Game 1: Saturday, August 30, 2025 | Michigan vs. New Mexico | Michigan Stadium | 7:30 PM
Football season is back, and so is our How Do We Compare series! Each week, as the Wolverines take the field, we compare Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County with the hometown of Michigan’s opponent. This week, the University of Michigan kicks off the season at home against the University of New Mexico Lobos.
Did You Know?
Ann Arbor & Albuquerque Connections
- Shared Innovation Strengths: Both Ann Arbor and Albuquerque are recognized hubs for research and technology. U-M drives global discovery in mobility, life sciences, and AI, while UNM supports cutting-edge work in energy, defense, and healthcare.
- Distinctive Food Cultures: Green chile is central to Albuquerque cuisine, just as iconic as Zingerman’s deli sandwiches and restaurants are in Ann Arbor. A perfect match-up for fans looking to trade tailgate traditions.
- Outdoor Adventures: The Huron River and Ann Arbor’s park system provide endless opportunities to enjoy nature, while Albuquerque offers mountain hiking, biking, and hot air balloon rides with spectacular desert views.
Football Fun Fact: This will be the first ever matchup between Michigan and New Mexico, making tomorrow night’s season opener a historic debut on both sides of the field.
How Our Communities Compare
Ann Arbor, located in Washtenaw County, is home to about 124,000 residents and is consistently recognized among the most educated communities in the country. Nearly 80 percent of adults hold at least a bachelor’s degree, reflecting the region’s talent pipeline and concentration of knowledge-based industries. With a median household income above $76,000, a cost of living near the national average, and a vibrant mix of cultural amenities, Ann Arbor is a place where innovation and quality of life go hand in hand.
Albuquerque, the heart of Bernalillo County, is New Mexico’s largest city with a population of more than 560,000 residents. The city is known for its unique culture, affordability, and outdoor lifestyle, offering a strong quality of life in the Southwest.
Comparing the Universities
The University of Michigan is not only an athletic powerhouse but also one of the nation’s top research universities. With more than 52,000 students enrolled and around 16,000 graduates each year, U-M drives talent and discovery across industries. In 2023, the university invested $1.93 billion in research and development, ranking #4 nationally, and continues to be recognized as one of the top public universities in the country. This scale of research and talent generation fuels Ann Arbor’s role as a hub for startups, technology commercialization, and business growth.
The University of New Mexico plays a critical role in its state’s higher education and innovation ecosystem. With 22,700 students and nearly 5,000 graduates annually, UNM generates talent across New Mexico and contributes to key industries like health sciences and engineering. Its $316 million in annual research expenditures and collaborations with Sandia National Laboratories and Los Alamos National Laboratory strengthen the region’s role in national innovation.
Beyond the Field
Every game day is a chance to celebrate not only our football tradition but also what makes our communities unique. Albuquerque and Ann Arbor each bring vibrancy and culture to their regions, but Ann Arbor continues to stand out nationally as a place where world-class research, highly skilled talent, and a high quality of life converge.
That combination makes Ann Arbor one of the best places in the country to live, work, and play, and a community that businesses of all sizes are proud to call home.
Go Blue!
Want to learn more? Ann Arbor SPARK’s business development team can connect you with data, resources, and insights to support your business growth in our region.
