Rio Rancho Events Center expands programming, adds professional hockey team

The Rio Rancho Events Center continues to serve as a major regional venue for greater Rio Rancho and the Albuquerque metro area, presenting touring acts, family entertainment, monster truck and motor events, and conventions. This December and January the calendar features a range of family shows and concerts and several touring holiday productions, with a steady lineup of other ticketed events through the season. The venue has also announced that the New Mexico Goatheads will begin play there in the 2026 to 2027 season, bringing professional hockey to the community.

For local residents the venue is both an arts and entertainment hub and an economic engine, drawing visitors who spend at area restaurants, hotels and retail establishments. The Events Center supports jobs in hospitality, ticketing, security and concessions, and the arrival of a professional hockey team promises a regular schedule of home games that could boost midweek and weekend spending. Group sales and venue rentals provide opportunities for schools, nonprofits and community organizations to host fundraisers and gatherings.

At the same time a busier calendar places strain on public systems. Events produce increased traffic, parking demand and pressure on emergency medical services. Accessibility remains a core concern, especially for older adults and people with disabilities who depend on ADA compliant seating, accessible parking and clear information about box office hours and parking options. Public health considerations include planning for crowd related illnesses, first aid readiness, and coordination with local hospitals and EMS during large events.

Equitable access is a community priority. Ticket pricing, outreach to under resourced neighborhoods, and partnerships with local social service providers can help ensure that families and lower income residents can attend cultural and sporting events. Transportation partnerships including expanded bus service and coordinated parking management would reduce congestion and improve air quality.

Residents seeking tickets, scheduling details, group sales or venue rental information should use the Events Center site's ticketing links or contact the box office directly. As the center expands offerings and prepares for the Goatheads season, county officials, public health agencies and community groups will need to collaborate to maximize economic benefits while protecting health and ensuring fair access for all Sandoval County residents.