A half-billion dollar project that will transform the area's sports and entertainment scene is unfolding in southwest Michigan. Slated to open in fall 2027, the $515 million Kalamazoo Event Center totals approximately 453,000 sq. ft., with additional parking and mixed-use support infrastructure included as part of the development.
"The venue will become the future home of the Kalamazoo Wings and Western Michigan University men's and women's basketball and men's hockey programs, while also attracting concerts, touring productions and regional events that previously bypassed the market," Greenleaf Hospitality Group senior marketing manager Allie Lochart told Construction Equipment Guide. "The facility is expected to host more than 230 events annually and welcome more than 700,000 visitors each year."
Lochart described the high-profile project as a major investment in the future of downtown and the region as a whole.
CSM Group-Barton Malow photo
"As the community continues to grow, there is a need for a modern, year-round venue that can support collegiate athletics, professional hockey, concerts, family entertainment, conventions and community events all in one place. The project is designed to meet both current demand and future opportunities for sports, entertainment and economic development.
"Its location creates strong connectivity between entertainment, local businesses, hotels, restaurants and surrounding attractions. The venue is positioned to energize the downtown core, while creating a central gathering place for the community and visitors."
In April 2026, the project reached its topping out, which was cause for celebration.
"Each milestone reinforces the scale and impact of what is being built," said Lochart. "Seeing the structure rise in downtown Kalamazoo is rewarding not only for the project team, but also for the many partners, tradespeople and community members who are helping bring the vision to life."
Lochart praised the project team members, emphasizing their nationally recognized expertise and strong local partnerships.
"Barton Malow and CSM Group formed a joint venture that combines large-scale sports and entertainment construction experience with deep local knowledge and community relationships. Design partners Rossetti and TowerPinkster have helped shape a facility that reflects both innovation and Kalamazoo's unique identity."
When asked by Construction Equipment Guide about the biggest challenges on the job, Barton Malow senior project manager Bob Gallagher remarked, "As large as the site may seem, there is little room for material storage and equipment. This has required our trades to coordinate just-in-time deliveries, meaning delivering only enough material for about one week's work so as not to clutter the site."
Workers are responsible for moving roughly 77,000 cu. yds. of dirt and replacing it with suitable backfill. Construction crews have already completed all foundations and 90 percent of the structural steel.
Currently, they are working on enclosing the building, including using insulated metal panels, unitized curtain wall and roofing.
One highlight of the work involves creating the practice sheet of ice for hockey.
CSM Group-Barton Malow photo
"The concrete slab for the ice sheets has refrigerant tubing embedded within the concrete, which travels back to a dedicated ice generation plant," said Gallagher. "The hockey rink slab also has a layer of rigid insulation under the concrete surface you see for optimum performance."
For the basketball courts, the slab has two layers of concrete with a rubber isolation mat between the two to reduce the amount of sound transfer. "Additionally, there is a layer of drywall that wraps the metal decking and steel beams to further deaden the sound. This is required because the courts are directly above operations space below the court."
As for unexpected obstacles, said Gallagher, "There have been a multitude of design-related issues due to the complex nature of the building façade. We brought on several trades early to work through these issues and provide guidance to the design team on how to best execute some of these details from a construction perspective."
Key tasks remaining include design completion, as well as making the building watertight and getting it under temperature control to start the finishes.
Heavy equipment being used on the job includes MLC 300 and 298 Series 2 cranes to set steel.
"We will end up using boom lifts which extend over 100' in the air in the arena," said Gallagher. "Large dozers and excavators were used to grade the site and dig for foundations."
Chief materials include concrete, steel, terracotta and EPDM roofing. Standing seam metal roofing, unitized curtainwall, masonry and exterior stone veneer are also required to complete the work.
Gallagher acknowledged Michigan's weather has been unforgiving at times.
"This was a particularly difficult winter due to extremely low temperatures and heavy snowfalls. Barton Malow erected steel, and TWC poured concrete throughout the winter months. The iron workers typically erect steel down to 10-15 degrees depending on wind chill. The concrete subcontractor uses accelerator admixtures and heating blankets to pour concrete in low temperatures."
Lochart said the project continues to generate excitement in the community and beyond.
Elemental Media photo
"Residents, business leaders, sports fans and regional partners have embraced the vision for a transformational venue that will bring new energy, activity and opportunity to downtown Kalamazoo for generations to come. The Kalamazoo Event Center is expected to serve as a long-term economic and cultural driver for the region.
"Beyond sports and entertainment, it will create jobs, attract visitors, support surrounding businesses and provide a gathering place for the community. The project is expected to generate an estimated $50 million in annual economic impact, while strengthening Kalamazoo's position as a regional destination." CEG
