Kalamazoo, Mich. – Wings Event Center announced their name change from Wings Stadium to Wings Event Center in March showing a change both in offerings and the company’s direction moving forward.
Director of Sales for the Kalamazoo Wings Toni Daniels said with the growing variety of events at the facility, “we wanted to show that we are able to execute diverse events and offerings to people seeking entertainment, a place to meet or even celebrate.”
The core of the Wings’ line up of featured events in its facility will continue to include hockey entertainment tradition with minor league hockey team Kalamazoo Wings, a tradition for the past 41 years since the venue was built in 1974. Furthermore additional sporting events such as youth wrestling, youth hockey, synchronized skating, muay thai and roller derby are just a few examples of events we will continue to add to the venue’s line up of events.
“We are working with each of these groups on being better partners and finding ways how we can better support their events as well as help them grow organizationally,” said Rob Underwood, entertainment director for Wings Event Center. “The growth and success of these amazing sporting events is extremely important to us in providing great entertainment choices for our community.”
In addition, Wings will be pursuing more concert shows and large-scale events such as trade shows, conferences and expos for its 75,000 sq-foot facility. “Catalyst University is a great example of a partner that we have worked with recently to host their annual leadership conference,” Underwood added. “We were able to help take their conference to the next level not only with a larger space but also with our digital scoreboard as a stage enhancement to their event.”
A variety of new dedicated event spaces have been created to provide potential guests greater flexibility for breakout sessions, corporate meetings or life’s celebrations.
The Kalamazoo Wings 2015-16 season on the other hand will also showcase a number of changes from a capital investment perspective, an estimated $2.8 million property improvement plan, geared at elevating the guest experience. Beginning late June, the main ice arena will undergo construction of new flooring which also includes new dashers, NHL standard goal nets, water filtration system, and glass to provide better sight lines for our guests.
“We are partnering with Jet Ice to help us manage and maintain our ice throughout the facility to ensure we deliver a great ice product not only for our users but also for our fans watching the game,” said Nick Bootland, director of hockey operations and head coach. “We surveyed our hockey fans this past season and we are addressing many of their wish list items this season, which includes cleaner glass for a better view of the game.”
Another notable change that guests can anticipate when they come to a hockey game is the overall energy and small touches that truly enhances the fan experiences. A few examples include refreshed game promotions and branding.
“As a team we are working on every aspect of a guest experience before, during and after a game – from themed nights that you can truly immerse yourself to digital engagement through social media,” Toni Daniels said. “It is truly an experience not to be missed this upcoming season.”
For more information about the Kalamazoo Wings and Wings Event Center, please contact Sarah Lee, director of marketing and communications for Wings Event Center, at (269) 226-0370.
Wings Event Center, owned and operated by Greenleaf Hospitality Group, is home to the minor league hockey team Kalamazoo Wings and a full entertainment venue offering concerts, sporting events, family shows and trade shows. Built in 1974, Wings Event Center values partnerships with the community to bring events and attractions that enrich the lives of residents in the Kalamazoo area.