The Carlson Center is a 4,595-seat arena located along the banks of the Chena River and across from Growden Memorial Park in Fairbanks, Alaska. It is the third largest arena in Alaska followed behind the Sullivan Arena and Alaska Airlines Center located in Anchorage, Alaska. The Carlson Center opened on June 13, 1990, and is named after John A. Carlson (1920-1988), who served as Fairbanks North Star Borough Mayor from 1968 to 1982.
In July 2021, the Fairbanks North Star Borough Parks and Recreation Department took over management of the facility. Since then the facility has served as a community center and offers an indoor play area for ages 0-8 years and many other programs and activities for the community.
The facility serves as Interior Alaska's largest entertainment, sports, and meeting facility. It is home to the University of Fairbanks Alaska Nanooks Division 1 ice hockey team. It is also home to many graduation ceremonies. In August of 2021, it hosted the Foo Fighters!
Upcoming Programing:
Parker McCollum
Parker McCollum is coming to Fairbanks with special guest, Ken Peltier Band! See the rising country music star live on October 6th.
The Ken Peltier band has that unique ability to blend it’s deep country roots with classic Americana rock & blues. Ken’s top notch musicianship and down home charisma make the Ken Peltier Band Alaska’s Premier Country Band.
The band was formed in 1996 fueled by Ken’s passion for singing, songwriting, and guitar playing. The Ken Peltier Band plays clubs, arenas, and special events, from Alaska State Fair to Arctic Man. Ken and the band also donate their time and talent to raise money for Leukemia Lymphoma research, St. Jude’s Children's Hospitals, The American Cancer Society and other not for profit groups.
Friday, October 13th, the Carlson Center is throwing a spooktacular dance party! Live music by DJ Fifty50, FREE popcorn bar, costume contests, and a kicker bar! Join us 6:30PM-9:30PM in the Pioneer Room!
Adult Halloween Dance Party (18+)
We may not have the room for roller skates, but we can dance the night away! Come celebrate the month of Halloween with us at the Carlson Center! Located inside the Pioneer and North Star room, doors will open at 8PM! Live music by DJ Fifty50, concessions, 21+ beer garden, costume contests, and more! Join us for a night full of ghoulish fun!