When it comes to hosting sports events, Kalamazoo is well versed. Similar to our one of a kind name, Kalamazoo has been home to quite a few unique, unconventional sports events over the years. Check out these 10 Sports Events That You Didn't Know Were Hosted In Kalamazoo, MI.
1. USA Curling National Championships (2010, 2015, 2019)
Did you know that the USA Men's Gold Medalist team competed in Kalamazoo just one year after receiving the Gold Medalist title at the Olympics?
2. US Quidditch Great Lakes Regional Championship (2017)
We may not be able to offer up Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, but we do have quite a few locations ready to host your next Quidditch event. Harry Potter fan or not, this sport is one of a kind.
3. PDGA Professional & Amateur World Championship (2008) and PDGA Amateur World Championships (2015)
Here in Kalamazoo, we're known for our array of disc golf courses. Just this year, our local disc golf club hosted the 2021 Michigan Disc Golf Hall of Fame Classic which brought in over 300 participants and represented 20 states across the U.S. Check out these 6 Disc Golf Courses To Play Today In Greater Kalamazoo.
4. USA Pickleball Association Great Lakes Regional (2017-2019)
With year round facilities to play the sport and a dedicated local club, Kalamazoo could be the perfect location for your next pickleball event.
5. U.S. Synchronized Skating Championship (2019)
Fun fact, not only have we hosted the U.S. Synchronized Skating Championships, we also hosted the 2022 U.S. Synchronized Skating Midwestern & Pacific Coast Synchronized Skating Sectional Championships for the third time.
6. ECHL Hockey Heritage Week (2016)
Home to ECHL competitors and ‘AA’ affiliates of both the National Hockey League’s (NHL) and American Hockey League’s (AHL), the Kalamazoo Wings, it's not an unknown fact that we love hockey here in Kalamazoo. In fact, we also hosted the 2022 USA Hockey Youth Tier II 14U National Championships. Check out our blog 5 Ways To Experience Hockey In Kalamazoo for other ways to enjoy the sport.
7. American Cornhole Organization Kalamazoo Major (2017, 2018, 2021)
In case you didn't know, cornhole isn't just your average back yard game - you can also play it competitively! Reach out to the Kalamazoo Cornhole League today to learn how you an take your toss to the next level.
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8. NCAA Division III Men's & Women's Tennis National Championships (2013, 2016, 2019)
Tennis is not a term we take lightly here in Kalamazoo. With many opportunities to play, watch and enjoy the sport, we've also hosted some pretty stellar tennis events. Fun fact, Kalamazoo College's Stowe Stadium has been home to the USTA Boys' 18 & 16 National Championships since 1943!
9. Michigan Kubb Championship (2019, 2021, 2022)
This sport that many know as a backyard game has turned into a competitive, addicting and one of a kind sports. Kalamazoo had the pleasure of hosting the 2019 Michigan Kubb Championship. To learn more about the sport, how you can get involved, or stay up to date on the 2023 Michigan Kubb Championship details, visit the Kalamazoo Kubb Facebook page.
The Michigan Kubb Championships are underway at Flesher Field in Oshtemo! Perfect venue and great weather today. Twelve teams from seven states. @jonhoadley if you start a team for this next year, I’m in! #DiscoverKzoo pic.twitter.com/RaBVbeL58m
— Brian Persky (@BrianPersky) June 22, 2019
10. MHSAA Team Wrestling Finals (2018-2024)
Across all other MHSAA Championships, Kalamazoo has been known to have one of the most charged atmospheres, made even better on Wings Event Center's raised center stage, under the lights of a giant scoreboard, surrounded by fans from all across the state.
