ANCHORAGE – About 400 people were on hand Friday as the University of Alaska Anchorage celebrated a milestone in the construction of the new Alaska Airlines Center with the building's 'topping out' ceremony.

University employees and construction crews gathered on the south side of the structure for speeches from several dignitaries, including UAA chancellor Tom Case, former chancellor Fran Ulmer, and Anchorage Mayor Dan Sullivan.

After having the United States, Alaska and UAA Seawolves flags raised onto the building, a crane lifted the uppermost, gold-colored beam into place. 'Topping out' is the term used by ironworkers to indicate that the final piece of steel has been hoisted into place on a building, bridge or other large structure.

The Alaska Airlines Center is not complete but has reached its maximum height. The 5,600-seat arena – scheduled for August 2014 completion – will host UAA athletic competitions, high school and college graduations, concerts, youth camps and other community events. The facility was designed by architects Hastings+Chivetta and McCool Carlson Green, and is being built by Cornerstone General Contractors.