KTUU.com | Alaska's news and information source | Dena'ina Center holds grand opening

Dena'ina Center holds grand opening

by Jennifer Castro
Saturday, October 18, 2008

ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- After years of planning and construction, Anchorage's largest convention center held its grand opening Saturday.

The Dena'ina Civic and Convention Center has been open for about a month, but with limited access.

The center is 200,000 square feet and has meeting rooms, a ballroom, and even a theater.

Mayor Mark Begich said he's proud of the way the center has turned out.

"I think it's a fantastic building," he said. "It's going to allow us to expand our tourism business, our convention business, and bring more folks to Anchorage, to Alaska, to enjoy this great state, so I think it's a great asset for us."

Saturday's celebration also featured music, dancers, artists, fashion, and a street fair outside.

"It's obviously new and shiny, and beautiful, and a lot bigger," visitor Kerri Dowd said. "But I think just the shear magnitude of what you can do here, there's way more options."

The center cost $111 million to build. Begich said the center is financed through an increase in Anchorage's hotel bed tax, and not property tax dollars.

The center will be open Sunday with similar events for the public to enjoy.

Contact Jennifer Castro at jcastro@ktuu.com