Feasibility Study Predicts a Critical Shortage of Ice Sheet Inventory for Kalamazoo County

Photo by Tony Schnagl

KALAMAZOO, MI – Results from an ice sports feasibility study for Kalamazoo County are now available and project a critical need for new or expanded local ice facility product development. A summary report on the findings considers the future need for new ice sheet solutions in the County as dire indicating that “without new or expanded local ice facility product development in the near term, the Kalamazoo/Portage marketplace risks losing a substantial level of local area youth and adult involvement/participation in ice sports, along with the loss of millions of dollars of economic activity related to lost hockey tournaments, figure skating meets, and curling bonspiels.”

Following the closing of Wings West and subsequent acquisition by Black Bear Sports Group,

area ice sports groups and businesses teamed up to assess long term growth and development in ice sports for Southwest Michigan. Kalamazoo Optimists Hockey Association (KOHA), Greater Kalamazoo Skating Association (GKSA), Kalamazoo Curling Club, South Central High School Hockey League (SCHSHL), Athletic Mentors and Hockey Services Source for Hockey joined together with Discover Kalamazoo and hired CSL (Convention, Sports & Leisure) to conduct the feasibility study. Southwest Michigan First and the Kalamazoo County Event Center Assessment District (KCECAD) Authority also helped to finance the feasibility study.

This critical need arises from a significant change in the Kalamazoo County area’s ice sheet inventory that is anticipated to take place over the next several years. The feasibility study assumed that once the planned Downtown Event Center opens, Wings Event Center with three sheets of ice and Lawson Arena with one ice sheet become unavailable. Additionally, the former Wings West is assumed to reopen in late 2026 under its new ownership with a private model prioritizing in-house programming. The report reveals that “collectively, these dynamics represent a potential net reduction of up to four (4) sheets of ice available to local users, which could substantially impact the market’s capacity to accommodate existing programs, user groups, and events.”

Other key findings from the report include:

·        The need for public sector involvement: For decades, Greenleaf Hospitality Group uniquely supported the area’s ice inventory through private funding and subsidizing the operations of Wings Event Center and Wings West—a model rarely seen elsewhere in the country that has greatly benefitted local area residents. Public sector involvement will now be required to address future facility needs.

·        Two new proposed facilities- Ice Complex and Curling Facility: To address the current needs, expected future ice sheet shortages, and growth in local and tourism related ice sports activity, the study recommends the development of a new three-sheet 85,000-square foot community and tournament-oriented Ice Complex and a new dedicated Curling Facility at approximately 16,000-square feet.

·        A lower-cost alternative for the Ice Complex: The study identifies a new, modern three-sheet Ice Complex as being the most operationally efficient but notes that initial development costs would be significant at an estimated $53 million. A lower-cost alternative would be to renovate the existing Wings Event Center at an estimated $10-15 million.

·        Significant economic output and self-sufficiency: Once stabilized, a new ice complex and curling facility are projected to generate a combined $20.6 million in annual local economic output and attract approximately 300,000 attendee days per year. Although public or third-party funding would be necessary to cover initial construction, both facilities should be operationally self-sufficient once established.

·        Recommendation to establish an ad-hoc committee: To champion the project, create plans and determine the funding structure to secure the two-facility solution, the study suggests the immediate formation of an ad-hoc Community Ice Committee.

The groups and organizations that funded the study are grateful for the information that reflects their concerns and will use this as a basis to determine next steps for the future.

Discover Kalamazoo is the official destination marketing organization for Kalamazoo County, with a vision of sharing Kalamazoo with everyone. Discover Kalamazoo’s mission is to attract and wow visitors for the economic advancement of the county. The Discover Kalamazoo team works to market Kalamazoo County as a destination for leisure travelers, meetings, and sports events, connecting planners with local businesses and providing information and resources to both visitors and residents. For more information, please visit DiscoverKalamazoo.com.