Life at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, is often described as challenging, with soldiers facing extreme winters, geographic isolation, and a high cost of living. Against this backdrop, the opening of the new Warrior Zone GameLab hopes to bring a beacon of camaraderie and recreation to the Army post, offering soldiers a much-needed escape from the rigors of their daily lives.
The $1.5 million facility, which took nearly two years to complete, aims to improve soldiers’ quality of life by providing a state-of-the-art space for gaming, competition, and connection.
Addressing Life’s Challenges at Fort Wainwright
Soldiers stationed at Fort Wainwright often share stories of adaptation and resilience, citing the long, dark winters and limited off-base entertainment as significant challenges. A Reddit user described the experience as a mix of isolation and monotony, saying, “You’re in a small town surrounded by wilderness, and the winter can make you feel like you’re in a completely different world.”
Recognizing these difficulties, the leadership at Fort Wainwright sought to revitalize the Warrior Zone to address not just recreational needs but also the mental well-being of soldiers.
“The harsh conditions here make a sense of community essential,” said Teresa Travers, the Warrior Zone business manager. “The GameLab is a way to bring people together and give them a space to relax and bond.”
A Hub for Gaming and Connection
The Warrior Zone GameLab features 30 individual gaming pods, cooperative gaming stations, and cutting-edge equipment. Soldiers can compete in tournaments, enjoy casual gaming, or simply unwind in a comfortable environment.
“It’s going to be fun to see how those matches turn up,” Spc. Uriel Brew Riverson told KTUU while attending the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
More than just a gaming center, the facility serves as a vital gathering spot to combat isolation. With plans to host tournaments connecting soldiers at Fort Wainwright and Fort Greely, the GameLab fosters friendly rivalry and shared experiences.
“We’ve even gone up to UAF [University of Alaska Fairbanks] and worked with their esports so we can try and collaborate between the two,” said Heather Ney, Warrior Zone supervisory recreation specialist.
A Much-Needed Upgrade
The new facility replaces an outdated and underutilized computer lab, transforming it into a vibrant recreational hub. The old center, which housed Xbox One consoles and 10-year-old PCs, failed to meet soldiers’ needs.
“The PCs that were put in were state-of-the-art when they were installed 10 or 12 years ago,” explained Tim Dunnigan, CEO of GameLab, the company behind the upgrades.
Now equipped with modern technology, the GameLab aligns with soldiers’ gaming interests and fosters a sense of normalcy, despite the remote and challenging environment.
More Than Just Games
While gaming is at the core of the GameLab, its broader mission is to provide a sense of belonging and improve mental well-being. For soldiers living in the harsh conditions of Alaska, the facility offers a warm and welcoming space to connect and decompress.
The Warrior Zone is open to all DoD ID cardholders and the facility also features a Sports Bar with food, “ice-cold beers,” mixed drinks, and live sporting events.
The facility’s 100% tobacco-free policy, which includes cigarettes, cigars, e-cigarettes, and “dip/lip/chewing tobacco,” is likely to be unpopular among soldiers, many of whom rely on these products as a common way to unwind and cope with stress.
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