UAA announces naming of Avis Alaska Sports Complex

UAA announces naming of Avis Alaska Sports Complex
The facility is home to UAA Hockey and was previously known as the Seawolf Sports Complex

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – The University of Alaska Anchorage announced the on-campus Seawolf Sports Complex will henceforth be named the Avis Alaska Sports Complex (ASC). The announcement was made by UAA Chancellor Sean Parnell in conjunction with Avis Alaska.

“We are honored Avis Alaska has chosen to make a long-term investment in the university and in Seawolf Athletics,” said Parnell. “This truly serves as a vote of confidence in UAA’s direction, and we couldn’t be more grateful. The entire community will benefit from this partnership, and we are especially excited about what this means for the future of Seawolf Hockey.”

“Avis Alaska is proud to be strengthening our 35-year-old relationship with UAA,” said Andrew Halcro, chairman of the board for Avis Alaska. “We believe the university represents Alaska’s best hope for the future and we are excited to be partners.”

The facility, which opened in 1978, is home to UAA’s Division I hockey program. In addition to the ice rink, locker rooms and coaches offices, the facility features a gymnasium, pool, fitness center, aerobics areas and more.

These spaces support intramural sports as well as recreation and kinesiology courses focused on physical activity, exercise science, recreation and wellness. The university is exploring renovation concepts that will further optimize the facility, specifically the ice rink and spectator bleachers.

“Seawolf Hockey players gave more than 500 hours of volunteer service to our community last year. It’s wonderful to see businesses and the community return the favor and invest in the student athletes,” said Kathie Bethard, chair of Seawolf Hockey Alliance. “This long-term sponsorship by Avis Alaska and its investment in updating the seating around the rink will help improve the fan experience by making the live games more comfortable and enjoyable to spectators. Equally important, it also shows the community support behind Seawolf Hockey and the desire to help grow the program.”

“Today is another excellent step forward for our hockey program,” said UAA Director of Athletics Ryan Swartwood. “Avis Alaska’s generosity and commitment to improving our fan experience is inspiring. They have been a key supporter of UAA Athletics for many years, and we are incredibly grateful for their continued partnership.”

The ASC naming agreement between UAA and Avis Alaska is a 10-year contract valued at $1 million and includes an option to extend the agreement for an additional three years through June 30, 2036 based on mutually agreed additional investment. The contract is effective July 1, 2023.

For more information about UAA Hockey, visit goseawolves.com. For more information about Avis Alaska, visit avisalaska.com.