
The Pit University Arena Albuquerque
Legendary sunken arena in Albuquerque, famous for its deafening acoustics and electrifying UNM Lobos basketball games and PBR events.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Loudest fan energy

The Pit University Arena Albuquerque
Best Time
Loudest fan energy

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Legendary sunken arena in Albuquerque, famous for its deafening acoustics and electrifying UNM Lobos basketball games and PBR events.
"The Pit's sunken court design amplifies crowd noise, creating an unparalleled, loud, and intense atmosphere for every event."

🎯 Embrace the Noise!
The Pit is famous for its acoustics; expect it to be LOUD, especially during basketball games!
🚗 Parking Costs
Be prepared for parking fees, which can be around $25 for popular events like PBR.

Quick Facts
Rating
4.5 · 1,750 reviews
Type
Arena
Website
golobos.comHighlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Sunken Court
Main Arena Floor
Experience the legendary 37-foot sunken court that amplifies crowd noise for an electrifying atmosphere.

UNM Lobos Basketball
Main Arena
Feel the passion of Lobo fans during a college basketball game, known for its intense energy and loud cheers.

PBR Bull Riding
Main Arena
Witness thrilling professional bull riding events, featuring powerful bulls and skilled riders in a high-energy show.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Understand The Pit's Unique Design
Plan for Parking and Entry
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Embrace the Noise!
The Pit is famous for its acoustics; expect it to be LOUD, especially during basketball games!
🚗 Parking Costs
Be prepared for parking fees, which can be around $25 for popular events like PBR.
🎒 Bag Policy Check
Verify the bag policy before attending, as some events have strict rules and may not allow purses.
🪑 No Bad Seats
Most seats offer a great view, making it a good experience for all attendees.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Embrace the Noise!
The Pit is famous for its acoustics; expect it to be LOUD, especially during basketball games!
🚗 Parking Costs
Be prepared for parking fees, which can be around $25 for popular events like PBR.
🎒 Bag Policy Check
Verify the bag policy before attending, as some events have strict rules and may not allow purses.
🪑 No Bad Seats
Most seats offer a great view, making it a good experience for all attendees.
🤠 PBR Experience
PBR events are over two hours of non-stop action with great music and energetic performers.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Pit is celebrated for its unique sunken court design that creates an incredibly loud and energetic atmosphere, especially during UNM Lobos basketball games and PBR events. While many praise the thrilling experiences and good views from all seats, some visitors have noted issues with expensive parking and strict entry policies for certain events.
"PBR Review
So....I'm originally from Texas and grew up going to the Houston Rodeo yearly. I've also seen bull fighting in Central America. However, I've never been to a bull riding event, until now.
First of all parking was $25.
PBR was over two hours of relentless, thrilling bull riding action.
Awesome music was blasting the entire event. Not sure if the guy was a clown or just someone to keep the energy level up, but he kept that energy pumped. He also has (had) great dance moves.
Bulls are beautiful, ginormous and oh so fast. I realized that riding a bull with one hand while keeping the other hand off the bull and your body is an amazing display of bravery and athletic skill. Wow...8 seconds can feel like a long time.
I was pleasantly surprised and the PBR really went beyond what I thought it would be. I had a blast watching the bull riders.
Something new I learned: The strap underneath a bull is not tied around the bull's testicles like I've heard for my entire life. The rope is meant to motivate the bull to kick more with its back legs while bucking, which really puts a rider's skills to the test in staying on."
Demetris Goddess Queen
"I wish I could rate this place zero stars. We had the Los Lunas High School graduation here, and it was the worst venue ever for this event. Since it was a special day, many people were carrying gift arrangements for their graduates, but no one was allowed to go in with them. If the arrangement had any candy or chocolates, security turned people around right at the entrance. It was absolutely ridiculous, we we're one of many carrying arrangements that had to go back to the car to leave it there, and we parked far away. They should've notified the schools ahead of the event to let the attendees know or place signs all over the parking lot so you weren't running back and forth. The 1st time we had to go back to our car was because they didn't allow any purses/handbags - why! It's not like this was a sporting event, and security could've easily checked the bags for contents. Overall, having the graduation ceremony at this venue was an absolute nightmare!"
Monica
"Went for the UNM vs Texas A&M Corpus Christi basketball game with the family and a great game and time was had. Finally got to wear my signed Marlow White jersey and hangout with the family at a game and enjoysomegood food. Great environment food all around and plenty of good people to enjoy the game with."
Isaac M. Avila III
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Pit is located on the University of New Mexico campus in Albuquerque. Driving is the most common way to get there, with various parking lots available. Public transportation options may also be available; check local transit schedules for routes serving the UNM campus.
Yes, parking is available at The Pit, but it can be expensive. Expect fees around $25 for major events like PBR. It's advisable to check the specific event's parking information in advance.
Public transportation options to the University of New Mexico campus, where The Pit is located, are generally available. It's recommended to check the Albuquerque Ride Transit website for the most current routes and schedules serving the area.
To avoid traffic, aim to arrive well before the event start time, especially for popular basketball games or PBR events. Consider carpooling or using ride-sharing services to simplify parking.
The Pit is generally accessible for individuals with disabilities, with designated seating areas and accessible pathways. It's best to contact the venue directly in advance to arrange any specific needs.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets for events at The Pit can typically be purchased through the official University of New Mexico athletics website, authorized ticket vendors, or at the arena's box office on event days.
The operating hours for The Pit vary depending on the event schedule. For basketball games, doors usually open about an hour before tip-off. For other events, check the specific event details for entry times.
Yes, there can be strict restrictions. Some events have prohibited small purses or gift arrangements, requiring attendees to leave them in their cars. Always check the specific event's policy beforehand.
For popular events like UNM basketball games, it's highly recommended to purchase tickets in advance as they can sell out. For less in-demand events, tickets might be available at the box office on the day of the event.
The Pit has a seating capacity of over 15,000, making it a large and energetic venue for various sporting and entertainment events.
🎫 🏀 Onsite Experience
The atmosphere at a Lobos game is legendary! The sunken court design amplifies the crowd noise, creating an incredibly loud and intense environment. Lobo fans are known for their passion and energy.
Yes, The Pit is considered a top venue for PBR events, often compared to the Bristol Motor Speedway for its intense atmosphere. The unique design contributes to the thrilling experience.
Food options are available inside The Pit, typically including standard arena fare like hot dogs, nachos, and popcorn. Reviewers mention enjoying the food during games.
One of the best aspects of The Pit is that there are no bad seats. Every seat offers a great view of the action, ensuring a good experience for all attendees.
Generally, personal cameras are allowed for photos and videos, but professional equipment may require special permission. Check the specific event's policy, as restrictions can vary.
📸 📸 Photography
For iconic shots, capture the unique sunken court from different angles. During games, focus on the energetic crowd and player action. For PBR, the bulls and riders provide dramatic photo opportunities.
Yes, with its excellent sightlines, it's relatively easy to get good photos of basketball games. Capturing the intensity of the crowd and the fast-paced action is key.
A versatile zoom lens (e.g., 70-200mm) is ideal for capturing both wide shots of the arena and close-ups of the action during games or PBR events.
Arena lighting can be dynamic. Be prepared for varying light conditions, and consider a camera with good low-light performance or be ready to adjust your settings accordingly.
Drone usage is typically prohibited inside arenas like The Pit due to safety and security regulations. Always check with venue management before attempting to fly a drone.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit