Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion will keep its name for another 10 years after the University of Washington and Alaska Airlines struck a new deal.
Alaska Air said the partnership reflects the longstanding relationship between the university and Seattle’s hometown airline.
Under the new agreement, Alaska Airlines will continue as the naming rights partner of Alaska Airlines Arena for the next decade while maintaining its role as the Official Airline for the University of Washington.
The University of Washington is a public research university in Seattle, Washington (US). Founded in 1861, approximately a decade after the founding of Seattle, The University of Washington is one of the oldest universities on the West Coast of the United States.
The 10,000-capacity Alaska Airlines Arena at the Hec Edmundson Pavilion is an indoor arena in the Northwest United States, on the campus of the University of Washington in Seattle, Washington. It serves as home to several of the university’s sports teams, known as the Washington Huskies of the Pac-12 Conference.
University President Robert J. Jones said, “The University of Washington is proud to deepen our partnership with Alaska Airlines in ways that directly support students, serve our shared community, and help ensure our student-athletes have what they need to succeed in their competitions, classes and lives.
“This collaboration creates meaningful opportunities for students, from scholarships and programs to beloved annual events, while also enriching Seattle and demonstrating the power of university-industry partnerships. We look forward to continuing this work together to support students and our city.”
As part of the agreement, up to half of Alaska Airlines’ annual investment will support scholarships and community initiatives benefiting UW student-athletes, including signature events that bring together alumni, fans and supporters.
Athletics director Pat Chun said, “Alaska Airlines and the University of Washington have built a partnership that, for decades, has strengthened our community and expanded opportunities for students, alumni, and the broader Pacific Northwest.
“Alaska Airlines Arena is a storied venue that has connected generations through unforgettable moments. We are proud to continue this relationship and look forward to the next chapter of impact and growth together.”
Eric Edge, Vice president of brand and marketing for Alaska Airlines added, “Seattle is our home, and the University of Washington is one of the great institutions that make this community special. Our role as the university’s official airline enables us to support students and student-athletes while celebrating the energy and community that make college athletics so meaningful.”
Alaska Airlines Arena hosts a wide range of athletic and campus events each year, including men’s and women’s basketball, volleyball, gymnastics, commencement ceremonies, and community gatherings, making it one of the most active venues on campus.
Alaska will continue to maintain a presence within all UW sports, including football at Husky Stadium.
The airline will also continue to support fan-favorite events and community initiatives, such as Dawg Dash and OMA&D Gala, rewarding programs such as Atmos Rewards’ fast track to elite status for University of Washington students, and alumni programs like Fly Away warmups at away games.
Alaska will maintain its sponsorships of CoMotion and the UW Foster School of Business, guests can continue to enjoy flying on Alaska’s University of Washington themed aircraft, and members of the UW community can look forward to special events celebrating Seattle’s role as the airline’s global hub.
The renewed agreement reflects the strong alignment between the University of Washington and Alaska Airlines — two institutions rooted in Seattle with global reach and a shared commitment to supporting students, innovation and community.
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