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 | FNSB |
| Capacity | 5,100 (permanent seats) 5,703 (expanded for basketball) 6,539 (with added floor seats) |
| Surface | 200' x 85' (hockey) |
| Opened | June 13, 1990 |
| Tenants | |
| Alaska Nanooks (NCAA) (1990–present) Fairbanks Grizzlies (Intense/IFL) (2008–2011) |
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The Carlson Center is a large building in Fairbanks, Alaska. It's a place where many different events happen. It has 5,100 permanent seats.
It's the second biggest arena in Alaska. Only the Sullivan Arena in Anchorage is larger. The Carlson Center is the home ice for the University of Alaska Fairbanks Nanooks ice hockey team. It also hosts graduation ceremonies for the university and local high schools.
The building is named after John A. Carlson. He was the mayor of the Fairbanks North Star Borough from 1968 to 1982. The Carlson Center is located next to the Chena River. The Fairbanks North Star Borough owns the building.
Fun Facts About the Carlson Center
The Carlson Center opened its doors on June 13, 1990. It is the biggest event place in Interior Alaska. It's also the only place in the area that can set up for big trade shows.
The center hosts many different kinds of events. These include concerts, trade shows, meetings, and parties. The Carlson Center even has its own catering team. Since 2008, the World Eskimo Indian Olympics have been held here. This is a special event celebrating Alaska Native cultures.
Exciting Events and Shows
Many famous performers and shows have visited the Carlson Center. These include the magician David Copperfield. The popular dance show Lord of the Dance has also performed here.
Music stars like Foo Fighters, Godsmack, Toby Keith, Montgomery Gentry, Don Henley, and Elton John have played concerts. Comedy acts like Larry the Cable Guy and Cheech & Chong have made people laugh. The amazing Harlem Globetrotters basketball team has shown off their skills. Even Sesame Street Live has brought fun for younger kids.
Alaska ComiCon Comes to Fairbanks
In February 2020, the Carlson Center hosted the first-ever Alaska ComiCon. This event brought together fans of comics, movies, and pop culture. Special guests included Austin St. John, who played the original Red Power Ranger. Voice actor Grey DeLisle also attended. WWE Hall-Of-Famer Rikishi met with fans. Comic artist Dan Parent from Archie Comics was there too. Experts from Japan and San Diego shared their knowledge.
