Carlson Center is a multipurpose indoor area in Fairbanks, Alaska. It is mainly used to host indoor sports, entertainment events, conferences, and more. It is the second-largest arena in Alaska by seating capacity, and it has 5100 seats. Sullivan Arena is the largest stadium in Alaska. Carlson Center seating chart helps in finding the seats. Fairbanks North Star Borough owns the Carlson Center and it is operated by Terrell Echols of Fairbanks North Star Borough.
Carlson Center opened in 1990. It is the home of the Alaska Nanooks intercollegiate athletics team. The Nanooks team hosts games at Carlson Center. It is mostly used to host Ice Hockey games for the Alaska Nanooks. It also hosted the Fairbanks Grizzlies indoor football league team from 2008 to 2011. It is used to host other events, and ComiCon is one of them. The demand for Carlson Center tickets is high before the big events; therefore, online booking is recommended.
Carlson Center Quick Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Venue | Carlson Center |
| Location | Fairbanks, Alaska |
| Address | 2010 2nd Avenue, Fairbanks, AK 99701 |
| Opened | June 13, 1990 |
| Seating capacity | 5100 |
| Primary tenant | Alaska Nanooks men’s ice hockey |
| Arena type | Indoor multi-purpose arena |
| Arena floor | Approx. 34,018 sq. ft. |
| Parking | About 1,600 spaces |
| Parking cost | Free parking is generally available |
| Public transit | Fairbanks bus service, including the Blue Line serving Carlson Center |
| Main sports configuration | Ice hockey |
| Other uses | Concerts, trade shows, graduations, family shows and community events |
Carlson Center Seating Chart
The seats of the stadium are spread across multiple sections and rows. Carlson Center sitting chart depicts the location of all the sections with their numbers and rows. The locations of the visiting team and home team sections are also shown on the map. The stadium can accommodate about 5000 visitors during Nanook’s ice hockey games. The map also shows the locations of general admission seats, reserved seats, and premium category seats, along with the rink.
Accessible seats are available inside the Carlson Center and they are limited. All the required facilities, like accessible washrooms, changing rooms, step-free entrance, companion seats, etc are available for visitors. Early booking is highly recommended before big events.
Carlson Center Concert Seat Map
The performance stage is set up on the stadium floor with temporary arrangements during the concerts and similar events. The location of the stage with on field arrangements and fixed seats are shown on the layout.
It can accommodate 6500 visitors after the on-floor arrangements. It is the second-largest stadium in Alaska, and the third-largest stadium is Alaska Airlines Center. These maps of the Carlson Center help in choosing the best seats and finding the seats inside the stadium.
It also hosts trade shows, graduation ceremonies, community events, and similar programs.
Carlson Center Best Sections
The sections near the midfield are the best areas for the Ice Hockey games. Sections 105 and 118 are situated at the midfield. Visitors are advised to choose the middle seats in section 105 and 118 to get one of the best views. The premium sections are good for the view; however, they are among the most expensive areas.
The front section around the performance areas are good for the atmosphere and the view. It is advisable to avoid the seats in the last rows and in the corners at the Carlson Center.
| Seating Type | Best For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall Seats | Hockey and sporting events | Lower-level Sections 103-108 and 115-120, particularly seats with a relatively central view of the rink | Usually among the more desirable reserved seats |
| Best Budget Seats | Value for money | Upper/balcony seating provides a good overall view at a lower price | Farther from the ice; exact configuration can vary |
| Premium & VIP Seating | Luxury & exclusive experience | Best available reserved or hospitality locations can provide closer views and better amenities | Carlson Center does not have the extensive fixed premium inventory found at newer major arenas |
| Seats to Avoid | — | Avoid extreme corners/end areas if you want a balanced hockey view | Viewing angle can be less favorable, particularly for action at the opposite end |
Carlson Center Parking Map
1600 parking spaces are available at the venue, including accessible parking spaces. Parking is mostly free for events, and parking for large vehicles is also available. Adjacent/university parking lots are generally used as overflow parking.
It is connected by blue line city bus service, and visitors can also use a cab to reach the Carlson Center.
Carlson Center Bag Policy
| Item | Policy |
|---|---|
| Backpacks | Not permitted |
| Large bags | Prohibited |
| Smaller bags | May be subject to inspection |
| Outside food/drink | Not permitted |
| Cans/bottles/coolers | Not permitted |
| Weapons | Prohibited |
| Professional cameras | Not permitted without authorization |
| Bag inspection | May be required |
| Bag storage/lockers | Not Available for Most Events |
Carlson Center Events 2026
| Day & Date | Event | Category |
|---|---|---|
| Friday, October 2, 2026 | Alaska Fairbanks Nanooks vs. Boston University Terriers | NCAA Men’s Ice Hockey |
| Saturday, October 3, 2026 | Alaska Fairbanks Nanooks vs. Boston University Terriers | NCAA Men’s Ice Hockey |
| Friday, October 9, 2026 | Sk8 to Elimin8 Cancer – Frozen 5K | Charity / Community Event |
| Saturday, October 10, 2026 | Boots & Brews Beerfest | Festival / Beer Event |
| Saturday, October 17, 2026 | Solid As A Rock Fighting Championships 31: Fright Night | MMA / Combat Sports |
| Friday, October 23, 2026 | Alaska Fairbanks Nanooks vs. Michigan State Spartans | NCAA Men’s Ice Hockey |
| Saturday, October 24 – Sunday, October 25, 2026 | Go Winter! Expo | Trade Show / Outdoor Expo |
| Friday, November 13 – Sunday, November 15, 2026 | Fairbanks Holiday Marketplace | Holiday Market / Shopping |
| Friday, November 20, 2026 | Alaska Fairbanks Nanooks vs. Alaska Anchorage Seawolves — Governor’s Cup | NCAA Men’s Ice Hockey |
| Saturday, November 21, 2026 | Alaska Fairbanks Nanooks vs. Alaska Anchorage Seawolves — Governor’s Cup | NCAA Men’s Ice Hockey |
| Friday, December 11, 2026 | Alaska Fairbanks Nanooks vs. Union College | NCAA Men’s Ice Hockey |
| Saturday, December 12, 2026 | Alaska Fairbanks Nanooks vs. Union College | NCAA Men’s Ice Hockey |
Carlson Center Events 2027
| Day & Date | Event | Category |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday, January 9, 2027 | Alaska Fairbanks Nanooks vs. Grand Canyon Lopes | NCAA Men’s Ice Hockey |
| Friday, February 12, 2027 | Alaska Fairbanks Nanooks vs. Maryville Saints | NCAA Men’s Ice Hockey |
| Saturday, February 13, 2027 | Alaska Fairbanks Nanooks vs. Maryville Saints | NCAA Men’s Ice Hockey |
| Saturday, February 20 – Sunday, February 21, 2027 | Alaska ComiCon | Comic / Pop Culture Convention |
| Saturday, February 27, 2027 | Alaska Fairbanks Nanooks vs. Alaska Anchorage Seawolves | NCAA Men’s Ice Hockey |
| Friday, March 19 – Sunday, March 21, 2027 | IABA Home Show | Home & Garden / Trade Show |
| Friday, April 2 – Sunday, April 4, 2027 | Woman’s Affair | Women’s Expo |
| Friday, April 23 – Sunday, April 25, 2027 | Fairbanks Outdoor Show | Outdoor / Trade Show |
