KNOW BEFORE YOU GO TO THE NUSENDA CREDIT UNION STATE BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS
The New Mexico Activities Association would like to advise the public and media of important information pertaining to the 2026 Nusenda Credit Union State Basketball Championships.
The first round of the tournament will be played on Friday, March 6th (Girls) and Saturday, March 7th (Boys) at the home sites of the higher seeded teams.
The Quarterfinals, Semifinals, and Finals will be played March 10th-14th in the Albuquerque metro area. UNM’s The Pit will play host to the majority of the tournament, with all state championship finals being played on Friday, March 13th and Saturday, March 14th. The Rio Rancho Events Center will host games Tuesday, March 10th – Thursday, March 12th. Bernalillo High School will host games on Wednesday March 11th.
Due to heavy traffic and security protocols at The Pit and the Rio Rancho Events Center, it is recommended that spectators arrive early. Additional details for the event are listed below.
NMAA State Basketball
Official Championship Name:
2026 Nusenda Credit Union State Basketball Championships
Championship Brackets:
Championship Locations:
1st Round of 16: Host School Sites (higher seed)
Quarters, Semis & Finals: UNM – The Pit, Rio Rancho Events Center, Bernalillo HS
Tickets for 1st Round:
Tickets can be purchased online only via GoFan (NO CASH SALES).
https://gofan.co/app/school/NMAA
Adults: $12.00*
Students (K-12) / Seniors (65+) / Military: $8.00*
*Ticket prices include transaction fees
***NMAA Tournament Passes provide access to 1st Round games and can be purchased directly from the NMAA office or by calling 505-923-3110
Tickets for Quarterfinals-Finals:
Ticket prices vary during the quarters, semis, and finals vary depending on the facility.
Bernalillo High School**
$8.00* Students (K-12) / Seniors (65+) / Military
$12.00* Adults
*Ticket prices include transaction fees
**no cash sales – available online only via https://gofan.co/app/school/NMAA
Rio Rancho Events Center**
$8.00* Students (K-12) / Seniors (65+) / Military
$12.00* Adults
*Ticket prices include transaction fees
**no cash sales – available online only via https://gofan.co/app/school/NMAA
Rio Rancho Events Center Arena Policies
UNM – The Pit**
$7.00 Students (K-12) / Seniors (65+) / Military (will be $10 with UNM fees)
$11.00* Adults (will be $15 with UNM fees)
$15.00* Reserved Seating (Chair Back) (will be $19 with UNM fees)
*Increased ticket prices at the Pit include higher transaction fees assessed by UNM
**Tickets can be purchased by calling 505.925.LOBO or online at:
Directions
Located on the southwest corner of Avenida Cesar Chavez and University Boulevard, The Pit can be easily accessed by exiting off I-25, just south of the Big-I, at Avenida Cesar Chavez. Head east on Avenida Cesar Chavez and The Pit is located on the right.
NMAA Basketball Tickets for The Pit
NOTE – Single day tickets purchased via GoFan or UNM do not allow for re-entry privileges.
NOTE – Tournament passes provide access to all rounds/games, re-entry privileges throughout the tournament, and a reserved seat at The Pit. These will be available for sale through 12noon on Wednesday March 4th. For seating options and pricing for these special passes, please contact the NMAA directly at (505) 923-3110.
Courtside Guidelines at The Pit
- Please refrain from entering the court or the area adjacent to the playing surface for any reason. Fans must remain behind table at all times.
- Use of profanity is prohibited.
- Show respect by avoiding verbal abuse towards players, coaches, or referees. Physical contact and throwing objects at them are not allowed.
- Consider the experience of others by not disrupting the game or fellow fans.
- Standing policy: brief cheering is acceptable, but please do not stand for extended periods or leave your seat during gameplay.
UNM has a Clear Bag Policy
In an effort to provide a safer environment, a clear bag policy is in place at ALL UNM Athletic events. These policies significantly expedite fan entry into all stadiums. This is consistent with all NFL stadiums and many other collegiate institutions.
Clear Bag Policy will be in effect FOR ALL sports seasons
- 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
- Patrons are encouraged to leave all bags at home to speed up the entry process into the stadium
Additional Facility Information:
- The University of New Mexico will be charging $7 per vehicle for parking. The Rio Rancho Events Center and Bernalillo HS will not charge for parking.
- Concession stands will be available (credit card only at UNM & RREC).
- Northwest Designs Ink is the exclusive State Championship Merchandise provider of the NMAA. Souvenir items commemorating this exciting event can be purchased at any of the three tournament venues or by visiting https://nwd.ink/
Live Video Stream:
Quarterfinals, Semifinals, & Finals – www.nfhsnetwork.com
*subscriptions available for $13.99 (provides full month of access to live events)
