Category: News

KALAMAZOO, MI – Greenleaf Hospitality Group is proud to announce the official launch of the Kalamazoo Event Center website on Thursday, a new digital home for the community, future partners, and vendors to explore and interact with one of the most transformative developments in Southwest Michigan’s history.

The site is now live, offering an in-depth look at the future of entertainment, sports, and connection in Downtown Kalamazoo.

“Launching the Event Center website is an exciting step toward bringing this vision to life,“ said Tim Rayman, Greenleaf Hospitality Group CEO. “It serves as a vital source of communication for the excellent work taking place around our project; bolstering our transparent partnership with our community and moving us closer to the opening of our world class Event Center in 2027.”

Set to open in Fall 2027, Kalamazoo Event Center is a 430,000 square foot, state-of-the-art facility located in the heart of the city. It’s slated to be the future home of Western Michigan University Men’s & Women’s Basketball, Western Michigan University Men’s Ice Hockey, the Kalamazoo Wings, and is designed to accommodate more than 230 annual events.

Kalamazoo Event Center will bring together fans, families, students, and visitors from across the region. The new website serves as the official resource for updates, vendor registration, project insights, and more.

“The launch of the Kalamazoo Event Center website is a major step forward in sharing everything this space will offer our community and guests,” said Sarah Olszowy, Greenleaf Hospitality Group VP of Marketing and Technology. “As the central hub for news, updates, and event information, it’s designed to spark interest and keep everyone informed—from lifelong residents in Kalamazoo to first-time visitors.
From construction updates to event previews, this will be your go-to source for everything happening along the way.”

As the project progresses toward completion, kalamazooeventcenter.com is the hub for the most up-to-date information and to get frequently asked questions answered.

A CENTRAL HUB FOR INFORMATION, CONNECTION, AND OPPORTUNITY
The newly launched website offers a user-friendly experience with key features, including:
● Project Overview: Learn about the building’s design, size, and capabilities—including an 8,000-seat configuration for concerts and shows, a 6,500-seat setup for sports, a full practice ice sheet, multipurpose event space, and a new downtown parking structure.
● Community Updates: Track progress, access renderings, and stay informed about key milestones as the project moves toward completion.
● Vendor & Partner Interest: Businesses, suppliers, and event organizers can express interest in working with the Event Center by completing an online form.
● Premium Experiences: Get a first look at how Kalamazoo Event Center elevates sports and entertainment experiences, setting a new standard for live events in Southwest Michigan.
● Frequently Asked Questions: Get answers about the Event Center’s construction, timeline, amenities, and impact on the local community.

This site is designed to be the first step in building lasting relationships with local businesses, regional and national event organizers, and future partners who see the promise of this dynamic new venue.

A DESTINATION FOR ALL
The Kalamazoo Event Center is more than just a venue—it’s a cornerstone of downtown revitalization. With over half a million annual visitors anticipated, this space is designed to host a diverse mix of events, including:
● Venue for professional, collegiate and high school athletics
● National touring concerts and performances
● Family-friendly shows and exhibitions
● Community events, commencements, and trade expos

The facility will also house academic and athletic support spaces for student-athletes, food and beverage destinations, and flexible event rooms to accommodate a wide range of private and public gatherings.
The Event Center is poised to generate more than $50 million in economic impact each year—fueling new opportunities for small businesses, job creation, tourism, and local pride.

PARTNERSHIPS & LOCAL OPPORTUNITY
Greenleaf Hospitality Group invites prospective vendors, performers, promoters, community groups, and businesses of all sizes to explore opportunities to engage with the Event Center now and in the years ahead.

Whether interested in hosting an event, becoming a supplier, exploring sponsorship, or simply learning more about how this venue can serve personal or organizational needs, Kalamazoo Event Center’s website is the starting point.

Greenleaf Hospitality Group is excited to grow its network of collaborators and build a venue that reflects the heart of Kalamazoo—innovative, inclusive, and built for everyone.

VISIT TODAY
The Kalamazoo Event Center is a once-in-a-generation project that will transform how people gather, compete, celebrate, and connect in southwest Michigan. We encourage everyone—from curious neighbors to major event producers —to visit kalamazooeventcenter.com to learn more.
For inquiries or to express interest in working with us, please visit the CONNECT WITH US page on the website. Also, follow us on all social media platforms @KzooEventCenter.

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 15 unique brands, including the Radisson Plaza Hotel, Brick + Brine, Wings Event Center, Kalamazoo Wings, and the upcoming Kalamazoo Event
Center. With a team of over 850, GHG continues to foster community connections through innovative guest-obsessed hospitality. Learn more at greenleafhospitalitygroup.com.

