Regents to close on sale of former stadium

PORTALES — By Friday, there should only be one Greyhound Stadium in Roosevelt County.

The Eastern New Mexico University regents are expected to close on a sale of the former home of the Greyhound football team, along with nearly 24 acres surrounding it, during their Friday morning virtual meeting.

To attend the 9:30 a.m. meeting, email [email protected] for a meeting link.

Vice President of Business Affairs Scott Smart said the negotiated purchase price is $25,500, which is largely for the land. The stadium itself was appraised at zero, since appraisers took into account costs for razing the old seating.

Smart declined to disclose the buyer’s identity prior to the regents meeting, and said he has no idea about the presumptive owner’s plans for the stadium and the property.

The university spent roughly a year marketing the property, which hasn’t been used since the Greyhounds began the 2015 season in their on-campus stadium. Smart wasn’t sure how many times the stadium was advertised, but said its legal team did a “negotiated sales” process, by which it reached out to potential buyers and then negotiated with anybody who showed interest.

Other items on the Friday agenda include:

n An update on the university house remodel from Regent Dan Patterson. The Cherry Street residence has been unoccupied since former Chancellor Jeff Elwell left ENMU, and Interim Chancellor Patrice Caldwell was not inclined to move there given her interim status.

n An update from Athletic Director Matt Billings on goals and plans for the department. The university opted against competitive sports and practices during the fall semester due to concerns with the COVID-19 pandemic.

n An executive session to discuss the process and timeline for the selection of a permanent chancellor, followed by a discussion of the same matter in open session.