Carlson Center facts for kids
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| Location | 2010 Second Avenue Fairbanks, Alaska 99701 |
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| Coordinates | 64°50′32.08″N 147°45′50.69″W / 64.8422444°N 147.7640806°W |
| Owner | Fairbanks North Star Borough |
| Operator | SMG |
| Capacity | 4,595 (permanent seats) 5,703 (expanded for basketball) 6,539 (with added floor seats) |
| Surface | 200' x 100' (hockey) |
| Opened | June 13, 1990 |
| Tenants | |
| Alaska Nanooks (WCHA) (1990–present) Fairbanks Grizzlies (Intense/IFL) (2008–2011) |
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The Carlson Center is a large building in Fairbanks, Alaska, United States. It has 4,595 seats and is used for many different events. It is the third biggest arena in Alaska. Only the Sullivan Arena and Alaska Airlines Center in Anchorage are larger.
The Carlson Center is the home of the University of Alaska Fairbanks Nanooks ice hockey team. They play in the WCHA. The building is also where high school students from Lathrop, West Valley, and North Pole have their graduation ceremonies. The university also holds its graduation events here.
This center is located next to the Chena River. It is owned by the Fairbanks North Star Borough. A company called SMG of Alaska, Inc. manages it. The Carlson Center is named after John A. Carlson. He was the mayor of the Fairbanks North Star Borough from 1968 to 1982.
What is the Carlson Center?
The Carlson Center is a huge place where many different events happen. It opened on June 13, 1990. It is the biggest event building in Interior Alaska. It is also the only place in the area that can set up for big trade shows.
What kinds of events are held here?
The Carlson Center hosts many fun events. You can see concerts, trade shows, and even small meetings. It also has its own team that provides food for events. Since 2008, the World Eskimo Indian Olympics have been held at the Center. This is a special event that celebrates traditional Native Alaskan games and culture.
Famous visitors and shows
Many famous people and shows have visited the Carlson Center. These include:
- The famous magician David Copperfield
- The popular dance show Lord of the Dance
- Comedians like Larry the Cable Guy and Cheech & Chong
- Music stars like Godsmack, Toby Keith, and Elton John
- The amazing basketball team, the Harlem Globetrotters
- Fun shows for kids like Sesame Street Live
In February 2020, the Carlson Center hosted the first ever Alaska ComiCon. This event brought in guests from all over the world. Some guests included:
- Austin St. John, the original Red Power Ranger
- Voice actor Grey Delisle
- WWE Hall-Of-Famer Rikishi
- Archie Comics artist Dan Parent
- Experts like Dr. Herb Fondevilla from Japan
