Referred to as “The Big Dipper” by locals, this is a multi-purpose arena that is open year-round. The Big Dipper is owned and operated by the Fairbanks North Star Borough (FNSB) and houses the offices of the FNSB Department Parks & Recreation.
The Big Dipper is also home to the Fairbanks Ice Dogs—Fairbanks’ only Junior ‘A’ hockey team in North American Hockey League and 2011 National Champions! Ice Dogs home games are raucous, glass-banging, events, tailor-made for zealous hockey fans. One of the highlights of the Ice Dogs’ season is The Outdoor Game, usually held the second weekend in March, when visiting North American Hockey League teams jockey for outdoor ice time.
The Big Dipper features an 85’ x 100’ indoor ice rink with spectator seating for 2,200 that offers youth and adult hockey, speed skating, recreational skating, and sheet rentals for private parties. It also houses:
- An Indoor Walking/Jogging Track
- Locker Rooms
- A Conference Room
- Birthday Party Room
- Concessions
- Skate Rental
