Anchorage's Athletic Arena

Official Review by Matt Crockett, Stadium Journey Guest Correspondent

Sullivan Arena may very well be the center of the sports world for the great state of Alaska. Located just a bit to the southeast of downtown Anchorage, the venue serves as the home of the University of Alaska-Anchorage hockey team, the annual Great Alaska Shootout (college basketball), as well as numerous concerts and other shows.

It is also the home of the Alaska Aces of the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL). The team is affiliated with the St. Louis Blues of the NHL.

You can generally expect close to a packed house, and the atmosphere, like many venues of the ECHL, can be electric.

Food & Beverage    1

The food is pretty close to terrible with the exception of the roasted nuts stand with its intoxicating aromas. Bags will cost you $5 with the typical selection of walnuts, almonds, pecans, and cashews.

Outside of that, you can find burritos, nachos ($5.75), corn dogs ($3), fried chicken strips, and fries among the usual options. All of these are overpriced, and poorly executed, so you will definitely want to eat before or after a game at one of the establishments recommend below.

They do have a beer garden which offers the local Alaskan Amber ($7), and plastic bottles of Miller Lite and Budweiser.

Atmosphere    3

The Alaska Aces have had decent success since becoming members of the ECHL in 2003. They won the Kelly Cup in 2006, and have been consistent playoff participants.

While Alaska is not one of the top as far as attendance in the ECHL, they do draw their fair share of fans, and the arena definitely can get loud.

There is a large video board on one side which shows the fans all of the replays of goals and other exciting plays.

Neighborhood    4

There are dozens of bars and restaurants within the immediate vicinity of Sullivan Arena, so fans should have no trouble finding a place to meet their tastes on a particular night.

Twin Dragon Mongolian BBQ is a popular spot just north a bit on Gambell Street. They are known for their excellent service and the BBQ bar, where any lover of Mongolian BBQ can glutton themselves to their heart's content.

Another solid option is Sorrento's which serves traditional Italian favorites as well as pizza. Pasta dishes will cost you somewhere between $16-$18 in general. It's a good place to fill up so you don't end up with one of the Sullivan Arena corn dogs.

Fans    4

They love their hockey in the Last Frontier state. Since this is the only professional sports team in Alaska, they receive a following throughout the state, which is unique, as most ECHL teams have an ardent local following, but not much else.

You can expect a level of hockey intelligence that is more predominant than many hockey experiences, and those reactions to the subtle plays (rather than just fights and goals) in great numbers really makes this experience a lot of fun.

Access    3

There is parking available in the lot on-site for $6 per vehicle, but it is extremely limited, so if you want a spot, be sure to arrive earlier than you would in other cases.

The other option is the People Mover, as there is a bus stop immediately in front of Sullivan Arena (at 16th Street).

Return on Investment    2

Tickets are unfortunately available through Ticket Master, and range in cost between $10-$35. It's a small enough arena that you should buy the minimum, as you will still have a great view of the action. With those lovely extra charges you should expect that $15 will be the minimum you pay for a seat. With the somewhat cramped parking and less than average concessions, you're left with an experience that doesn't quite live up to the price.

Extras    1

One additional point for the absolute beauty of the city of Anchorage. If you're in the area as a visitor, and love hockey, then it is probably worth the trip to Sullivan Arena, but the casual fans can probably skip it, and enjoy the rest of the city instead.