For Those Going to New Mexico

[Salsa]

I live in Santa Fe, about an hour's drive North of Albuquerque where the Falcons will play this weekend. I guess we play New Mexico Fri. night and then play a second game Sat. night. Wish it were the other way around. The New Mexico women's team is very good, especially defensively.

Here are some facts that might be helpful. First of all, you're in for a treat. New Mexico plays its games in a place called the Pit. A couple of years ago, Sports Illustrated listed the top Sports Venues in the U.S. for all sports and the Pit was in the top 10. It holds around 18,000 and is very tough on visitors. The "Lady Lobos" are a big draw, averaging 11-12,000 per game.

The Pit and the U.of New Mexico campus are close to the Albuquerque Airport. Elevation is around 5,000 feet so depth and conditioning are important.

If you have a chance, take the hour's drive North to Santa Fe on I-25. It is a gorgeous setting located in the middle of 4 mountain ranges with an elevation around 7,000 feet, the highest of any State Capitol in the U.S. It is almost always sunny. I tell friends that Santa Fe is about the only place I know where you can ski in the morning and play golf in the afternoon.

Founded in 1610 (before the Pilgrims arrived in America), Santa Fe has lots of history and charm. Residential and commercial architecture is almost exclusively adobe. There are lots of Museums, Art Galleries (the 3rd largest art market in the U.S. behind New York and L.A.), and many good restaurants. The Georgia O'Keefe Art Museum is near to the Plaza which is a great walking area. For those interested in Indian Jewelry, a good, modestly priced place to start is the North side of the Plaza in front of the Palace of the Governers. Native American jewelry makers set up there every day and have to be licensed to sell their wares, so you can be assured about authenticity.

Incidently, Albuquerque has a nice area of shops, galleries, and restaurants called "Old Town".

If you have questions, I'll try to answer them. Maybe I'll see some of you at the game.

[pardonfan]

I wish I could go. I've always wanted to see the Southwest. I can't believe they get 11,000 for womens games. That is awesome.

[fredthefalcon]

Hey Salsa,

Would like to go but can't. Have been to Albie twice and Santa Fe once. My sister-in-law lived in Las Cruces and it was cheaper to fly into Albuquerque + more to do before going south. Enjoyed the food on the square in Santa Fe, bought Indian jewlery, went to the old church where the story was that an unknown carpenter built a staircase with no nails and then disappeared. They made you think it was Jesus. Also the hotel where Val Kilmer supposedly lives part time. Anyway enjoyed it and would like to go again. The only problem we ever had was on the tramway to Skandia Mountain. We got in a thunder storm at the top and they stopped the tram for hours until the skies cleared. Not fun when you had younger kids and no food after the chips and candy bars from the machines ran out.

[Falconfreak90]

Good to see the Falcons heading to your area, Salsa! GO BG!

[Metz]

The "Lady Lobos" are a big draw, averaging 11-12,000 per game.

Get rid of two zeros and you might have the BG women's games attendance. Before I graduate, I'd love to see Anderson with 4,500 for a women's game!! 8)

[Falconboy]

New Mexico isn't top 20 are they? They sure are excited about their ladies basketball. :-\ Man, it be nice just to a third of that attendance for our ladies. Again someone mention to the sideline squad besides Hammb that the Lady falcons are looking good this year and get em' out for the next home game! And again remind them that its F-R-E-E!!!!

GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! BEAT NEW MEXICO!!!!!!!!!!