Discover Kalamazoo told city commissioners Monday that the Kalamazoo Sports Facility remains on track to open in fall 2027.
Jane Ghosh, president and CEO of Discover Kalamazoo, gave the commission an update that included the organization’s 2025 annual report. She said the first shipment of steel for the building was delivered Monday morning, following a July 31 groundbreaking.
Ghosh said the project is financed by an assessment on hotel stays in Kalamazoo County. Hotels approved the assessment district with an 82% vote, and she said hotels began collecting the 4% assessment in June 2026. She said the revenue goes toward debt service on the bonds financing the facility, which is why the team is working to open on schedule.
Looking ahead, Ghosh said the team intends to:
- finalize the facility’s name this month, since “Kalamazoo Sports Facility” is a placeholder;
- begin booking events in November or December;
- hire a general manager in January, with the rest of the staff to follow.
She said The Sports Facilities Companies, the facility’s operator, is developing a website and seeking sponsorships. Ghosh said the team is also still coordinating with partners on the road configuration around the site, and that the city’s planning staff has led the neighborhood outreach on it.
Commissioners asked how the facility would serve the community. Ghosh said weekday use is expected to be primarily local, with tournaments on weekends. She said the operator’s contract commits it to complement existing local facilities rather than undercut them. Details on local partnerships will come after the general manager is hired.
