Our Airport Way location's last day is Sunday, October 18.

To our guests and friends in Fairbanks,

On Valentine's Day 2017, we unlocked the door to a small location in Ester, switched on three VR headsets and got to work showing Fairbanks what VR could do. Not only was Arctic Sun VR the first place in Alaska built specifically for VR, it was also one of the first 50 VR arcades in North America, right here in Fairbanks! We had about twenty virtual worlds and a lot of hope that you'd give it a try.

You did. More than 15,000 guests have played with us since. You brought your kids for birthdays, your coworkers for teambuilding, and your friends for date nights and rematches. All told, we hosted over 800 birthday parties and events. Plenty of you tried VR for the very first time in our building and walked out grinning.

From there, we kept growing. Three stations became five, and we added a party room. Two years in, we moved to 1800 Airport Way and gave you more room to play. We started VR summer camps, and they became a summer tradition. We added racing simulators, right in the middle of a pandemic. Then VR escape rooms. Then a renovated downstairs. And in 2023, the Free-Roam Arena, where up to six guests play together, untethered, in full haptic vests.

Thank you. To every guest who came in to have fun with family and friends, and to the community partners who made room for us in Fairbanks life: you made this place what it was. You also left us 478 Google reviews averaging 4.9 stars. We read every one.

Now the hard part. After nearly ten years, our location at 1800 Airport Way is closing. Our last day open is Sunday, October 18. Until then, we're open Thursday to Sunday, by advance booking only. Book your last visit. Have a question? Our FAQ covers it, just below this letter.

Why now? The biggest reason is me. I live in Anchorage now, and a place like ours deserves someone here every day, taking care of it and taking care of our guests. I can't be that person from Anchorage. Ten years is a long time in VR, and the business of running a place like ours has changed right along with it. Like a lot of small businesses in Fairbanks, we've found it harder, and costlier, to keep a great team in the building every day. This was a hard call. I'm sure it's the right one.

That's the goodbye. Here's the hello.

This isn't the end of Arctic Sun VR. We're rewriting the game to fit where VR is heading, and where I am. We're going mobile, and this time we come to you. We're working to open mobile bookings in time for the holiday season, so you can book our Free-Roam Arena for birthdays, teambuilding and community events across Alaska. All it takes is an indoor space with room to play. We bring the headsets, the haptic vests and everything else. Details are in the FAQ below. Fairbanks will always be where Arctic Sun VR was born. Want VR at your Fairbanks party, school or business? We'll bring it.

You'll see us around. Follow along on Facebook and Instagram to see where we show up next.

Thank you for playing, Fairbanks. See you at the next level.

James Pollock
Founder, Arctic Sun VR

Your questions, answered

Our final days

When is your last day?

Sunday, October 18.

When are you open until then?

Thursday to Sunday, by advance booking only:

• Thursday, October 8 to Sunday, October 11
• Thursday, October 15 to Sunday, October 18

Thursday and Friday: 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Saturday and Sunday: 10:30 AM to 8:00 PM

Can I walk in?

Not during our final days. Please book ahead, so we're ready for you when you arrive. Book Now

Are the racing simulators open until the end?

Our racing simulators are available through Saturday, October 10. The Free-Roam Arena, Premium Arcade VR stations and escape rooms run through Sunday, October 18.

Can I still book a party?

Yes, on our final open days, while slots last. Book online or call 907-456-2787.

I already have a booking on or before October 18. Do I need to do anything?

No. You're all set. We'll see you then.

Why is Arctic Sun VR closing the Airport Way location?

James explains it in his letter above. The short version: he lives in Anchorage now, and a place like ours deserves someone here every day. So we're taking Arctic Sun VR mobile.

Booked after October 18?

I booked a date between October 19 and October 31. What happens?

We'll contact you directly to move your booking to one of our final open days. Please reply by Monday, October 12. If none of our final days work, or we don't hear from you by then, we'll refund you in full.

Gift cards, prize certificates and VIP rewards

I have an Arctic Sun VR gift card. Can I still use it?

Yes. Use your balance on a visit by Sunday, October 18, or put it toward a mobile event once bookings open. Gift cards can't be exchanged for cash.

I won a donated prize certificate at a community event. Can I still use it?

Yes. Use it by Sunday, October 18. After that:

• A donated party certificate can be traded for a two-hour mobile Free-Roam Arena event.
• A donated gift card works like any gift card: put it toward a mobile event.

What happens to my VIP points and punch card?

Redeem your rewards on a visit by Sunday, October 18. Our VIP rewards program ends when our doors close. No new points will be added to accounts.

Can I still buy a gift card?

Gift card sales have ended.

Questions about your balance?

Message us or email info@arcticsunvr.com, and we'll look it up for you.

Going mobile

What's going mobile?

Our Free-Roam Arena, haptic vests and all. Racing simulators and the Premium Arcade VR stations won't be part of mobile events.

When can I book?

We're working to open mobile bookings in time for the holiday season. Want to plan ahead? Call 907-456-2787 or email info@arcticsunvr.com.

Where do you go?

Across Alaska. We're based in Anchorage and Fairbanks, and events within 30 miles of either have no travel fee. Farther out:

• Up to 30 miles: Included
• 31 to 60 miles: $99
• 61 to 150 miles: $199
• 151 to 200 miles: $249
• Over 200 miles, on the road system: $299
• Off the road system: Actual travel cost plus 10%

How much space do I need for a mobile Free-Roam booking?

An indoor space with clear floor room. The bigger the space, the more players at once:

• 16 x 16 ft: up to 4 players
• 20 x 20 ft: up to 6 players
• 25 x 25 ft: up to 8 players
• 30 x 30 ft: up to 10 players

What kind of floor?

A flat indoor floor: a gym, rec room, event hall, office or garage. We bring floor mats where needed. We can't set up outdoors.

What do you need besides the floor space?

One standard power outlet within 50 feet of the play area and an internet connection. We bring the headsets, the haptic vests, the cords and everything else.

How long is an event?

Two hours minimum. We arrive about an hour early to set up one arena. Want two arenas running at once? Allow 2-3 hours for setup.

How much does it cost?

From $449 for two hours.

What ages?

Ages 8 and up.

How do I book?

Call 907-456-2787 or email info@arcticsunvr.com. We're working to open mobile bookings in time for the holiday season. Our number stays the same.

Fairbanks, after our doors close

Are you leaving Fairbanks?

Fairbanks will always be where Arctic Sun VR was born. Want VR at your Fairbanks party, school or business? We'll bring it. Events within 30 miles of Fairbanks have no travel fee.

Will there be pop-up events for Arctic Sun VR or other public events?

Absolutely! Follow along on Facebook and Instagram to see where we show up next.

The gear sale

Are you selling your equipment?

Yes, some of it. After our last day, we're selling gear that isn't going mobile: racing simulators, gaming PCs, TVs, VR headsets and more. Watch our Facebook page for the list. Pickup in Fairbanks, by appointment.

Can I get first look?

Email info@arcticsunvr.com with what you're after, and we'll let you know when it's listed. Equipment is handed over after our last day.

Thank you for playing, Fairbanks. See you at the next level.