Discover the Rugged History of Sports in Farmington, NM

Farmington, New Mexico is a destination that boasts both natural beauty and rich sporting history. For those who are interested in exploring the past of sports in this region while experiencing authentic and rugged local culture, there are several mustvisit locations.

One such place is Chaco Canyon (1808 County Road 7900), just an hours drive from downtown Farmington. This UNESCO World Heritage site was once home to ancient Puebloan people who played a rudimentary form of basketball on its plazas over 1,000 years ago. Visitors can explore the Great Kiva where these games were held and learn about their significance as a part of spiritual ceremonies.

For those looking for more recent sports history, stop by the Connie Mack World Series at Ricketts Park (1101 Fairgrounds Rd). The annual event has been taking place since 1965 and features top collegelevel baseball teams competing for the championship title. It is named after legendary baseball manager Connie Mack who visited Farmington during spring training with his Philadelphia Athletics team in 1946.

Another historic location to visit is Bloomfield Speedway (2424 E Bloomfield Blvd), which hosted its first race event back in 1959. This dirt track remains popular among racing enthusiasts and locals alike today dont be surprised if you see vintage cars or special events commemorating important moments throughout its history when visiting.

Finally, no trip to Farmington would be complete without stopping by Lions Wilderness Park Amphitheater (5800 College Blvd). This outdoor venue has hosted countless concerts featuring superstar musicians like Johnny Cash, ZZ Top, and Tom Petty throughout its decadeslong existence all while surrounded by stunning red rock formations unique to northern New Mexico.

These sites only scratch the surface when it comes to discovering Farmingtons sporting heritage so grab your sunscreen, throw on some comfortable shoes, and get ready to relive the exciting sports moments of the past.

Websites:

https://www.nps.gov/chcu/index.htm

http://www.cmws.org/

https://bloomspeedway.com/

https://fmtn.org/354/LionsWildernessParkAmphitheater

Twitter handles:

@ChacoCultureNHP

@CMWS_News

@BloomfieldSpwy

@CityofFarmington