Archive for month: March, 2017

This March 30, we celebrated the 150^th anniversary since America bought Alaska from Russia. The 49^th state, but the Northern most one divided from the “lower 49”, we’re proud to call this unique, young state our home. And it certainly is unique! Here are a few fun facts about the state to ponder while you’re out and about enjoying the landscape in your Alaska car rentals this spring.

Alaska: the 49^th State

On March 30, 1867, the United States of America purchased what would become our 49^th state from Russia for a mere $7.2 million. In fact, Alaska is just 50 miles from the Western most tip of Russia!

However, Alaska wasn’t granted statehood until 1959. Before that time it was the Department of Alaska, the District of Alaska, then the Alaska Territory before its place as our 49^th became official.

Wildlife population: 50% of human

The wildlife population is Alaska is famous. From polar bears to reindeer, Alaska is a state romping with beautiful, enormous creatures. But did you realize that the total population of black bears, polar bears, brown bears, and moose is nearly half the population of people in the state? With only 737,000 people in Alaska, it is definitely one of the under populated regions of America; the overall population density is less than 2 people per square mile. But with 175,000 moose, 100,000 black bears, 30,000 brown bears, and 4,700 polar bears, you’re almost as likely to come across a wild animal in your Alaska car rentals as you are to come across a person!

Be careful though. This high population of wildlife unfortunately also means there’s a higher likelihood of fatal collision. Roughly 550 to 800 moose are killed each year from motor vehicle collisions on the highways. That’s why driving safely and undistracted in your Alaska car rentals is so critical.

The largest state

Which state is America’s largest? If you guessed Texas, you’d be close – but, still wrong. In fact, Alaska is more than twice the size of Texas. Don’t think that’s impressive? Well, not only is Alaska America’s largest state, it is also only exceeded in size for a single region’s landmass by 16 countries in the world.

Speaking of size, Alaska’s largest lake takes up roughly the same land area as Connecticut. It’s Lake Iliamna in Southwest Alaska at the north end of the Alaska Peninsula. Head on up in your Alaska car rentals to look for the legendary Lake Iliamna monster.

What’s in a name?

Like many places across Canada and the United States, this state’s name comes from an indigenous word. “Alaska” is derived from an old expression from local indigenous tribes, meaning “object to which the action of the sea is directed.”

Furthermore, Alaska is the only state name that can be typed using just one line of a computer keyboard.

The wildlife and fishing of Alaska

Alaska is known for its wildlife. So, naturally, there must be some quirky facts about them!

It’s illegal in the state of Alaska to disturb a sleeping bear in order to take its photographs. That makes sense! After all, the saying goes, never wake a sleeping bear.

The fishing and seafood industry across the state is crucial to its economy. It maintains the livelihood of large numbers of residences, while also ensuring their food supply is maintained throughout the year in a landscape that doesn’t take kindly to agriculture. This industry is the largest private industry employer in Alaska.

Of course, it makes sense that fishing would be so important. The state has over 3,000 rivers and an incredible 3 million lakes. It’s bordered by thee seas, and contains 20,171 square miles of inland water, which is more than any other state. One more fish fact – the largest ever salmon was caught in the Kenai River, weighing in at a whopping 97.5 lbs!

Do you need any more reason to go fishing this summer? Alaska is definitely the place to do it. We love our state, and if you haven’t been yet, we know you will too. Reserve your Alaska car rentals from Avis for a summer of fun, fishing, and freedom from the bustle of the city.

The Alaska Aces – one of this state’s gems. This team let us feel proud of our boys, and geared up to enjoy a good night of hockey and fun. But, unfortunately, now it’s time to say goodbye. After this season, you will no longer be able to bring your Alaska winter car hires to see the Alaska Aces play.

Reasons behind the team’s end

Team owners explained the difficulty behind the decision, citing financial burdens and the economic downturn as the final deciding factor. They explain that deliberations lasted months before a decision was reached.

It’s a sad fact that Alaska’s economy is not up for supporting the costs of a professional hockey team. Owners detailed the severe effects of job losses in Alaska, including $262,000 drop in season ticket sales and 1500 decrease in spectator numbers per game. It’s not just local spectator funding that’s down either. Sponsorship revenue fell $600,000 this year alone. In an age that’s concerned about keeping up with bills and putting food on the table, professional hockey teams need to take a break.

However, there is some light at the end of the tunnel. Who knows if the end of the team is permanent? The ownership team applied for Voluntary Suspension of operations – could that mean the team may restart with an upsurge in the economy? We can only hope.

In the meantime, let’s remember the great memories that this team has offered. Feel free to share your stories of taking your Alaska winter car hires to an Aces game in the comments below.

Season ticket refunds

Already put money down on a season? Don’t worry. You’ll get your money back. Owners expressed an apology towards loyal fans who have already placed a deposit on season tickets for the 2017-2018 season. All deposits will be refunded in full.

Catching the last few games

Fortunately, the season doesn’t end until April. That means that you still have a few more chances to take your Alaska winter car hires to see the Aces play before they cease operations.

Their first 7 games of March are unfortunately away games, with the Utah Grizzlies, Colorado Eagles, and Rapid City Rush. However, they come back to Alaska for a home game facing the Cincinnati Cyclones on March 15 at 7:15pm. Following that, they have 5 more home games throughout the month, each beginning at 7:15. These are March 17 and 18 against the Cincinnati Cyclones, and March 24, 25, and 26 against Rapid City Rush.

On March 29 and 30 they are away again to play the Fort Wayne Komets and the Quad City Mallards, respectively. They face off against the Quad City Mallards again on April 1, before finishing the season in their home rink. Their final three games will take place on March 5, 7, and 8 against the Idaho Steelheads.

Buy your tickets now to make sure you catch one of these games in your Alaska winter car hires before it’s too late.

A sad loss for Alaska

The loss is a substantial one for Alaska sports fans. The Alaska Aces held the role of Alaska’s only professional team. With their end, comes also the end of Alaska’s professional sports. Fans across the state are devastated and heartbroken by the news. For these fans, the team offered more than just somewhere to take their Alaska winter car hires on a Friday night – they bolstered state pride.

Stories and photos have been shared, signed jerseys worn with pride and nostalgia, and a small tingle of hope lingers on that this isn’t really the end – just a little road bump. Only time will tell.

For now, we honor the 15 year long history of the Alaska Aces. We thank this team for bringing Alaskan pride throughout the Southern 49 and to our own community.

Don’t miss the final games of this great team. Reserve your Alaska winter car hires from Avis today.