FAQ

Yes!

Southwest Michigan First is currently working with Discover Kalamazoo and a variety of partners to explore the feasibility of, and create a concept design for, a state-of-the-art Event Center in downtown Kalamazoo. Our intent is to provide the vision, market research, deal structure, and design work necessary to help transition the Event Center from idea to reality.

Yes!

In late 2021, Conventions, Sports & Leisure International (CSL) was retained by Discover Kalamazoo, the Kalamazoo Downtown Partnership, and Southwest Michigan First to conduct a feasibility study of a new arena or event center in downtown Kalamazoo. The initial feasibility results were overwhelmingly positive.

According to CSL, “A new Arena provides a strong opportunity to create a long-term solution for several of Kalamazoo’s most prominent sports teams. Additionally, a new Arena could attract a substantial new array of entertainment events, such as concerts, family shows, boxing/MMA, professional wrestling, ice shows, motorsports, and other such spectator events. Quality sports and entertainment venues like this are present in most mid- and large-sized cities and work to enhance the quality of life of citizens through the provision of convenient entertainment options.”

A new Event Center would be a game-changer for our region.

It would help attract more residents, improve quality of life, revitalize downtown, and provide significant tourism and economic impacts. Projected impacts include: 

The proposed site is the area immediately southeast of the intersection of Westnedge and Kalamazoo Avenues.

CSL indicated this would be a strong location for a potential event center because of its proximity to downtown lodging properties, restaurants and retail shops, abundance of parking within a 10-minute walk, relatively close location to higher education campuses, and availability of public transportation.

Our recommendation is for the Event Center to be publicly-owned and privately-operated.

This is consistent with the vast majority of comparable arena projects studied under this effort, as well as for other similar arenas located throughout the country.

According to CSL, “A newly-created Arena Authority, similar to the Grand Rapids-Kent County Convention/Arena Authority (CAA), is believed to be the best model of an entity to serve as the Arena owner. This type of ownership model enhances the fundraising and governance flexibility for the project relative to traditional municipal government ownership.”

The construction of an event center would be funded by 4% lodging tax (paid primarily by visitors) and philanthropic investments.

Specifically, the 4% lodging tax would apply to stays in Kalamazoo County of fewer than 30 nights, at hotel & motel properties with at least 35 rooms. Ongoing operating expenses would be funded by operating revenue.

Yes!

Our goal is to build an arena that fits within the fabric of our community and provides the maximum positive impact for all those who call Southwest Michigan home. In order to build out a concept design, we’ve engaged two leading architecture and design firms, TowerPinkster and ROSETTI. Learn more about our Leadership Group and Design teams here.

Yes!

Stakeholder engagement meetings will be held throughout the summer of 2022.

Community Stakeholder Groups include:

• Government & Education
• Neighborhood & Faith Leaders
• Sports
• Hospitality, Culture & Arts
• Nonprofits & Philanthropy
• Corporate Partners

If you would like to participate in a stakeholder engagement session, please contact Melissa Fish at 269.553.9588.