State basketball championships begin this week. Here’s what Las Cruces fans need to know
The 2026 New Mexico state basketball championships begin this week, with games scheduled at The Pit, Rio Rancho Events Center and Bernalillo High School.
Fans traveling from Las Cruces should plan ahead for tickets, parking and venue locations
Organ Mountain News report
ALBUQUERQUE - The 2026 Nusenda Credit Union State Basketball Championships begin this week, with most games scheduled at venues in the Albuquerque area.
The tournament opens with first-round games Friday, March 6 for girls teams and Saturday, March 7 for boys teams. Those games will be played at the home sites of higher-seeded teams.
Quarterfinal, semifinal and championship games will take place March 10 through March 14 at several Albuquerque-area venues.
The University of New Mexico’s arena, known as The Pit, will host most of the tournament, including all championship games on Friday, March 13 and Saturday, March 14. Additional games will be played at the Rio Rancho Events Center from March 10 through March 12 and at Bernalillo High School on March 11.
Officials advise spectators to arrive early because of expected traffic and security procedures at The Pit and the Rio Rancho Events Center.
Tickets
Tickets for first-round games are available online only through GoFan. Cash sales will not be accepted.
Adults pay $12. Students in grades K-12, seniors age 65 and older and military personnel pay $8.
Ticket prices for later rounds vary depending on the venue, but most quarterfinal and semifinal tickets cost $12 for adults and $8 for students, seniors and military members.
Tickets for games at The Pit may also include additional fees charged by the University of New Mexico.
Single-day tickets do not allow re-entry to venues.
Parking and concessions
Parking at The Pit costs $7 per vehicle. Parking is free at the Rio Rancho Events Center and Bernalillo High School.
Concession stands will be available at the venues, though The Pit and the Rio Rancho Events Center accept credit cards only.
Live streaming
Quarterfinal, semifinal and championship games will be streamed on the NFHS Network. Subscriptions cost $13.99 for a month of access.
Additional tournament information is available through the New Mexico Activities Association.
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