Quick Facts
 

School: University of Alaska Fairbanks

Location: Fairbanks, Alaska 99775
Founded: 1917
Enrollment: 7,486 (Fall 2024)
President: Pat Pitney
Chancellor: Dr. Michael Sfraga
Director of Athletics: Dr. Brock Anundson
Nickname: Nanooks
School Colors: Blue & Gold (Logo and Colors click here)
 


Conferences & Affiliations:
Great Northwest Athletic Conference (NCAA Division II)
Rocky Mountain Intercollegiate Ski Association (Multi-Divisional)
Pacific Collegiate Swim and Dive Conference (Multi-Divisional)
Patriot Rifle Conference (Multi-Divisional)
Hockey is currently an independent NCAA Division I program.
 


Facilities: Alaska Airlines Gymnasium at the Patty Center (1,600) and Carlson Center (5,100)
Athletics Department Phone: 907-474-6665
Web Site: www.alaskananooks.com
 


Mission Statement:
The mission of the University of Alaska Fairbanks athletics program is to provide the student-athlete with an opportunity to compete at the Division I and II levels of competition while receiving a quality education consistent with the mission of the University. The athletics experience is an extension of the educational process whereby student-athletes acquire the skill, characteristics and self-confidence that will enable them to reach their full potential. The athletics program is committed to assisting student-athletes to achieve their academic and physical potential by learning to develop worthy goals for a meaningful life. It is the goal of the athletics program to provide the student-athlete with the means to perform with distinction.
 


Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the athletics department mailing address?
1890 Tanana Loop E
P.O. Box 757440
Fairbanks, Alaska
99775-7440

What is a Nanook?
Nanook is a derivation of nanuq, the Inupiaq word for polar bear. Alaska's first teams were nicknamed the Polar Bears, but after 1963, the Polar Bears became known as the Nanooks, which has since applied to all of Alaska's sports teams.

Where do the Alaska Nanook teams play?

  • The Alaska hockey team plays all of its regular season games at the Carlson Center (4,595). The Blue-Gold game and some pre-season exhibition contests may be played at the Patty Center Ice Arena.
  • The men's and women's basketball teams and the volleyball team play home games in the Alaska Airlines Gymnasium at the Patty Center (1,600).
  • The swim team hosts meets at the Patty Center Pool.
  • The rifle team also host their matches at the E.F. Horton Rifle Range, located on the lower level at the Patty Center. Other matches are shot at the Tanana Valley Sportsmen's Association (TVSA) in Fairbanks. Certain meets may be contested in the Alaska Airlines Gymnasium at the Patty Center.
  • The men's and women's cross country running teams host home meets on campus at the West Ridge Trails.
  • The men's and women's ski teams host races at the Birch Hill Recreation area and will soon host races on the UAF North Slope as they develop world-class ski trails.

How do I purchase tickets for Nanooks sporting events?
For more information, call the Alaska Nanooks Athletics Ticket Office at (907) 474-NOOK (6665) or  click here.