Renovations continue on The Pit

Albuquerque (KRQE) - If you take a drive by The Pit, you'll notice that the over 40-year-old building hardly looks like its old self.

Renovations started in late April. New cement is being poured on the east side of the structure, with plenty of piles of rubble dotting the parking lots. Some pieces of the exterior walls have been knocked out, which opens the building to all kinds of work on the inside.

The mezzanine seats have been removed, and much of the former upper deck will be replaced by luxury suites and video boards. Add to all that the widening of concourses and enhanced concession areas and restrooms, and the total price tag adds up to $60 million dollars.

"I think it's always easier to knock something down than to rebuild something," UNM Senior Associate Athletic Director Tim Cass said. "But there's no doubt this is a real exciting time for Lobo athletics."

There are two other benefits to this project. In the present, more jobs have been created. Cass said at any one time there could be as many as 300 to 350 people working on the project.

Down the line, a lot of the rubble will be recycled into the renovations.

While the seating bowl will remain unchanged, everything surrounding it will be a lot different.

"It will have a different appearance on the outside and on the concourse level and the amenities we'll be able to offer," Cass said. "But I think there's still gonna be that feeling you're in the old Pit."

Cass said the bulk of the work is expected to be done by the start of basketball in November. The project is expected to be fully completed by the start of the 2010-2011 season.