Hundreds of fans from across the state and the Marshall community turned out for a two-game Fairbanks Ice Dogs weekend at the Red Baron Arena, part of a sequence of events building toward the facility’s 10-year anniversary. Community sports events, like these hockey games, generally boost local economies by attracting visitors who spend on tickets, food, and lodging, which helps small businesses thrive.

The packed arena — “filled from the bleachers to the upper-level watching area,” as staff described it — gave organizers momentum at a business-hours open house last Thursday where arena leaders and local groups outlined programming for 2026. Such events not only create excitement but also generate revenue that supports local jobs. Community sports events, like hockey games, have a significant impact on local economies.

“We’re really looking ahead to ’26, because it’s our 10-year anniversary. We will have a couple different community events that are different than our regular-scheduled year because of that,” said Adri DeBoer, senior sales manager at Red Baron Arena.

Fairbanks Ice Dogs staff reflected on the relationship between the team and Marshall during the weekend. “It’s an emotional attachment at a huge level. At the end of the day, this wonderful little community saved our franchise … (We will) Be forever grateful to the community,” said Rob Proffitt, General Manager of the Fairbanks Ice Dogs, who also called Marshall “a community. Everybody is so welcoming and warm. It’s just a cool place.”

Players welcomed local young skaters and children to the ice, and spent time signing autographs and sharing the rink with community members — a gesture organizers said amplified the weekend’s energy and underscored the arena’s role as a gathering place. For residents looking to further support the local teams, volunteering for game-day roles or helping with fundraisers can enhance their connection to the sport. “It’s such an asset to the community, just to have a place to gather,” DeBoer added.

Arena staff and local organizations used the business-hours event to highlight planned activities around the anniversary and to remind residents of ongoing programs. Marshall Curling is hosting a Curling 101 session on January 4 from 7-9 p.m., and the Southwest Figure Skating Club will return for its annual exhibition on January 4 at 4:00 PM, officials said.

Other dates on the calendar include a Christmas Vacation Clinic on December 23 and a Presidents’ Day Skate on February 16. The arena has also scheduled a 30th anniversary show on March 14 with performances at noon and 7:00 PM.

Local groups that regularly use the facility — including Marshall Curling, Rural Edge Power Skating, and the Southwest Figure Skating Club — were on hand during the open house to discuss how tournaments, clinics, and community events will fit into the anniversary year. Junior hockey games can draw large crowds, showcasing the arena’s ability to attract fans, especially during celebratory events. What is the average attendance at local ice hockey games compared to events in larger venues?

Organizers pointed to the Ice Dogs weekend as a recent example of the venue’s draw for fans and participants. The Marshall Independent reported on the packed crowds and the weekend’s role in the lead-up to the anniversary, encouraging residents to follow upcoming event schedules via Visit Marshall.

Officials said the venue’s flexible calendar — from youth tournaments to visiting teams — will shape the anniversary programming. Community groups and rink staff will coordinate clinics, exhibitions, and family skates intended to expand public access to the ice and spotlight local skating programs.

For now, the Red Baron Arena is carrying the momentum from the weekend into the winter season, with staff, volunteers, and visiting teams helping to populate a full schedule of public and private events that run through the early months of 2026.

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Original reporting: view the original article.