A short window to host a large event
Fairbanks will host the Arctic Winter Games in 2028. The city was selected by the Arctic Winter Games International Committee after a planned site in Canada's Northwest Territories proved impractical. Fairbanks North Star Borough Mayor Grier Hopkins confirmed that the original location could not be managed within the expected schedule. Hopkins expressed enthusiasm about organizing the event, highlighting the community's previous success in hosting the games.
The new timeline is tighter than usual. Normally, host cities have three years to prepare, but Fairbanks has just over 18 months to finalize plans. According to Karen Lane, General Manager of the local host society, the team began forming in July 2026 to ensure they were ready if selected. Now, they must raise $6 million, organize events, and recruit 2,000 volunteers.
What’s at stake for Fairbanks
The financial commitment is significant. The host society must secure $6 million to cover the costs of hosting the games. This includes funding for opening and closing ceremonies, event planning, and logistics. In addition, the society must also organize 2,000 volunteers to support the event. The scale of volunteer effort is similar to what was seen in 2014 when Fairbanks last hosted the games.
Karen Lane spoke about the role of volunteers in representing the city. She said that volunteers often become ambassadors for Fairbanks, meeting athletes and locals they might otherwise never encounter.
Lane also noted that many people in the community still wear coats from the 2014 games, highlighting the lasting impact of the event.
Numbers and venues in the spotlight
The games are expected to bring in over 2,000 athletes from eight different circumpolar regions, including Alaska, Canada, and Scandinavia. Along with these athletes, an additional 5,000 visitors — including friends, family, volunteers, and spectators — will arrive in March 2028. The event will feature sports such as hockey, volleyball, speed skating, table tennis, and cross-country skiing.
Venues such as the Carlson Center, the Big Dipper Ice Arena, school gyms, and the Birch Hill Recreation Area will once again be used, just as in 2014. These locations will host games and events, making the event accessible and familiar to both organizers and attendees.
The event is expected to generate $8 million in economic activity for the community. This will come from purchases of local food, souvenirs, and hotel stays.
Mayor Grier Hopkins emphasized that the event's success will depend on financial support from both the local assembly and the state legislature. He stated that additional funding from the assembly and a fair amount from the state and its governor will be necessary to ensure that the games are fully supported at both the state and local levels. A formal agreement will be signed on Monday between Fairbanks officials and the International Committee to confirm the city as the host location.