FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 23, 2025

K-WINGS, WMU & KEC UNITE FOR COMMUNITY CELEBRATION FRIDAY

Kalamazoo Event Center invites families of all ages to free Community Celebration packed with local stars, music, food and giveaways.

KALAMAZOO, MI – The Kalamazoo Wings, proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s Vancouver Canucks, announced Tuesday that the Kalamazoo community is set for a once-in-a-generation free celebration, marking the official groundbreaking of the Kalamazoo Event Center, slated to open in Fall 2027. The event will take place at the corner of Water St. and Kalamazoo Mall this Friday, September 26, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. EDT.

Hosted by Joe Roberts (Kalamazoo Wings In-Game Host) and Rick Place (Western Michigan University In-Game Host/Announcer) with live music from DJ J-ZAL, the event promises an evening of energy, giveaways and community pride for the entire Kalamazoo community.

“This groundbreaking is really a celebration of Kalamazoo and the people who make it extraordinary,” Greenleaf Hospitality Group CEO Tim Rayman said. “We want everyone to join us. Please bring your family, enjoy the festivities, win prizes and help us mark the beginning of something historic. Together, we’ll showcase the spirit of Kalamazoo as we build the future of the Event Center.”

Celebration Schedule Highlights

• Throughout the evening – Games, fan experiences, NCAA National Championship Trophy appearance with photo opportunities, local food trucks, Live DJ, and giveaways
• 5:00 PM – Mainstage welcome and introductions from hosts Rick Place & Joe Roberts, featuring DJ J-ZAL 
• 5:10 – 7:00 PM – Performances, guest appearances, and speeches from community leaders, including: 
  • Tim Rayman, CEO, Greenleaf Hospitality Group
  • Dan Bartholomae, WMU Vice President and Director of Athletics
  • WMU Head Coaches
  • Joel Martin, Kalamazoo Wings Director of Hockey Operations & Head Coach
  • WMU Dance Team Performance
  • WMU Cheer Team 
  • Buster Bronco & Slappy

“There’s no cooler way to celebrate the 269th day of the year than a celebration of this magnitude right here in the 269,” said Kalamazoo Wings General Manager and Governor Toni Will. “We invite everyone to come together, enjoy the experiences, and explore all that our community has to offer. There’s something here for everyone, and we can’t wait to share it.”

Exclusive Giveaways

Guests will have the chance to win unique prizes that showcase the best of Kalamazoo athletics and entertainment:

• K-Wings fan experiences: 4 game tickets & benchwarmer experience, an official jersey, 5-pack (Colored Ice) and 6-pack ticket bundles, and signed memorabilia
• 4 Season Tickets to WMU Men’s Basketball
• 4 Season Tickets to WMU Women’s Basketball 
• 4 tickets to WMU Hockey vs. USNTDP U18 (Oct. 4)
• 4 tickets + 4 hats to Bronco Football vs. Rhode Island (Sept. 27)
• WMU Swag Bag and more 

More Than a Groundbreaking

The celebration doesn’t end here. The weekend also features:

• 269 Fest: A pop-up beer garden in Haymarket Plaza, 7:30–10:00 PM
• “Kalamazoo Gals” Documentary Premiere: Bronson Park, 8:30 PM
• Click HERE for Full Weekend Lineup

“The groundbreaking marks the beginning of something truly transformational, and it’s only right that we celebrate it together," said WMU Vice President and Director of Athletics Dan Bartholomae. "We hope everyone - students, alumni, fans, and community members - will come out, share in the excitement, and be part of this historic moment for Western Michigan University and the Kalamazoo Community."

Fast Facts about the Kalamazoo Event Center

The Kalamazoo Event Center is more than just a venue; it’s a cornerstone of downtown revitalization. With over half a million annual visitors anticipated, this space is designed to host a diverse mix of events. See key information below for Kalamazoo Event Center facts and purposes.

Key Dates & Partners

• Official Groundbreaking: September 26, 2025 (Day 269 of the year)
• Opening Date: Fall 2027
• Partners: Greenleaf Hospitality Group, Western Michigan University and the Kalamazoo Wings

Facility Intent

• Community events, commencements and trade expos
• Venue for professional, collegiate and high school athletics 
• National touring concerts and performances
• Family-friendly shows and exhibitions

The facility will also house academic and athletic support spaces for student-athletes, food and beverage destinations, and flexible event rooms to accommodate a wide range of private and public gatherings.

The Event Center is poised to generate more than $50 million in economic impact annually, fueling new opportunities for small businesses, job creation, tourism, and local pride.

BOOK YOUR STAY

We're proud to announce the Radisson Plaza Hotel & Suites Kalamazoo as the Official Hotel of the Groundbreaking and Community Celebration! Conveniently located in the heart of downtown, the Radisson offers premium accommodations, on-site dining, and first-class amenities - perfect for making the most of your visit.

👉 Reserve your room now to stay close to the action and be part of this exciting milestone! Book your stay here.

VISIT TODAY

Kalamazoo Event Center is a once-in-a-generation project that will transform how people gather, compete, celebrate, and connect in Southwest Michigan. We encourage everyone, from curious neighbors to major event producers to visit kalamazooeventcenter.com to learn more.

The newly launched website offers a user-friendly experience with key features, including:

• Project Overview: Learn about the building’s design, size, and capabilities, including an 8,000-seat configuration for concerts and shows, a 6,500-seat setup for sports, a full practice ice sheet, multipurpose event space, and a new downtown parking structure.
   
• Community Updates: Track progress, access renderings and stay informed about key milestones as the project moves toward completion.
   
• Vendor & Partner Interest: Businesses, suppliers and event organizers can express interest in working with the Event Center by completing an online form. 
• Premium Experiences: Get an exclusive first look at how the Kalamazoo Event Center elevates sports and entertainment experiences, setting a new standard for live events in Southwest Michigan.
   
• Frequently Asked Questions: Get answers about the Event Center’s construction, timeline, amenities, and impact on the local community.

For inquiries or to express interest in working with us, please visit the CONNECT WITH US page on the website. Also, follow us on all social media platforms @KzooEventCenter. 

About the Kalamazoo Wings

The Kalamazoo Wings are a professional hockey team based in southwest Michigan, having been a staple in the Kalamazoo, MI, professional sports landscape since 1974. The K-Wings compete in the ECHL and are the AA affiliate of the National Hockey League’s Vancouver Canucks and the American Hockey League’s Abbotsford Canucks. Kalamazoo plays its 36 regular-season home games at Wings Event Center from October through April.

About Greenleaf Hospitality Group
Greenleaf Hospitality Group (GHG) is a locally owned company committed to exceptional experiences in dining, lodging, sports, and entertainment in Kalamazoo, Michigan. For over 25 years, GHG has welcomed more than 33 million guests and grown to include 15 unique brands, including the Radisson Plaza Hotel, Brick + Brine, Wings Event Center, Kalamazoo Wings, and the upcoming Kalamazoo Event Center. With a team of over 850, GHG continues to foster community connections through innovative guest-obsessed hospitality. Learn more at greenleafhospitalitygroup.com.

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