Love of the GAME
Local stores make it easy to please sports fans
Sports fans may be among the easiest folks for whom to buy presents. Just give them something with their team’s logo on it and watch the smiles come out.
And, of course, in Albuquerque, nothing does that more than something in cherry and silver with a howling wolf on it. What’s more, there is really no better place to find University of New Mexico Lobos gear than the New Mexico Look Den store tucked conveniently into the side of the Pit, which is only open on game days. There are three other New Mexico Look stores, operated by Zia Graphics, throughout the city.
No UNM fan’s Christmas tree is complete without an ornament that runs $8.95, said Ben Church of Zia Graphics.
And a Lobos jacket that costs $85.95 is just right for students strolling around campus, he said, especially when accessorized with a Lobos backpack for $98.50.
Frugal Lobos fans will enjoy the
UNM bank for $12.95 that is a great way to stash pennies, nickels and dimes, Church said.
The desktop ball-and-hoop set for $18.95 can help fans while away the hours until the next game.
And let all the other drivers on the road know who you support with a Lobos license plate for $12.95.
“You can really buy something here at the Pit store at New Mexico Look for every Lobos fan in your life,” Church said. “You can get something for grandpa that he really loves and also for grandma. You have things that kids love. A 16-year-old driver can represent the Lobos with a license plate on their new car.”
Some of the more unique items include the Lobos golf bag for $205, and a regulation cornhole set for $225 that makes a great time-passer while the hot dogs are grilling during tailgate season, Church said.
A $14.95 Lobos water bottle is just the thing for staying hydrated on campus or around town, while the $9.95 earbuds can crank the tunes.
And hunters dig the camouflage caps for $25.
For New Mexico State University Aggies fans, the sweatshirt for those rare, cool winter evenings, runs $39.95.
The short-sleeve T-shirt is $19.95 and the raglan, baseball-sleeve shirt is $22.95.
Get a reaction
Among the more popular gift items for years, Albuquerque Isotopes gear is always a hit, said Michael Malgieri, director of retail operations for the Triple A baseball team.
The black-colored Copa Booster Tank for $35 makes a great gift for women, he said, with its mariachis lingo.
“Even though the cold weather is beginning to arrive, these tank tops will be ready for you during the warm months of baseball season,” he said.
The primary black T-shirt for $25 with the classic Isotopes logo is recognized across the country.
“This classic T-shirt is great for anyone who wants to show off their support of the Isotopes and the unique logo of the team,” Malgieri said.
And the $40 Isotopes home cap makes a stylish edition to an evening at the ballpark.
“This black cap goes with any outfit whether you are at the ballpark or out around the city,” he said.
Two other caps may not be quite as recognizable but nevertheless are quite stylish, both of which sell for $40, as well.
The mariachi-themed, white front with teal bill is an attention grabber, and the green chile cheeseburger featuring a burger and a greenchile-colored bill is sure to be noticed. Both sell for $40.
Sports fans also love their memorabilia and All In Autographs has plenty of that, said co-owner Shane Westhoelter.
“We’ve got all kind of sports stuff,” he said. “We have signed helmets from the Dallas teams and 49ers and Oakland Raiders from their great years. And several Patriots helmets and footballs signed by the whole teams.”
Those run anywhere from $100 to $2,100 depending on the team, size of the helmet and number of autographs on it.
“We have a lot of hockey stuff in, Wayne Gretzky, Brett Hull and Bobby Hull,” Westhoelter said. “Jerseys and hockey pucks.”
Those items range from $45 for an autographed puck up to $550 for a Bobby Orr signed Boston Bruins jersey.
“We have dirt encapsulated and framed from every Major League stadium and a lot of trading cards,” he said. “For the Dukes, we have every year of the Dukes trading cards for every player in the full binder and a number of those are autographed.”
The dirt, which charts Derek Jeter’s 3,000 hits, goes for $499.
New Mexico United was glad to get back to playing games in Albuquerque and the gear remains extremely popular at its store at Nob Hill.
The black and rainbow Meow Wolf home jerseys, which cost $85, made a big splash when they came out and remain a top seller.
The United “Luchador” mask was “inspired by some looks we’ve seen at The Lab on match day,” said Desiree Kim, United chief administrative officer. “This luchador mask tee is the perfect fit for the United fan in your life.” It runs $24-$30.
Youngsters will enjoy the lively colors in the kidssized hoodie for $55.
“We step away from our traditional Black & Yellow with this new, kids’ hoodie, Kim said. “Stay warm this winter in style with this all-new blue, orange and white fit.”
And who doesn’t love a cuddly teddy bear? This United version that costs $38 “is ready to be taken home by fans of all ages,” she said. “This holiday season, when you buy one bear, we will donate one to a child in New Mexico. Buy one, give one this holiday season.”