Anchorage Development News

Anchorage Assembly Approves Contracts for Ben Boeke, Dempsey Anderson, and Sullivan Ice Arenas

The Anchorage Assembly considered and approved two contract awards related to the operation and management of city ice arenas. Item 4A recommended the award of a contract to Anchorage Community Ice Management for the Ben Boeke and Dempsey Anderson Ice Arenas. Item 4B recommended the award of a contract to All In 49 LLC for the George M. Sullivan Arena. After initial discussion on whether to consider the items together or separately, the Assembly decided to vote on them concurrently. Several members raised questions regarding the Sullivan Arena contract, specifically concerning the facility's lifespan relative to the contract term, potential financial ramifications of early termination, capital account balances, the basis for the annual operating subsidy cap, and the capacity for contract administration within the Office of Venues. The Assembly also discussed the forbearance of capital reserve payments for the Boeke and Dempsey contract to allow for increased maintenance and operator startup costs. Ultimately, both contract awards passed unanimously.