UAA expands recreation options following Dome collapse

Following the recent collapse of The Dome, the University of Alaska Anchorage, the UAA Athletic Department and the Alaska Airlines Center are teaming to provide a temporary home for the facility's administration and offering expanded scheduling options for its own on-campus recreation facilities, UAA Athletic Director Keith Hackett announced Friday.

Along with the auxiliary gym at the Alaska Airlines Center, UAA has also adjusted the schedule at the Wells Fargo Sports Complex - which features a gymnasium, jogging track and fitness center - to accommodate extra patronage for the remainder of this winter.

"We are working closely with our friends at The Dome and doing everything possible to assist them and their patrons," Hackett said. "We know this is a significant loss at any time - but especially at this time of year - and we are just happy to be in a position to be able to help where we can."

Hackett added that in order to house the training needs of the Seawolf track & field teams, the Raven's Nest jogging track at the Alaska Airlines Center has been temporarily closed to daily public use. Regular Raven's Nest users are therefore encouraged to utilize the walking/running track at the Wells Fargo Sports Complex, which is open Monday-Thursday from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Along with free usage of the track, the WFSC offers a fitness area and pool for a small charge, plus limited open times to reserve the gymnasium. For gym rentals, please contact Alan Piccard at (907) 786-1232 or Cliff Dunlap at 786-1234, or surf to uaa.alaska.edu/recreation for more information.

To inquire about rental availability at the Alaska Airlines Center, contact Jeff Bemis at (907) 786-7804, or surf to alaskaairlinescenter.com for more information.

"Both of our facilities are already heavily used by UAA students, faculty, staff and Seawolf athletic teams, especially now with our track & field team's normal Dome facilities unavailable," Hackett added. "As such, we are trying to be an alternative option for the many teams and organizations that patronize the Dome on a daily basis. We will do the best we can with the schedule that is available."

UAA parking enforcement hours remain in effect from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Monday-Thursday, with passes available at Pay N Park machines throughout campus. Wells Fargo Sports Complex visitors are encouraged to use either the new parking garage off UAA Drive or the lot at the Engineering & Industry Building on Providence Drive, which offers access via skybridge.

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