Getting There
Most visiting fans fly into El Paso International Airport (ELP), located roughly 50 miles south of Las Cruces and about a 55-minute drive via I-10 West. Renting a car at ELP is the most practical option and gives you full flexibility once in town. Shared shuttle services like Las Cruces Shuttle (J&E Delivery) offer flat-rate airport runs starting around $130 daytime for up to several passengers, while EPLA Limo Express runs bus service between El Paso and Las Cruces for around $25-$40 per ticket.
Getting Around
A rental car is strongly recommended for visiting sports fans, as Las Cruces is a spread-out Sun Belt city where most venues, restaurants, and hotels are not walkable from one another. The city does operate RoadRUNNER Transit, a free eight-route public bus system, but routes run on limited Saturday hours and do not operate on Sundays, making it unreliable for game-day travel. Uber and Lyft are both available in Las Cruces and are a solid fallback for short hops around town on game day.
Where to Stay
Visiting fans are best served by staying near the Telshor Boulevard corridor on the east side of town, close to the NMSU campus and Aggie Memorial Stadium, where you will find a cluster of mid-range chain hotels in the $100-$160 per night range. Downtown Las Cruces, centered around the pedestrian mall on Main Street, is another solid base with dining and bars within walking distance, though you will need a rideshare or car to reach the stadium. Book early for home opener weekends and rivalry games, as the local hotel supply is modest and rates can spike significantly. Budget-conscious fans can also find options along Valley Drive (the main commercial spine) for under $100 per night.
Sports Fan Notes
Las Cruces is a single-team college sports town, and on fall Saturdays New Mexico State Aggies football at Aggie Memorial Stadium is the unquestioned center of the sports universe here. NMSU is an FBS independent, which means the Aggies do not belong to a traditional conference, giving the home schedule an eclectic mix of opponents that can include Power Four programs looking for an easy road win and fellow Group of Five schools. The rivalry with New Mexico (the Lobos) is the most emotionally charged game on the schedule and sells out quickly, though it is typically played in Albuquerque. Fans who want to add a pro sports component to a trip should note that El Paso, just 45 miles away, is home to the El Paso Chihuahuas (AAA baseball, Triple-A West) and the El Paso Locomotive FC (USL Championship soccer), making a multi-day sports weekend very feasible.
Venues in Las Cruces
Pan American Center
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get from ELP to downtown Las Cruces?
The drive from El Paso International Airport (ELP) to downtown Las Cruces takes about 55 minutes via I-10 West and is roughly 50-52 miles. Renting a car at ELP is the most convenient option. Shared shuttle services (Las Cruces Shuttle/J&E Delivery) offer flat-rate door-to-door runs for around $130 daytime. EPLA Limo Express bus service is a cheaper alternative at $25-$40 per ticket with a 45-minute ride time, though it does not depart directly from the airport terminal.
What is the best neighborhood to stay in Las Cruces for a sports trip?
The Telshor Boulevard area on the east side of Las Cruces is the top pick for Aggies fans, as it sits closest to the NMSU campus and Aggie Memorial Stadium and has the highest concentration of mid-range hotels ($100-$160/night). It also offers easy access to chain restaurants and bars. Downtown (Main Street Mall area) is a secondary option with more local character but requires a short drive or rideshare to reach the stadium.
Which sports teams play in Las Cruces?
Las Cruces is home to the New Mexico State Aggies football team (NCAA FBS Independent), who play their home games at Aggie Memorial Stadium on the NMSU campus. As an FBS independent, the Aggies are not tied to a single conference, giving their home schedule a unique mix of opponents each season.
Is Las Cruces a World Cup 2026 host city?
No, Las Cruces is not hosting any 2026 FIFA World Cup matches. The nearest host city is Dallas, Texas, which is approximately 650 miles to the east. Fans looking to combine a Las Cruces sports trip with World Cup matches should plan a separate trip to Dallas or another host city.
Sports cities near Las Cruces
Close enough to pair with a Las Cruces trip — or to catch a game on the drive in.