The Great Alaska Shootout is a college basketball tournament hosted by the University of Alaska Anchorage in Anchorage every Thanksgiving weekend. The overall event began in 1978, ended for men in 2017 and the women’s event resumed in 2022.[1]
| Host | University of Alaska Anchorage |
|---|---|
| Began | 1978 |
| Timing | Thanksgiving weekend |
| Last men’s event | 2017 |
| Women’s revival | 2022 |
| Venues | Sullivan Arena, Alaska Airlines Center |
History
The Shootout began in 1978, and the women’s event began in 1980 as the Northern Lights Invitational. Early games were at Buckner Field House at Fort Richardson (1978 to 1982), then the Sullivan Arena from 1983 to 2013 and the Alaska Airlines Center from 2014 to 2017. Raycom Sports held broadcast rights from 1979 and ESPN began broadcasting it in 1985.[1]
Format and champions
The men’s event used eight teams, except six in 2009, while women’s fields were four or eight. Women’s champions include Iowa (1980), Old Dominion (1983), Texas (1984), Tennessee (1997), Stanford (2004) and Alaska Anchorage in several years including 2003 and 2022. In 2025 UC Irvine beat St. Thomas 63–55.[1]
End and revival
On August 26, 2017 the men’s 2017 event was announced as the last. The source says UAA stopped funding it because newer tournaments were drawing top teams to warmer locations. The women’s event returned in 2022 with four teams, sponsored by Arctic Slope Regional Corporation and ConocoPhillips Alaska.[1]
FAQs
Who hosts the Great Alaska Shootout? The University of Alaska Anchorage.
When is it held? Thanksgiving weekend.
When did the men’s tournament end? 2017.
Sources
Key facts
- Began 1978
- Women’s event revived 2022
Quick checkWhich university hosts the Great Alaska Shootout?Show answer
University of Alaska Anchorage
Sources
- Wikipedia. Great Alaska Shootout. 2026 (accessed 2026-11-14)
Editorially reviewed by Specialty Digest Editorial TeamLast reviewed November 14, 2026Researched and drafted with AI assistanceReport an issue