Wings Event Center

Wings Event Center (formerly Wings Stadium) is a 5,113-seat multi-purpose arena located in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The arena, opened in 1974, 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 arena's other hosting capabilities to companies and promoters.[2]

Wings Event Center
Former namesWings Stadium (1974–2015)
Location3600 Vanrick Drive
Kalamazoo, Michigan 49001
OwnerStadium Management Company
OperatorStadium Management Company
Capacity5,113 (Ice Hockey, Indoor Football, Basketball)
8,023 (Other)
SurfaceIce
Construction
Broke groundFebruary 1974
OpenedOctober 30, 1974[1]
ArchitectRichard A. Schramm
Tenants
Kalamazoo Wings (IHL) (1974–1995)
Kalamazoo Kangaroos (AISA) (1984–1986)
Kalamazoo Wings (ECHL) (2000–present)
Kalamazoo Xplosion (CIFL) (2007–2008)

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 spectators; 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. On April 8th, 1992, the facility hosted a World Wrestling Federation (WWF) taping of its Superstars TV show, as well as other shows including Prime Time Wrestling and All American Wrestling. The Superstars episodes later aired on April 18th, 1992, with additional episodes airing April 25th and May 2nd, 1992. The French version of Superstars aired on June 3rd, 1992. The April 18th edition is notable for being the first usage of the 'Superstars' only title, after the company dropped the previous name 'Superstars of Wrestling'. Meanwhile, the All American Wrestling episode aired April 19th, 1992. The Prime Time Wrestling episodes aired April 20th, 27th and June 22nd, 1992. It was at these tapings that The Ultimate Warrior had what would become his first televised match since leaving the WWF the previous year. He defeated Skinner in a bout that would air on the 5/2/92 Superstars.

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.

  • Wings Stadium exterior
  • Wings Stadium interior
  • Wings Stadium interior
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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.

Media related to Wings Stadium at Wikimedia Commons

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