Kalamazoo County hotels approve funding for $40M indoor sports facility

Hotels across Kalamazoo County have overwhelmingly voted to support a new funding mechanism aimed at developing a $40 million indoor sports facility, with 82% voting in favor of the initiative.

The facility, designed to host eight basketball courts or 16 volleyball courts and an indoor turf field, is expected to serve local youth during the week and attract regional tournaments on weekends.

“Sports tourism continues to be a major driver of economic impact for our community,” said Brian Persky, director of business development at Discover Kalamazoo. “In 2024 alone, more than 50 sporting events brought an estimated $30.3 million in direct visitor spending to Kalamazoo. With the addition of this new facility, we look forward to building on that success.”

The vote establishes the Kalamazoo County Event Center Assessment District (KCECAD), which will take effect June 1. Under the new district, hotels with 35 or more rooms will collect a 4% assessment on stays shorter than 30 days. The funds will be dedicated to acquiring, building and maintaining the indoor sports complex. The initiative will not introduce any new taxes or fees for local residents.

The assessment revenue is restricted to use on tourism-driving projects, with the indoor sports complex slated as the first to benefit. Officials say future projects may follow as the region’s sports tourism market continues to grow.

“Supporting this vote is an easy decision,” said Elena Kitterman, director of sales at Homewood Suites by Hilton and Courtyard by Marriott Kalamazoo-Portage. “It’s a smart investment in the success of our area hotels and the future of Kalamazoo. With the potential to generate over 36,000 additional room nights annually, we’re helping position our community for increased revenue, stronger occupancy, and long-term economic impact.”

Discover Kalamazoo will request the Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners establish an ad hoc committee to evaluate potential locations for the facility. Once a site is recommended, a governing authority may be formed between the municipality and the county, as outlined in the KCECAD’s enabling ordinance. The authority will oversee the site’s selection, funding strategy, design, and operational planning.

“I really want to thank the Kalamazoo County Administration and, in particular, the County Clerk’s Office for administering this vote with the utmost integrity and professionalism,” said Jane Ghosh, president and CEO of Discover Kalamazoo. “This project will bring hundreds of thousands of new visitors to our community each year and help sustain not just our hotels but also the restaurants, attractions, and arts our residents enjoy.”