Wings Event Center

Wings Event Center
Former names Wings Stadium (1974–2015)
Location 3600 Vanrick Drive
Kalamazoo, Michigan 49001
Owner Stadium Management Company
Operator Stadium Management Company
Capacity 5,113 (Ice Hockey, Indoor Football, Basketball)
8,023 (Other)
Surface Ice
Construction
Broke ground February 1974
Opened October 30, 1974[1]
Architect Richard A. Schramm
Tenants
Kalamazoo Wings (IHL) (19742000)
Kalamazoo Kangaroos (AISA) (19841986)
Kalamazoo Wings (ECHL) (2000–present)
Kalamazoo Xplosion (CIFL) (2007–2008)

Wings Event Center (formerly Wings Stadium) is a 5,113-seat multi-purpose arena located in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The arena opened in 1974 and is home to the Kalamazoo Wings, an ice hockey team in the ECHL. The stadium changed the name to the Wings Event Center on March 25, 2015 to market the arenas other hosting capabilities to companies and promoters.[2]

The complex features four concession stands and two bars along the concourse, as well as the Underground Sports Bar. The main arena is a part of a sports and convention complex serving southwest Michigan.

As a concert venue, the stadium can seat up to 8,023; as a convention center it can accommodate 17,000 square feet (1,600 m2) of trade show and exhibit space. Along with numerous concerts, the stadium has also hosted a number of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) events.

In 1989, the Annex, seating 1,367 for hockey and up to 2,850 for other events, was added; it also has 17,000 square feet (1,600 m2) of arena floor space and can be used for hockey, curling, trade shows, conventions and other events. It also has a 3,166-square-foot (294 m2) viewing area.

The Cube, the third arena in the complex, was added in 1997, and is used for hockey and trade shows; its arena floor also measures 17,000 square feet (1,600 m2), bringing the total exhibit space to 51,000 square feet (4,700 m2). There is also a 5,800-square-foot (540 m2) viewing area at the arena.

The complex has a 2,500-square-foot (230 m2) lobby and a 500-square-foot (46 m2) hospitality room, a separate concession stand and a bar called the Icehouse by Old Burdick's, which overlooks the Annex.

The arena played host to the politically motivated Vote for Change Tour on October 3, 2004, featuring performances by Babyface and John Mellencamp.[3]

References

  1. "Kalamazoo Wings official website". Archived from the original on October 13, 2011. Retrieved September 23, 2011.
  2. "WINGS STADIUM IS NOW THE WINGS EVENT CENTER". Wings Event Center. March 25, 2015.
  3. "Backstreets.com: 2004 Setlists". backstreets.com. Retrieved 7 March 2016.

Media related to Wings Stadium at Wikimedia Commons

Coordinates: 42°15′13″N 85°32′7″W / 42.25361°N 85.53528°W / 42.25361; -85.53528

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