Kalamazoo, MI – Following the conclusion of Choice Hotels International’s 68th Annual Convention in Las Vegas, NV, the Radisson Plaza Hotel and Suites of Kalamazoo, MI proudly announces that it has been awarded the Renovation of the Year accolade. This award recognizes the hotel’s extensive renovation efforts, including revamped guest rooms, modernized meeting & event spaces, and a revitalized lobby and social areas. 

Situated in the heart of Downtown Kalamazoo and locally owned and operated by  Greenleaf Hospitality Group, the Radisson stands as a premier upscale, full-service hotel featuring 340 guest rooms. Notably, this achievement highlights the dedication of the Radisson Plaza Hotel and Suites to elevate the hospitality experience for travelers in Southwest Michigan.

Enhanced Meeting & Event Spaces
The lower-level meeting & event spaces, including the popular wedding and convention venue, The Kalamazoo Room, have undergone a modern makeover. With 50,000 sqft of flexible meeting space, the Radisson offers an elevated experience for recurring conference attendees and attracts new organizations and businesses to the Kalamazoo region.

Reimagined Guest Rooms
The newly renovated guest rooms exude a serene ambiance, complemented by sleek, minimalist furnishings that optimize space and functionality. Additionally, guests can enjoy enhanced in-room entertainment options, reflecting the hotel’s commitment to integrating technology seamlessly into the guest experience.

Reenergized Social Spaces
Social areas across the lower level, lobby, and second floor feature an inviting atmosphere designed to promote relaxation and collaboration. These thoughtfully curated spaces offer guests practical areas to work, socialize, and unwind.

“Our team is proud to showcase the updates and continue to see the impact our renovated spaces have on travel to our region,” says Craig Davies, General Manager of the Radisson Plaza Hotel.

To book a guest room or inquire about hosting your next event at the Radisson, please visit radissonkz.com.

Media Kit
Please click here for photos and videos of the updated spaces for distribution. 

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Radisson Plaza Hotel offers an unmatched choice in world-class hospitality with 340 guest rooms and suites, outstanding amenities that include a heated indoor pool at the Kalamazoo Athletic Club, Blush Salon + Spa, and on-site restaurants like local favorite – Brick + Brine. Radisson Plaza Hotel is locally owned and operated by Greenleaf Hospitality Group. 

Greenleaf Hospitality Group (GHG) is comprised of the Radisson Plaza Hotel, Wings Event Center, Wings West, the Kalamazoo Country Club, and several outlets located in each. GHG aims to make a positive impact on the greater Kalamazoo community by providing premier establishments for dining, hospitality, sports, and entertainment. For more information, visit www.greenleafhospitalitygroup.com.   

About Choice Hotels®
Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH) is one of the largest lodging franchisors in the world. The challenger in upscale and a leader in midscale and extended stay, Choice® has over 7,500 hotels, representing more than 630,000 rooms, in 46 countries and territories. A diverse portfolio of 22 brands that range from full-service upper upscale properties to midscale, extended stay, and economy enables Choice® to meet travelers’ needs in more places and for more occasions while driving more value for franchise owners and shareholders. The award-winning Choice Privileges® rewards program and co-brand credit card options provide members with a fast and easy way to earn reward nights and personalized perks. For more information, visit www.choicehotels.com. 

Kalamazoo’s 2022-23 ‘Cause Game’ lineup & execution takes home National award over NFL, NBA and others.

KALAMAZOO, MI – The Kalamazoo Wings, proud ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League’s Vancouver Canucks, announced Thursday that the team has won the National Sports Forum’s (NSF) 2024 SAMMY Award.

The NSF SAMMY (Sales Advertising Marketing Management Idea of the Year) Award recognizes the year’s most outstanding idea regarding the overall objective, action, and results.

Kalamazoo took home the award via its ‘GEM IDEA,’ leaning on its DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) efforts from the 2022-23 season specific to Autism Awareness, Hockey Fights Cancer, Rainbow Ice, Coats for Floats, and Pink Ice. The K-Wings beat out the Cleveland Browns (NFL). Sacramento Kings (NBA), two major marketing firms that created Super Bowl ads for Staples and PetSmart and the Wheeling Nailers (ECHL).

This is the first award the Kalamazoo Wings have earned outside of the ECHL,” said Toni Will, Kalamazoo Wings general manager and governor. “It affirms the hard work and dedication put into our DEI efforts every hockey season. This award represents the makeup of our staff and players and the Kalamazoo Community. I couldn’t be more proud.”

A superior judging panel, consisting of sports industry professionals from the pro and collegiate teams in San Diego, CA reviewed all of the SAMMY submissions and narrowed them down to the six best ideas of the year.

After securing the nomination last Fall, the K-Wings presented with the five other finalists at the 2024 National Sports Forum in Pittsburgh, PA, last week.

