KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Several Kalamazoo-area ice sports organizations and businesses are coming together to support the Wings West arena’s new ownership and partnering with Discover Kalamazoo to evaluate the region’s long-term ice facility needs. The facility, previously operated by Stadium Management Corporation (SMC), abruptly shut down in September after a failure at the ice plant, the company said.
However, in October, Black Bear Sports Group officially acquired the arena, a move local ice sports leaders say will help stabilize and grow hockey, figure skating, and curling in the region. Groups including the Kalamazoo Optimist Hockey Association (KOHA), Greater Kalamazoo Skating Association (GKSA), Kalamazoo Curling Club, South Central High School Hockey League (SCHSHL), and local businesses like Athletic Mentors and Hockey Services Source for Hockey, have expressed optimism about the future under the new ownership. Black Bear Sports Group currently owns and operates more than 40 ice arenas across the country.
“As one of Michigan’s largest youth hockey organizations celebrating our 60th anniversary season, we’re grateful to stand together with Discover Kalamazoo, GKSA, SCHSHL, and the Kalamazoo Curling Club in our united commitment to ensuring the Greater Kalamazoo area has the ice capacity and facilities our athletes and families deserve for generations to come,” says Matt Kakabeeke, executive director of KOHA.
To build on that momentum, the organizations are partnering with Discover Kalamazoo to launch a feasibility study on ice capacity needs in Kalamazoo County. The study—supported by Discover Kalamazoo, Southwest Michigan First, and the Kalamazoo County Event Center Assessment District Authority—aims to evaluate current facilities and plan for future growth.
“Discover Kalamazoo is proud to collaborate with our local ice user groups to assess the future ice needs and capacity in Kalamazoo County,” says Jane Ghosh, president & CEO of Discover Kalamazoo. “Even with the anticipated reopening of Wings West, we recognize the importance of understanding long-term facility requirements to support hockey, figure skating, curling, and other local recreational users and stakeholders. This feasibility study is an important next step to ensure that our community continues to thrive for local athletes and as a destination for sports tourism.”
The local organizations emphasized the importance of collaboration to preserve and expand Kalamazoo’s decades-long legacy in ice sports. Leaders highlighted the region’s commitment to athlete development, inclusive programming, and year-round community engagement, including adaptive curling and high school leagues.
Officials say they are optimistic about working with Black Bear Sports Group to strengthen ice programming and ensure continuity for games, practices, and special events.
