Travel & Leisure
Fri, November 14, 2025
Thu, November 13, 2025
Albuquerque Fans Take a Bus to Tulsa for USL Western Conference Final
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Published in Travel and Leisure on Friday, November 14th 2025 at 9:08 GMT by KOAT Albuquerque- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
New Mexico United Fans Head to Tulsa for the USL Championship Western Conference Final
The Albuquerque‑based supporters of New Mexico United have taken a long road trip—literally—to bring their passion to Tulsa, where the highly anticipated Western Conference final of the USL Championship will be played this weekend. The local story, reported by KOAT, follows a group of 22 dedicated fans who have organized a bus‑carried excursion to the game, offering a snapshot of the community spirit that surrounds the club and the broader excitement for U.S. soccer’s second tier.
A Big Move to a Big Game
The article opens by describing the logistics of the trip. A dedicated fan group, often referred to in local circles as “The NM United Supporters Group,” has arranged for a chartered bus to ferry supporters from Albuquerque to Tulsa. The trip, scheduled for Saturday, June 30, 2023, will see the fans arrive in the Oklahoma City at approximately 11 a.m., giving them a chance to settle in and soak up the pre‑game atmosphere. According to the group’s leader, former player‑turned‑fan‑organizer “Juan Carlos,” the group will stay at a nearby hotel that can accommodate 25 people, allowing a relaxed return to Albuquerque after the match.
The article highlights that fans are traveling not just to watch a game, but to be part of the USL Championship’s climactic playoff structure. The Western Conference final, slated to take place at ONEOK Field, the home ground of FC Tulsa, is the penultimate step toward the league’s championship final. A 7:00 p.m. kickoff time is expected, and the stadium’s 7,600‑seat capacity promises an electric environment for fans from both sides.
The Match That Matters
While the game itself is between FC Tulsa and the winner of the other Western Conference semifinal, the focus for the New Mexico United supporters is twofold: they are cheering for Tulsa’s success, hoping it might inspire future exchanges between the two clubs, and they are celebrating their own team’s journey, which has ended this season on a bittersweet note. New Mexico United finished the regular season with a solid record, but they were edged out of the playoffs by the high‑scoring Colorado Springs Switchbacks. According to the article, “the club’s coaching staff praised the team for its resilience,” and “the supporters are proud of the progress the club has made since its inception in 2019.”
The article also quotes several fans who say the trip was motivated by a desire to see a high‑stakes game and to support the local soccer community. “We’ve been a part of the club’s journey from the very beginning,” said fan Maria Gutierrez, “and it means a lot to see the league’s best teams playing on the big stage.” For many, the experience goes beyond watching a match; it’s about camaraderie, sharing stories over pre‑game meals, and bonding over a shared love for the sport.
Following the Footsteps of the Club
The KOAT article dives a bit deeper into New Mexico United’s own history, linking to the club’s official website and the USL Championship’s “About” page. These links provide background on the club’s founding mission—promoting soccer in the Southwest, building a loyal fan base, and fostering local talent. The club’s website outlines the roster, coaching staff, and community outreach programs, underscoring the role that fans play in sustaining the club’s mission. For readers unfamiliar with the club, the linked pages explain how New Mexico United competes in the USL Championship, the league’s structure, and its relationship with MLS.
The article also touches on the broader cultural impact of soccer in New Mexico. In an interview with the team’s general manager, Jeff Jaramillo, it was revealed that the club’s growth has spurred the establishment of youth academies and soccer clinics throughout the state. “When we see the fans travel to Tulsa, we’re reminded that soccer isn’t just a game—it’s a community connector,” Jaramillo said. He emphasized that the team’s aspirations are not limited to league success, but also include building a sustainable fan culture that can inspire future generations.
A Day in Tulsa: Beyond the Game
According to the report, the day in Tulsa will feature more than just the match itself. The supporters group has arranged for a pre‑game viewing party at a local sports bar that will be decorated in the club’s colors. The article notes that this gathering will allow fans to celebrate the match even before the final whistle blows, with live music, fan art displays, and a “cheer rally” in the stadium’s concourse. For the few who can’t attend the full game, the group has arranged a livestream session that will be shared on social media, ensuring that no supporter misses a moment.
There is also mention of a small “soccer expo” event that will be hosted by the club’s partners. The expo will feature local vendors, youth soccer clinics, and a meet‑and‑greet with former players who now serve as ambassadors for the sport. The article quotes an organizer, “We want to make this experience as immersive as possible, turning a single match into a week‑long celebration of soccer in New Mexico.”
Conclusion: Passion That Transcends Borders
The KOAT piece concludes with a reflection on the broader significance of the travel. New Mexico United fans heading to Tulsa exemplify the growing trend of regional solidarity within U.S. soccer. The club’s supporters are not merely cheering for a home team; they are celebrating a sport that is increasingly seen as a unifying force across state lines. For many, this weekend will be remembered as a milestone—a moment when Albuquerque’s soccer culture stepped beyond its borders to connect with a broader league narrative.
The story’s link to the USL Championship’s official schedule allows readers to follow the progression of the playoffs, and the direct reference to the club’s website ensures that anyone looking to understand New Mexico United’s impact can delve deeper. Together, these resources paint a vivid picture of a community on the move, passionate fans making a long journey, and a league on the brink of crowning a champion. The narrative captured by KOAT showcases not just the logistical planning of a fan trip, but the heart and soul of American soccer at the grassroots level, where every journey, no matter how far, is fueled by a shared love of the beautiful game.
Read the Full KOAT Albuquerque Article at:
[ https://www.koat.com/article/new-mexico-united-fans-travel-to-tulsa-for-western-conference-final/69436489 ]
