New Varsity Sports Grill in the AAC to open Oct. 1

The Alaska Airlines Center, in addition to being the new home for UAA Athletics, will also be home to the U-Med district's newest restaurant, Varsity Sports Grill. Starting Oct. 1, the UAA and Providence communities can walk on over and check out the full-service eatery, which will be serving up lunch and dinner year-round, seven days a week.

Chef Matt Little Dog, of NANA Management Services (NMS), has been putting together a great menu. In the mood for sandwiches, burgers or salads? He's crafted some mouth-watering options, including the Spicy Shrimp Sandwich and the Campbell Creek Chopped Salad, with romaine, smoked salmon, hard boiled eggs, smoked Gouda, pepperoni and red onion, topped with a smoked tomato vinaigrette. There are also some tasty appetizers-like the Russian River Jalapeño Poppers and Asian Pork Sliders-and fresh seafood entrées. Lunch prices will range from $11-$13 for sandwiches and combos, $10-$12 for pizza and $13-$17 for entrées. The dinner menu is similar, with the addition of some sophisticated steak and seafood entrées.

There is seating for 100 in the restaurant dining room, plus an additional 100 on the heater-stocked patio. Full-length windows that overlook the performance arena will let fans watch the action in the arena below. Flat screen TVs will also give you a great view of the game.

Varsity Sports Grill will also serve up local craft brews and offer a full wine list to complement your meal. And don't forget to save room for dessert! After all, you can always walk it off on the indoor walking track in the AAC or on a stroll through the campus-wide trail system.

Bon appétit in the U-Med!