Explore Tours and USTravel have proudly provided Great Alaska Shootout travel services for fifteen years.  We encourage fans to come to Anchorage for unique tours and activities, unbeatable Alaskan hospitality, and another great year of tournament action!  We look forward to welcoming you and your basketball supporters to Alaska!

Shootout Packages

Take advantage of the ability to secure all of your Shootout components in one easy to purchase package from Explore Tours. Packages include:

Hotel Accommodations

Packages include deluxe hotel accommodations at your choice of four hotels in downtown Anchorage. Standard packages include between three and seven nights of accommodations, but additional nights are available upon request.  Hotel taxes are included in the package price.

Tournament Tickets

Packages include tickets to each game during the Shootout, four women’s games and twelve men’s games.  Each university is granted at least 100 ticket packages.  Game tickets cannot be sold separately and must be purchased in advance through the tournament packages. 

Discounted Airfares

While airfare is not included in the package price, Explore Tours has negotiated specific airfares especially for this tournament. There will be times that published airfares may be less expensive. Explore Tours can determine which airfares will best suit your needs, while saving you money.

Because the seat inventory may be limited, we do recommend that you book at your earliest convenience to receive the best fares available. We also recommend that you estimate your final number of air seats so that we may block group space for your inbound passengers. This will ensure that you're able to hold numerous seats at the best prices.

Airport Transportation

Airport transportation is not included in the Shootout packages, but can be provided at an additional cost for parties of four or more upon request.  Airport transportation must be requested in advance.

Local Transportation

Car rentals can be arranged by Explore Tours for an additional cost.  Otherwise, the Sullivan Arena is a short cab ride from downtown hotels.

Optional Tours

A variety of optional tours are available before, during, and after the Shootout.  Tours are subject to change and weather conditions may impact availability.  Popular tours include:

Resurrection Bay Cruise
Take a scenic ride along the historic Turnagain Arm to Seward and the magnificent Resurrection Bay. Cruise in the warm comfort of the cabin, or venture on the outdoor decks to enjoy viewing spectacular scenery, birds, sea mammals and snow-capped glaciers. This full-day tour includes transportation, 2 1/2 hour cruise and snack aboard vessel.

Alyeska / Portage Tour
This 6-hour tour takes you South along the spectacular Seward Highway National Scenic Byway. Stop for breathtaking photos en route to Alyeska Ski Resort and Portage Glacier. At Alyeska, take a tram ride to the top of the mountain and enjoy a deli-style lunch (included). Visit Big Game Alaska Wildlife Center to see a variety of Alaskan animals in a close environment.

Flightseeing Tours
Heighten your Alaskan experience with a flight into Alaska's famed and remote regions. All flights are narrated by experienced Alaskan pilots and are intercom equipped for your listening pleasure. Choose from a 3-hour Mt. McKinley flightseeing tour or a 1 ½ hour tour of Knik Glacier and the Chugach Mountains. Both options offer spectacular Alaska sightseeing opportunities!

Dogsled Kennel Tour
Heighten your Alaskan experience by learning more about the most original form of travel in the North:  dog sledding! Learn about the origin of this special breed of dogs, mushing history and the Iditarod race from an Iditarod trail veteran. 

Snowmobile Tour
Experience a thrilling two-hour snowmobile tour North of Anchorage in the spectacular high country. You may ride your own snowmachine or bring a rider with you. You will be warm and comfortable in the riding gear and helmet provided by your certified guides. Lunch is served and there's a hot chocolate break on the trail. Tour includes transportation to/from hotels.

Sorry, no children under 10 years.

Contact Explore Tours today for more information on

Great Alaska Shootout Tournament Packages!