Preliminary Information 2016 Nationals Anchorage, AK

We look forward to welcoming more than 35 United States Academic Decathlon® state champion teams and 20 international teams to Anchorage, Alaska in April to compete in the 35th Annual USAD® National Competition. Below you will find information and a tentative schedule to guide your planning for the national event. Detailed information will follow in the February packet.

Location & Lodging:
This year’s USAD® National Competition takes place in Anchorage, Alaska April 28-30 at the Hilton Anchorage, 500 West Third Avenue Anchorage, AK 99501. Room rates are $139 per day plus tax. Hotel reservations must be completed by March 20, 2016 with the hotel. A major credit card is necessary to secure your reservation. Payment must be made at the time of arrival with a credit card or check - no purchase orders are accepted. Complimentary standard internet is provided in the guest rooms and meeting space areas. Complimentary fitness center access is also provided.

Airport:
Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, 5000 W International Airport Rd, Anchorage, AK 99502 services Anchorage and the surrounding area. Most commercial airlines and rental car companies offer services. Check with the airline and/or rental car agency of your choice for rates.

Ground Transportation & Parking:
Transportation to the hotel is on your own. The Hilton Anchorage is approximately 7 miles (or 10 minutes) from the airport. Taxi is approximately $17. Rental cars and vans are also an option. If renting a car/van at the airport and driving to the hotel, the Hilton Anchorage offers discounted valet parking for $18 per day. Public parking lots are available near the hotel 24/7 – rates vary from $.75- $1+ per hour (view the Parking Facilities Map.)

Fees & meals:
Each team will pay a $600 participation fee to attend nationals this year. Meals are not included in this fee with the exception of breakfast Friday, April 29 prior to the objective testing, and the awards ceremony brunch Saturday, April 30. Meals for nine decathlete and one coach are covered on these two occasions. Extra meal tickets can be purchased.

Essay & Art Testing:
Essay and art events will take place online prior to the competition in Anchorage, AK. These tests will take place April 7, 2016, at 12:30 p.m. Central Daylight time. Student will complete the essay test first, immediately followed by the art test. It will be necessary for teams to participate in a practice session from April 1 at 12:30 p.m. to April 5, 2016 at 12:30 p.m. central daylight time.

Online Nationals Competition:
Small, medium and large school teams eligible for competition in the online national competition will compete this year on April 29. The fee for participation is $250. Details will be provided by your state director after the state competition.

Sightseeing:
There are many picturesque and unusual opportunities for sightseeing while in Alaska. Plan your time wisely – come early, stay late if possible. View the tourism brochure for ideas. There will be a cultural event Friday evening from 5 p.m.–9 p.m. for students after the Super Quiz®, so please leave that time open. Details to follow.

Weather:
The average weather in Alaska in April is cool with temperatures ranging between 41–48°F. April is typically the driest month for Anchorage, but there could be snow on the ground. Please dress accordingly. You will experience approximately 16 hours of sunlight from sunrise to sunset during your stay.

Tentative Schedule

Parking Facilities Map

Tourism Brochure