New multipurpose performance center planned for construction in Sunland Park

SUNLAND PARK, New Mexico -- A new multipurpose performance center is planned for construction right across the street from the Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino.

ABC-7 confirmed a private group known as the Visneti Group, a New Mexico-based LLC, is behind the project that will cost close to $100 million.

Mike Megret, a concert promoter and one of the investors in the Visneti Group, says the entertainment center will be a hybrid venue. The indoor arena is planned to hold about 5,500 spectators, and Megret says it will be able to convert to an amphitheater-style venue that can house at least 8,000 guests outside.

The Visneti Group purchased 280 acres of land sandwiched between Trifecta and Futurity drives. The Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino, and Western Playland, are right across the street, adding more entertainment to the area.

Megret says the land has already gone through preliminary archaeological surveys, and a financial impact study is set to be complete by December. Megret says more information will be revealed about the project soon.