Pan American Center
The Pan American Center is located at the west end of the New Mexico State University Campus. It is named after the Pan American Highway, Interstate 25, which is adjacent to the facility.
W.C. Kruger and Associates of Santa Fe designed the building and construction began in 1968. It received a parquet wood floor in 1986, and renovations in the early 2000s brought the seating capacity to approximately 12,000.
The Pan Am Center is first and foremost the home court for the New Mexico State University Aggie men's and women's basketball, and women's volleyball teams. It also serves the community for commencements from local high schools and New Mexico State University’s graduating classes.
Many of the people associated with the Pan Am Center are notable world class entertainers and athletes. Legendary comedians Victor Borge, Bob Hope, and Bill Cosby induced laughter and a plethora of musicians brought their unique sounds to the borderlands. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees such as Ike and Tina Turner, Fleetwood Mac, and Johnny Cash performed for regional crowds. In addition, Country Music icons Willie Nelson and George Jones entertained many, and George Strait played the Pan Am at least ten times. NBA players Larry Bird, Tim Hardaway and Luc Longley graced the hardwood as college athletes in competition against the Aggies.
The Pan American Center is one of the largest entertainment and sporting venues in the Southwest and continues to serve the community and region in many ways.
Research by Mark Garnes, New Mexico State University.
