Over the past year, the Kalamazoo community has come together to create a place where both residents and visitors can feel comfortable and safe discovering all that our region has to offer. Our sports partners have worked hard to transform their venues into safe spaces to host your events, athletes, coaches, and families. They've educated their staff to ensure all precautionary measures are implemented and they have taken advantage of other ways to broaden their knowledge on the safety of everyone entering their venue.
We've missed sports in Kalamazoo, and whenever you're ready to return, we'll be ready to safely host you.
Check out these 6 venues and facilities that can safely host your next sports event in Kalamazoo!
Wings Event Center
Wings Event Center has achieved Global Bio-risk Advisory Council® (GBAC) STAR™ accreditation, the gold standard for prepared facilities. As the cleaning industry’s only outbreak prevention, response and recovery accreditation, GBAC STAR™ helps organizations establish protocols and procedures, offers expert-led training and assesses a facility’s readiness for bio-risk situations. To achieve GBAC STAR™ accreditation, Wings Event Center was required to demonstrate compliance with the program’s 20 core elements, which range from standard operating procedures and risk assessment strategies to personal protective equipment and emergency preparedness and response measures.
Not only is Wings Event Center home to the Kalamazoo Wings ECHL team, but they've also hosted events such as the MHSAA Team Wrestling Finals, 2019 USA Curling Nationals, and the 2019 Midwest & Pacific Synchronized Skating Sectional Championships.
Wings West
Under the same management company as Wings Event Center, Wings West is another great ice facility in Kalamazoo. Wings West is home to the Kalamazoo Optimist Hockey Association, Greater Kalamazoo Skating Association, South Central High School Hockey League, and Old Burdick's Wings West, a full-service restaurant overlooking the ice arena. They've also proven to be a successful host of safe hockey tournaments during the 2020-2021 season. They will also be the host site for the 2022 USA Hockey Youth Tier II National Championships.
Mayors Riverfront Park
Home to two of Kalamazoo’s semi-professional sports teams, Kalamazoo FC and the Kalamazoo Growlers, there is potential for many different sports events at Mayors Riverfront Park. The Kalamazoo Growlers held their 2020 season safely and at a limited capacity last summer and are dedicated to continuing their commitment to a safe and comfortable experience for all.
Versluis & Dickinson Softball Complex
Versluis & Dickinson Softball Complex has 14 NSA certified softball fields, beach volleyball courts, a cricket court, and a playground. This complex is the perfect spot for all your summer baseball and softball tournament dreams.
Versluis & Dickinson fields are home to the annual Can-Am Softball Tournament between Canadian and American adult amateur slow pitch softball teams.
Spring Valley Park
At nearly 186-acres, Spring Valley Park is one of the best places to admire wildlife and the natural beauty of the area. Walkers and runners will love the 3.2 miles of paved trails, and disc golf enthusiasts rave about its 24-hole disc golf course. There are a variety of areas for a picnic, including a 30-person shelter with electricity (available to rent) that is conveniently located near restrooms and drinking fountains.
Most recently, the Kalamazoo Disc Golf Club hosted their annual Cracked Plastic Classic Disc Golf tournament at Spring Valley Park.
Gull Lake View Golf Club & Resort
Southwest Michigan’s oldest and largest golf resort, featuring six championship courses, lodging at on-site villas, dining at two full-service restaurants Charles & Darls or Blue Stem, and indoor/outdoor event facilities. Enjoy the hilly terrain of the East Course or take a drive to one of the highest points in Kalamazoo County and play at Stoatin Brae. Recognized as the 2020 Michigan Golf Course of the Year and 2021 National Golf Course of the Year, Stoatin Brae is one of a kind.
Gull Lake View Golf Club & Resort hosts many high school and collegiate level championships each year. Their knowledge in hosting events will make your experience one to remember.
Kalamazoo has many sports facilities and venues prepared to safely welcome you, your staff, athletes, and families when you're ready.
Visit our facilities and venues page to learn about other safe spaces to host your next sports event. Follow Discover Kalamazoo Sports on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram to stay on top of all things sports in Kalamazoo.
