ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.- The future of the New Mexico State Fairgrounds continues to spark debate. This week, the Fairgrounds District Board reviewed three preliminary conceptual plans developed by the firm Stantec, as part of a process to reimagine the historic space that has housed the fair since 1938.
The plans were presented by municipal representatives of District 1 and follow the announcement made in December 2024 by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, who expressed interest in exploring the possible relocation of the State Fair. In response, the Legislature in March 2025 created the State Fairgrounds District, an entity with authority to collect taxes and issue up to $500 million in bonds for development projects.
The first plan contemplates keeping the fair in its current location, with redevelopment limited primarily to the southwest of the land. The proposal includes a 10-acre public park, a new exhibition center, housing and an entertainment district.
The second plan reduces the space allocated to the fair and proposes a larger entertainment district, a nine-acre park, a hotel, an events center and mixed-use areas.
The third plan the most ambitious, proposing the complete relocation of the State Fair. This model includes more than 120 acres of development, with hundreds of homes, an innovation center, educational spaces, two large parks and a pedestrian corridor.
After the presentation, Governor Lujan Grisham indicated that her preferred option is the third plan, although she clarified that detailed cost estimates are still awaited before making a final decision.
Meanwhile, Albuquerque residents have expressed divided opinions. City resident Andy noted his concern about changing the location of a historic space:
“The fairgrounds have always been in the same place since we were kids. We may not go there very often, but it’s still a place that everyone knows and knows where it is. What’s the point of changing it? I feel like New Mexico needs a little expansion, but it should be done the right way and respecting the communities.”
Other residents believe a relocation could bring benefits. DJ, also an Albuquerque resident, said:
“Right now, the fairgrounds are like a big parking lot. They’re on Louisiana, behind the racetrack, there’s a lot of crime and the traffic to get into the fair is crazy. The lines are very long, so it would probably help a lot if they relocated it.”
Authorities stressed that none of the plans are final and that the main objective of this stage is to receive feedback from the community before selecting a final option. The public can submit comments online through the site: fairgroundsdistrict.nm.gov