About the SAMMY Award
The NSF SAMMY was developed to give recognition to organizations that came up with a stellar and prestigious idea that all other organizations industry could learn and benefit from, and want to take it back to their organization. Finalists were chosen based on how well teams executed their ideas. Each of the six finalists gave an eight-minute presentation for a special SAMMY Award finalists session at the 2024 National Sports Forum in Pittsburgh, PA, February 26th – 28th, where NSF Attendees determined the winner.

About the Kalamazoo Wings
The Kalamazoo Wings are a professional hockey team located in southwest Michigan that has been a staple in the Kalamazoo, MI professional sports landscape since 1974. The K-Wings compete in the ECHL and are the AA affiliate of the National Hockey League’s Vancouver Canucks and the American Hockey League’s Abbotsford Canucks. Kalamazoo plays their 36 regular season home games at Wings Event Center from October through April.

Kalamazoo, MI (January 20, 2022) – Brick and Brine, located on the lobby level of the Radisson Plaza Hotel and Suites in Downtown Kalamazoo is now open to the public. Reservations are available through opentable.com.

Locally owned and operated by Greenleaf Hospitality Group, Brick and Brine features New American fare, unique and handcrafted cocktails, an extensive wine list, and indulgent desserts.

Brick and Brine aims to not only be top-of-mind for date nights, gatherings with friends, and company celebrations, but a go-to spot for a casual Happy Hour – offering half-off bar food and various drink specials like $5 Brick + Brine Classic Cocktails from  4-5:30pm on weekdays. A full list of Happy Hour features can be found here.

Limited seating remains for opening weekend at Brick and Brine, but reservations are available for the following week and beyond.

Brick and Brine is open Tuesday through Thursday from 4 – 10pm and Friday & Saturday from 4pm – 11pm.

Stay up-to-date on the latest at Brick and Brine by signing up for updates at brickandbrinekz.com.

Centrally-Located Kalamazoo Hotel Introduces Transformed
Guest Rooms, Social Spaces, and Restaurant

Kalamazoo, MI (September 8, 2021) – Radisson Plaza Hotel and Suites of Kalamazoo, MI recently launched a yearlong multimillion-dollar renovation project. Several spaces throughout the hotel will undergo a complete overhaul of look and feel, including but not limited to, the lobby and atrium, meeting and event spaces, guest rooms, guest floor corridors, and a new restaurant. Design elements will observe Radisson Hotel Americas’ brand pillars: balanced, natural, and delightful.

Centrally located in Downtown Kalamazoo and locally owned and operated by Greenleaf Hospitality Group, the Radisson is an upscale, full-service hotel that is dedicated to enhancing the guest experience. The essence of the new hotel spaces will be Scandinavian at heart, enabling guests to find more harmony in their travel experience and enjoy a positive and well-balanced environment.

Guest Rooms

The 338 Radisson guest rooms will strike the perfect balance between form and function. Each room will host a more intentional design – from materials used to layout of the space – with tasteful clean lines and attractive natural material. Muted tones will create a calming ambiance while sleek, minimalistic furniture provides more room without loss of functionality. Bathrooms will be designed to offer sanctuary and relaxation, featuring a rainfall walk-in shower and accent lighting. Updates will also include new in-room technology and entertainment as well as a mobile check-in experience.

Social Spaces

Social spaces on the lower level, lobby, and second level will feature an open, welcoming, and naturally calming ambiance with a style based on clean lines, soft textures, and contemporary materials. Practical spaces to work, socialize, and relax will contribute to a harmonious flow for visiting guests.

On-Site Dining

Brick and Brine, set to open in January 2022, will host three private event spaces, main dining room seating, and bar and lounge seating. The open-air concept, complete with sliding glass walls, will be the first of its kind in Downtown Kalamazoo. Brick and Brine will feature an intentionally forged experience speaking to both local and visiting guests’ desire for authentic conversation, savory dishes, and exceptional service.

“I’m thrilled with this next wave of investment that will update our look and feel for hotel and conference guests alike. The elevation of our spaces, in-room technology, and guest check-in process aligns with providing an unsurpassed hospitality experience, one we’re confident that guests will quickly take notice of,” said Chief Executive Officer, Tim Rayman.

The Radisson renovation is scheduled to be complete by the end of Summer 2022. Updates will be executed in a tiered approach so as to not affect guests’ current experience. To stay up-to-date on the latest developments, visit radissonkzoo.com/accomodations/renovation.

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Radisson Plaza Hotel offers an unmatched choice in world-class hospitality with 330+ guest rooms and suites, outstanding amenities that include a heated indoor pool, on-site dining, the Kalamazoo Athletic Club, and Blush, a full-service salon and spa. Radisson Plaza Hotel is locally owned and operated by Greenleaf Hospitality Group. Greenleaf Hospitality Group (GHG) is comprised of Radisson Plaza Hotel, Wings Event Center, Wings West and several outlets located in each. GHG aims to make a positive impact on the greater Kalamazoo community by providing premier establishments of dining, hospitality, and entertainment.