Santa Ana Star Center will have a Major Arena Soccer League 2 team. (Courtesy Santa Ana Star Center)
Rio Rancho, N.M.’s Santa Ana Star Center will be home to the state’s first major arena soccer league team, the New Mexico Runners, starting in December under a one-year agreement.
The concept for the Runners was developed over a six-month process to bring sports to the city of Rio Rancho, a north Albuquerque suburb. Co-founders Andres Trujillo and father Edwin created TRU Sports Properties LLC with the goal of being a positive force in the community. Andres’ sister Angelica Delgado will be sales director and his uncle James Baca will handle ticketing.
Andres’ experience in the sports industry extends from his radio days at ESPN Radio KQTM-FM in Rio Rancho to owning, operating and investing in local sports teams, including professional indoor football and soccer. Edwin is a successful businessman, having owned his own company as an electrician for over 20 years.
“We’ve been working closely with TRU Sports Properties to prepare for the season,” said the arena’s general manager, Shane Cadwell. “It’s the right sport at the right time.”
The team will play in Major Arena Soccer League 2 as part of the six-team Western Conference in what is now an 11-team league. The season runs from December through March.
The Runners list season tickets on their website, ranging from $277 a seat for the front rows to $63 a seat in the upper level. Single-game tickets range from $50 down to $10, and groups get discounted prices. Party Zone boxes, situated behind the goals, are also listed at $5,000 for the season or $900 per game.
The team’s site says it will play seven games at home, plus potential playoff games.
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