The building served as the site for the Top Of The World preseason college basketball tournament until its demise in 2007.

Opening in 1990, the venue is named after John A. Carlson (1920–1988), who served as Fairbanks North Star Borough mayor from 1968 to 1982.

It is host to many events ranging from concerts and tradeshows to small meetings, conventions, and receptions.

Past events held at the Carlson Center have included David Copperfield, Lord of the Dance, Larry the Cable Guy, Godsmack, Toby Keith, Montgomery Gentry, Don Henley, the Harlem Globetrotters, Sesame Street Live, Trace Adkins, Elton John and Cheech & Chong among others.

In February 2020 the Carlson Center gained international attention by hosting the first ever Alaska ComiCon, featuring guests such as the original Red Power Ranger Austin St. John, Voice Actor Grey Delisle, WWE Hall-Of-Famer Rikishi, Archie Comics artist Dan Parent, and academic experts Dr. Herb Fondevilla from Japan and Dr. N. Scott Robinson from San Diego.