ANCHORAGE (Mar. 20) - The University of Alaska Anchorage's on-campus sports facility will henceforth be named the Wells Fargo Sports Center. That announcement was made today at a joint press conference by UAA Chancellor Lee Gorsuch and Wells Fargo Bank Alaska President Richard Strutz.

The facility, which opened in 1978, features a gymnasium, ice rink, pool, fitness center, running track and aerobics areas as well as the UAA Athletics administrative offices and the Seawolf Hall of Fame display. It serves as the home competition facility for the UAA's men's basketball, women's basketball, volleyball and gymnastics teams, as well as for UAA's physical education, intramural and recreation programs. It hosts more than 50 intercollegiate competitions annually as well as more than 40 community events each year.

The Wells Fargo Sports Center naming agreement between UAA and Wells Fargo Bank Alaska is a five-year contract valued at $425,000 and includes an option for renewal for additional five-year increments.

"We are especially proud of our new partnership with Wells Fargo. Wells Fargo is a company with an unparalleled record of service and close connection to local communities across the country for more than 150 years," said Chancellor Gorsuch. "We share a common core value to serve our communities and provide the highest quality programs to all. By underwriting the academic success of our student-athletes, this partnership with Wells Fargo allows UAA to continue to build high-quality athletic programs, benefiting our students, community and state."

Strutz said: "Wells Fargo has always been a strong supporter of education in this state and we've had a strong relationship with the university system for many years. These funds will go a long way in ensuring the University of Alaska Anchorage has a high-caliber athletics program and they can continue to provide our youth with a quality education right here in Alaska."

Click here for artist's renderings of prosposed Wells Fargo Sports Center signage.