A family outing to the ballpark is a great way to spend a summer evening or afternoon, and in Anchorage you can catch some of the best summer league baseball in the country. Cross-town rivals Anchorage Bucs and Glacier Pilots are part of the Alaska Baseball League, made up of six clubs in four cities.
The league attracts top U.S. college players from the finest programs in North America looking to become tomorrow's big-league sluggers. It has been a training ground for many “before they were stars” such as Mark McGuire, Randy Johnson and Dave Winfield. Fan-friendly games are played all summer long at Mulcahy Stadium.
What's as American as apple pie? BASEBALL! The Bucs and Pilots face off in an annual Fourth of July doubleheader, followed by an awesome fireworks display. Let's hear it for the Red, White & Blue.
As temps cool, Anchorage’s arenas heat up! Root for the hometown UAA Seawolves hockey team as they slap the puck with other Division 1 rivals from the Western Collegiate Hockey Association. Some of the country's best college hockey teams compete in UAA's fast-paced Kendall Hockey Classic in Anchorage each October.
Top players in the college basketball world descend on Anchorage during Thanksgiving weekend in a fever of 3-pointers, no-look passes and slam dunks. The Carrs/Safeway Great Alaska Shootout is the best basketball competition in the country, and it’s in Alaska. The Shootout was first held in 1977 at Fort Richardson’s Buckner Fieldhouse. Fans had to check through the military gate to get to the tournament. Held in a dimly lit cracker box gymnasium, it was packed to the brim with loyal hoops fans.
The tournament has come a long way. The great Patrick Ewing played his first college game at the Shootout. Legends like James Worthy and Tim Duncan have played in this great state, coached by hall of fame coaches Dean Smith, Bobby Knight, Eddie Sutton, John Thompson and Mike Krzyzewski. Now that’s a holiday to remember.
Winter weather brings hockey-loving crowds and face-painted fans of all ages indoors to bang the boards with the Alaska Aces. Kelly Cup Champions in 2006 and 2011, the Aces are regularly one of the top teams in the ECHL “AA” professional hockey league. They face their foes in regular season games held October through March at Sullivan Arena in Anchorage.
