from more than a dozen states, including Ohio, Idaho, California, Colorado and beyond, highlighting the sport’s national reach and continued growth.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for us to partner with the Albuquerque Sports Commission and the local horseshoe community,” said Dalton Rakestraw, 2nd Vice President of NHPA and Tournament Director. “Albuquerque has an incredible venue at Mariposa Basin Park, a passionate local club and a welcoming community that make it an ideal destination for a national-caliber event.”
“Albuquerque is thrilled to welcome the NHPA U.S. Open to our city,” said Tania Armenta, President & CEO of Visit Albuquerque and the Albuquerque Sports Commission. “With our year-round sunshine, unique high-desert landscape and quality outdoor venues, Albuquerque offers an exceptional setting for competition. We look forward to hosting athletes and fans from across the country and sharing the energy and culture that make our city so special.”
The tournament will feature a mix of visiting competitors and local talent, including New Mexico Horseshoe Club President Manuel Garcia, an Albuquerque native competing in front of a hometown crowd. Throughout the weekend, athletes will compete in a sport known for its unique combination of skill, strategy and camaraderie.
“Albuquerque is a ringer for hosting top-notch sports and recreation events, like the NHPA U.S. Open Regional Championship,” said City of Albuquerque Parks & Recreation Director David Simon. “Investments in recreation facilities is great for our community.”
With support from the Albuquerque Sports Commission and the City of Albuquerque Parks & Recreation Department, the event reflects ongoing efforts to bring high-quality sporting events to the region while positioning Albuquerque as a premier destination for national competitions.
For more information on the event, visit https://newmexicohorseshoepitching.com.
About Visit Albuquerque and the Albuquerque Sports Commission
Visit Albuquerque is an accredited destination marketing organization (DMO), and a private, not-for-profit organization [501(c)(6)]. The mission of Visit Albuquerque is to stimulate economic growth by marketing Albuquerque as a convention and visitor destination, as well as a premier sports destination through the efforts of the Albuquerque Sports Commission (a division of Visit Albuquerque). For more information, go to www.VisitABQ.org.
About the National Horseshoe Pitchers Association (NHPA)
The National Horseshoe Pitchers Association promotes the sport of horseshoe pitching through organized competition, national championships and community engagement. The NHPA supports players of all skill levels while preserving the tradition and sportsmanship of the game.
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