Historic Evacuation Underway as Typhoon Halong Strikes Western Alaska
#disaster #alaska #evacuation #shelters #relief
Mass evacuation unfolds across Western Alaska as Typhoon Halong devastates villages; shelters open and relief efforts coordinate.
The **Alaska Airlines Center** is a 5,000-seat multi-purpose arena located on the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) campus. Opened in 2014, it serves as a premier sports and community venue for Anchorage and the broader region, hosting UAA athletics, concerts, family shows, graduations, and various sports competitions[1][2][3][5]. The arena was conceived from a simple sketch into a modern facility that supports not only university events but also acts as a hub for community entertainment[1]. This center features an 800-seat auxiliary gym, a gymnastics training and competition gym, a state-of-the-art sports medicine suite, and a dedicated training and strength conditioning facility for UAA's Seawolf student-athletes. It also includes an indoor two-lane walking and jogging track. A notable feature is the Varsity Sports Grill located on the suite level, offering local craft beer and fine wine with views overlooking the arena[1][2]. Unlike older venues like the Sullivan Arena, the Alaska Airlines Center offers suites for VIP experiences and modern technological amenities, making it attractive for concerts and large events[2]. Though it does not have an ice rink—the hockey team continues to use Sullivan Arena—it complements UAA’s athletic infrastructure, with future plans possibly including a separate ice hockey arena. The center shares parking with the adjacent Providence Alaska Medical Center, reflecting its integration within the campus and city infrastructure[3]. In 2018, the center sustained minor damage from a 7.0 earthquake, including flooding from broken sprinklers and some broken glass but no injuries, highlighting its resilience and importance to the community[3]. Operated with support from Alaska Native-owned contractors, the venue draws audiences statewide, serving as a strategic cultural and sports nexus in Anchorage, a key Alaskan hub[2]. Overall, the Alaska Airlines Center embodies a blend of modern sports facilities, community engagement, and technological sophistication, positioning it a
#disaster #alaska #evacuation #shelters #relief
Mass evacuation unfolds across Western Alaska as Typhoon Halong devastates villages; shelters open and relief efforts coordinate.