On September 26, 2025, Kalamazoo marked a landmark moment as city leaders, WMU students, and residents broke ground on the new Kalamazoo Event Center, a state-of-the-art, 453,000 sq ft facility. Slated to open in fall 2027, the development will host collegiate and professional sports, concerts, and community events, becoming the future home for WMU Men’s & Women’s Basketball, WMU Hockey, and the Kalamazoo Wings. This project is more than just a building: it’s a “transformational moment” for the region—bringing new energy, investment, and connection between WMU and downtown. It’s a shared vision for Kalamazoo’s future—a gathering place where the entire community can grow, thrive, and benefit from renewed vitality in the heart of the city. WMU President Russ Kavalhuna, Greenleaf Trust Chairman Bill Johnston, City Commissioner Chris Praedel, CEO of Southwest Michigan First Jonas Peterson, Downtown Development Authority Chairman Curt Aardema, Greenleaf Hospitality CEO Tim Rayman, WMU Hockey Forward Owen Michaels, and Mayor David Anderson share their perspectives on how the community center will positively impact downtown Kalamazoo.