Problems At The Pit

The University of New Mexico’s basketball arena could be shut down if school officials don’t get required smoke-clearing equipment installed within the next month.

State Fire Marshal John Standefer says he has run out of patience with the university over problems that weren’t resolved before the November debut of The Pit’s $60 million renovation.

Standefer says the building was allowed to open with additional restrictions but “they failed miserably.”

Fire alarms and sprinklers were installed, but UNM had not completed the system designed to clear smoke from the concourse. The arena was required to have a guard on fire watch at concession cooking areas, but those guards were either absent or asleep on the job during games this season.

Cooking at The Pit will be limited until the fire safety system is in order.