ASAA March Madness Alaska a slam dunk for GCI

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – GCI, the official technology sponsor of the Alaska School Activities Association, stepped it up for ASAA’s largest event – March Madness Alaska. Network hardware was upgraded in the Alaska Airlines Center to more than double GCI’s wireless capacity, ensuring coaches, players and fans have the connectivity they need throughout the tournament.

In addition to wireless network upgrades, GCI employees are using some of their paid volunteer time at the event, staffing a booth in the Alaska Airlines Center, handing out GCI branded rally towels to wave in the air as fans cheer on their favorite teams and answering any questions tournament goers may have. Nearly 30 employees are volunteering a combined 60 hours at ASAA March Madness Alaska. GCI provides each employee with 16 hours of paid leave each year to volunteer at nonprofits of their choice.

“If you are from or have visited rural Alaska you know basketball is more than a game for many of the communities,” said Tiffany Vassar, senior manager of GCI Gives, GCI’s corporate philanthropy program. “Kids grow up playing basketball from day one and the entire village comes to cheer for their team at home games. We are proud to support such a positive influence for Alaska’s youth.”

GCI sponsors halftime events throughout the tournament with the winner receiving a free tech prize. A photo booth is also set up, providing free, high-quality photos for fans and players to bring home to remember the occasion.  

“As a technician who works from home it’s great to get out and see customers face to face, not to mention a great way to use my volunteer hours,” said GCI Network Support Technician Evan Peters. “The number of people who travel to Anchorage from other parts of the state for March Madness Alaska is so impressive and I'm grateful GCI is such a big supporter of a tournament that means so much to so many Alaskans."

The 1A/2A tournament, which featured more than 30 teams from across the state, wrapped up this past weekend, but the basketball action isn’t over yet. The 3A/4A tournament tipped off Wednesday, March 20th.

For more information about GCI Gives, visit: https://www.gci.com/why-gci/gcigives.

About GCI

Headquartered in Alaska, GCI provides data, mobile, video, voice and managed services to consumer, business, government, and carrier customers throughout Alaska, serving more than 200 communities. The company has invested more than $4 billion in its Alaska network and facilities over the past 40 years and recently launched true standards-based 5G NR service in Anchorage, now the nation’s northernmost 5G service area. Learn more about GCI at www.gci.com. GCI is a wholly owned subsidiary of Liberty Broadband Corporation (Nasdaq: LBRDA, LBRDK, LBRDP). Learn more about Liberty Broadband at http://www.libertybroadband.com.