Fairbanks Seeks $3.5M in State Funding to Host 2028 Arctic Winter Games

Fairbanks organizers are pursuing $3.5 million in state funding over the next two years to host the 2028 Arctic Winter Games after quickly raising $270,000 in initial support, officials announced at Tuesday's lunch presentation.

The event would bring an estimated 2,000 athletes plus 3,000 to 4,000 family members to Alaska, providing a major economic boost to hotels, restaurants and tourism businesses.

"We raised $270,000 in a week," said Karen Lane, who served as general manager for both the 2014 Fairbanks games and 2024 Mat-Su Borough games. "But we do need state funding. State funding has always funded the games when they are in Alaska."

Lane said she has secured support from Fairbanks Mayor David Pruhs, North Star Borough Mayor Bryce Ward and the school district for the hosting bid. The community already has the necessary infrastructure, including schools and athletic facilities, to accommodate the international competition.

"It would be very easy to make this happen again," Lane said, noting the community's volunteer base is eager to help with fundraising and event coordination.

The presentation followed a recap of Alaska's successful participation in the recent games, where Team Alaska brought 355 members including 275 athletes from 35 different towns and villages across the state. For the first time, Alaska participated in the youth ambassador program, sending two media-focused ambassadors to document the games.

"Athletes say if they had to choose between competitions in the lower 48 and Arctic Winter Games, they would choose Arctic Winter Games every single time because it is more than just a sporting competition," said the Team Alaska coordinator.

The Arctic Winter Games feature 20 sports and bring together eight contingents from across the circumpolar north, including athletes from Greenland, northern Canada and Europe. The games emphasize cultural exchange alongside athletic competition, with traditions like pin trading encouraging interaction between participants.

Historical funding for Alaska-hosted games has come through either the state operating or capital budget. Organizers noted that Alaska is unique among participating regions in having multiple communities capable of hosting the games, providing more flexibility than other contingents.