WMU Hockey and Basketball to Play Downtown Kalamazoo in New Arena

The $300 million Kalamazoo Event Center is set to open in fall 2027, hosting WMU sports and community events.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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Western Michigan University (WMU) hockey and basketball teams will be moving their home games to a new $300 million arena in downtown Kalamazoo starting in the fall of 2027. The Kalamazoo Event Center, a privately-funded 453,000-square-foot venue, is being built to host WMU men's and women's basketball, the university's men's hockey team, and the city's professional hockey team, the K-Wings.

Why it matters

The new arena is part of a rare partnership between private investors, the university, and the city of Kalamazoo, aimed at driving long-term economic development for the region. The venue is expected to host over 100 sporting events annually, as well as concerts, trade shows, and other community events, further connecting the university and downtown.

The details

Construction on the Kalamazoo Event Center began in early 2025 and is on track to open its doors in October 2027. The venue will include a main arena, two full basketball practice courts, and an additional practice ice sheet to accommodate the busy schedule of the four sports teams. About 1,100 parking spaces will be available on-site, with additional parking throughout downtown to encourage visitors to the area.

  • Construction on the Kalamazoo Event Center began in early 2025.
  • The new arena is expected to open in October 2027.

The players

Russ Kavalhuna

President of Western Michigan University.

Tim Rayman

CEO of Greenleaf Hospitality Group, the private company leading the Kalamazoo Event Center project.

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What they’re saying

“Western Michigan University and the City of Kalamazoo are linked. This is where Western and Kalamazoo will come together even more tight than we've ever been before.”

— Russ Kavalhuna, President, Western Michigan University (wwmt.com)

“There is nothing like this in the entire country, a private enterprise building, an arena for university athletics, and for a community to drive economic development.”

— Russ Kavalhuna, President, Western Michigan University (wwmt.com)

What’s next

The new arena is expected to open its doors in October 2027, welcoming WMU hockey and basketball teams, as well as the Kalamazoo K-Wings professional hockey team.

The takeaway

The Kalamazoo Event Center represents a unique partnership between private investors, Western Michigan University, and the city of Kalamazoo, aimed at driving economic development and reinventing the fan experience for university and community sports and events.