Albuquerque Sports Stadium

Albuquerque Sports Stadium was built in 1969 as a modern replacement for the aging Tingley Field. The ballpark could accommodate just under 8,000 fans, with seating for about 6600.

Sited on a hill between Albuquerque's airport and the University of New Mexico, the stadium became part of a complex of sports facilities that included UNM's basketball facility, The Pit and their football stadium.

Run by the unique Patrick (Pat) McKernan, the Sports Stadium was a very basic facility with a central food area behind the stadium and a ticketing area and offices in front of that.

The park had its fun quirks. There was a clear glass screen door installed by McKernan to his office so he could keep his eye on the concessions across the way. Beer was served out of what had been a storage closet. If you looked into McKernan's office through the screen door, you would see the most amazing collection of fish tanks, patio furniture, decades of memorabilia, and office furniture.

With a full moon rising over the Sandia mountains, a 12,000 foot high peak that served as the park's backdrop, and some of the finest players from the Triple-A Albuquerque Dukes affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers there was no better place to see a ball game.

The stadium was torn down in 2001 after team owner Bob Lozinak sold the Dukes franchise to Portland in 2000 and a new team, the Albuquerque Isotopes were given a new stadium on the same grounds, Isotopes Park.

Many Dodger greats, including much of the championship teams of the Dodgers from the 1970s skippered by Tommy Lasorda played at the Albuquerque Sports Stadium, including Steve Garvey, Mike Piazza and Paul Lo Duca.