The 13-episode series will tell the story behind downtown Kalamazoo’s future home for Western Michigan University Basketball and Hockey, the Kalamazoo Wings, concerts, and community events.
KALAMAZOO, MI — June 18, 2026 – The Kalamazoo Event Center team is proud to launch the first episode of a new docuseries designed to capture the story of a project helping shape the future of downtown Kalamazoo. The 13-episode series will be released periodically leading up to the venue’s anticipated Fall 2027 opening, documenting the milestones, partnerships, and progress behind the Kalamazoo Event Center.
The debut episode, Built for Kalamazoo, explores the vision behind the Kalamazoo Event Center, the purpose driving the project, and the community it is being built to serve. Through perspectives from leaders and stakeholders across the region, including the City of Kalamazoo, Discover Kalamazoo, Northside Association for Community Development, Greenleaf Hospitality Group, Western Michigan University leaders and students, Kalamazoo Wings leadership, and other community voices, the episode highlights the impact the project is expected to have on downtown Kalamazoo and the broader region for generations to come.
“The Kalamazoo Event Center is far more than a construction project. It represents a bold vision for the future of our community, creating a place where people will gather, celebrate, compete, connect, and create lasting memories for generations to come,” said Sarah Olszowy, Chief Experience Officer for Greenleaf Hospitality Group. “We launched this docuseries to tell the full story behind the Kalamazoo Event Center, highlighting the partnerships, planning, and people bringing the project to life, while showcasing the lasting impact it will have on our community long after doors open.”
Future episodes will highlight the inspiration behind the building design, a look at the industry-leading athletic performance center, and showcase the different ways the community can plan to experience the Kalamazoo Event Center.
The Kalamazoo Event Center is slated to open in Fall 2027 and will serve as the future home of Western Michigan University Men’s & Women’s Basketball and Men’s Hockey, the Kalamazoo Wings, concerts, entertainment events, and community gatherings.
The first episode, Built for Kalamazoo, is available now. Community members are encouraged to watch the episode, learn more about the project, and stay up to date on future docuseries releases by visiting the Kalamazoo Event Center website.
For inquiries or to express interest in working with us, please visit the CONNECT WITH US page on the website.
Follow us on all social media platforms @KzooEventCenter.
About the Kalamazoo Event Center
The Kalamazoo Event Center is a once-in-a-generation project set to transform downtown Kalamazoo into a year-round destination for sports, entertainment, and community events. Opening in Fall 2027, the venue is expected to host more than 230 events annually, attract over 700,000 visitors, and generate an estimated $50 million in annual economic impact. It will serve as the home of the Kalamazoo Wings and Western Michigan University’s basketball and hockey programs, while also welcoming concerts and major events. The Kalamazoo Event Center is proudly operated by Greenleaf Hospitality Group.
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 12 unique brands, including the Radisson Plaza Hotel & Suites, Burdick’s, Brick + Brine, Wings Event Center, Kalamazoo Country Club, and the upcoming Kalamazoo Event Center. With a team of over 900, GHG continues to foster community connections through innovative guest-obsessed hospitality. Learn more at greenleafhospitalitygroup.com.
