After making preliminary plans, they set about serious lobbying efforts to secure funds to replace the structure starting in 2007.

Then-Alaska governor Sarah Palin vetoed $1 million for planning of the structure from the fiscal year (FY) 2008 capital budget.

Financing came together as a result of the efforts led by Ulmer and other UAA officials, legislators Kevin Meyer and Bill Stoltze, and Anchorage businessmen Don Winchester and Steve Nerland.

In 2008, a Title IX lawsuit was filed against UAA over inequitable facilities for the women's athletic teams at the Wells Fargo Sports Complex, which heightened efforts to replace that structure.

The Wells Fargo Sports Complex will continue to house the Seawolves' practice rink, along with expanded hockey offices.