Thursday, July 17, 2014

ANCHORAGE – A Grand Opening celebration, which begins Sept. 4 and runs through the 14th, will celebrate the University of Alaska Anchorage's new Alaska Airlines Center.

Among the opening events set for the Center in the SpringHill Suites Invitational volleyball tournament, which will feature the Seawolf volleyball team.

The state-of-the-art sports and entertainment venue will be a game changer for UAA and a great asset to the community, according to a press release on the offical UAA web site.

Here is a lineup of the opening events:

Thursday, Sept. 4
Golden Ticket VIP Event
4-7 pm
Free, must have Golden Ticket to attend
Meet at the Alaska Airlines Center for a special event just for ‘Golden Ticket’ holders. Attendees will enjoy a VIP treatment, including a preview tasting of the Varsity Sports Grill menu and exclusive access to restricted areas of the Alaska Airlines Center. Golden Ticket holders also get a special swag bag full of goodies. Golden Ticket holders must present their tickets for admission.

Friday, Sept. 5
Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting / SpringHill Suites Invitational Volleyball Tournament
4-7 pm
Free, open to the public    
Join the Alaska Airlines Center for its grand opening and ribbon cutting, along with special ‘backstage’ tours of the facility. At 7 p.m., the Seawolf Volleyball team takes the court to face LIU-Post in the annual SpringHill Suites Invitational.

Saturday, Sept. 6
Youth Sports Day & Spirit Run
Run begins at 10 am
Spirit Run Registration: Free for UAA students; $5 for general public
The UAA Spirit Run will wind through campus, starting and ending at the Alaska Airlines Center. Runners are encouraged to dress in green & gold, and food and refreshments will be provided following the event.

Wednesday, Sept. 10
Taste of Alaska Charity Event
5-8 pm    
Admission: $10, plus a can of food
Join the Alaska Airlines Center for an evening of delicious dishes from around the state. Local vendors and restaurants will share favorite dishes, along with live chef demos and music.

Thursday, Sept. 11
“Service Before Self”
6-9 pm    
Admission: Free, open to the public
“Service Before Self” is an evening dedicated to our Alaska first responders and military.  In honor of 9/11, the event will include a silent auction featuring the art of our first responders and military, as well as a blood drive held throughout the day.

Friday, Sept. 12
Drive-In Movie & Food Truck Rodeo
Presented by the Alaska Airlines Center and Bear Tooth Theater
5 pm-Midnight
Admission: Free
The Alaska Airlines Center is excited to bring back the nostalgia of the drive-in movie with the style of the 21st century. The movie starts at 9 p.m., and local food trucks will be serving from 5 p.m. until midnight.

Saturday, Sept. 13
The Alabama Shakes
Presented by the UAA Concert Board with support from Alaska Airlines
7:30 pm
General Admission: $49.50 (on sale now)
Student Admission: $28 (on sale Aug. 20) – Must purchase at Alaska Airlines Center Box Office
Join us for the Alaska debut of the Grammy Award-winning Alabama Shakes at the Alaska Airlines Center. Doors open at 7:30 pm. 

Sunday, Sept. 14
Howlapalooza
Anchorage’s first annual local music & art festival
1-11 pm
Tickets: Free from 1-6 pm
$10 after 7 pm, $5 for UAA students – Alaska Airlines Box Office
The Howlapalooza Music and Arts Festival will feature over 30 local musicians and over 10 hours of music, performances, food, art, and more! All ages welcome.