KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: 2026 STATE SPIRIT CHAMPIONSHIPS
The New Mexico Activities Association would like to highlight the following important information regarding the upcoming 2026 State Spirit Championships.
Official Championship Name:
2026 State Spirit Championships
Championship Location:
University of New Mexico – The Pit
Championship Dates:
Cheer – Friday, March 20th
Dance – Saturday, March 21st
Championship Schedules:
- Doors open on Friday: Teams 8:00 AM | Spectators 8:30 AM
- Doors open on Saturday: Teams 7:00 AM | Spectators 7:30 AM
Tickets:
Ticket Prices*:
- Day Pass – $16 (will be $20 with UNM’s fees)
- Adult – $11 (will be $15 with UNM’s fees)
- Student/Senior/Military – $7 (will be $10 with UNM’s fees)
Online purchases can be made through the UNM Ticketing website at:
NMAA Spirit Tickets through UNM
Additional Facility Information:
- The University of New Mexico will be charging $7 per vehicle for parking.
- Concession stands will be available.
- The Pit is a cashless facility – only credit/debit card payments can be made for parking fees, tickets, and concessions.
- UNM utilizes metal detectors at all entrances.
- No outside food or drink is permitted.
- Spectator signs that support teams may not exceed 12” x 12”.
- Selfie sticks, sign sticks, and PVC, metal and/or wood posts/poles are not allowed (does not apply to flag poles used for team performances).
- Balloons, beach balls, and confetti are prohibited.
- Artificial noisemakers are not allowed.
- Recording performances is permitted if it does not obstruct the view of others; tripods/cords are not allowed in the stands. Streaming the event is prohibited.
- Spectator seating is general admission and is first-come, first-served.
- Parents and fans can have front-and-center views of their respective teams. A reserved section is located at the center of the performance floor on both the west and east sides of the arena. Seating is only available for fans of the team performing and must be vacated immediately after the performance. The respective seating sections are cleared after each performance.
- Northwest Design Ink is the exclusive State Championship Merchandise provider of the NMAA. Souvenir items commemorating this exciting event can be purchased at the venue or by visiting https://online-apparel.com/s/nmaa-store/spirit-state-championships/
- All patrons who choose to bring bags into the event must abide by the clear bag policy at the University of New Mexico facilities.UNM’s clear bag policy can be found by visiting https://golobos.com/clear-bag-policy/
Live Video Stream:
All Performances – www.nfhsnetwork.com
*Subscriptions available for $13.99 (provides full month of access to live events)
UNM CLEAR BAG POLICY
- All patrons who choose to bring bags into the game must abide by the clear bag policy
- Clear Bags may be no larger than 12”x6”x12”
- If patrons do not have a clear bag, they may bring in a gallon-sized freezer bag
- Palm-sized clutch purses or wallets must abide by clear bag policy as of July, 2024. Your clutch must be clear (No satchels)
- Non-clear medical bags are permitted and subject to inspection
- Diaper bags are permitted if entering with a child but are subject to inspection
- Seat cushions without arms or pockets are permitted
- Backpacks, fanny packs, printed pattern bags, reusable grocery bags, mesh or straw bags, duffle bags, or large totes (larger than 12’x6’x12”) are NOT permitted
- If you choose to bring in a blanket, the blanket must be carried in separately and not placed in the clear bag
- If your bag gets turned away at the gate due to not following clear bag policy, you will need to return it to your vehicle, as we have no area to store it
