Discover Kalamazoo sporting events net $28.7M in economic windfall in 2022

KALAMAZOO, MI — The pandemic may have slowed down live events of all kinds, but 2022 was a year of recovery and then some for Discover Kalamazoo.

Kalamazoo County’s official destination marketing organization announced Wednesday, February 15, that 2022 was a record year for its operations as the economic impact of its sports tourism events exceeded even pre-pandemic levels, earning the county $28.7 million .

A total of more than 60 sporting events led to the estimated level of direct visitor spending as more than 36,000 youth, amateur, collegiate and professional athletes participated in various sporting events and tournaments held throughout the Kalamazoo area throughout the year, a news publication from Discover Kalamazoo States.

The economic windfall was the result of lodging, transportation, food and beverage, retail, recreation, space rental and other business services funded by community visitors throughout the five dozen events.

“We are very fortunate to have some of the most respected youth sports organizations in the country in Kalamazoo, and our community is the ultimate beneficiary of these successful partnerships,” said Brian Persky, director of business development at Discover Kalamazoo.

Notable events related to Kalamazoo’s economic impact in 2022 included:

• Midwest & Pacific Coast Synchronized Sectional Championships: Hosted by the Greater Kalamazoo Skating Association January 25-29 at the Wings Event Center, the event brought together nearly 2,500 athletes, coaches and event staff. A total of 2,800 hotel room nights were booked as a result of the event and the estimated total direct economic impact was $3,688,772.
• USA Hockey Youth Tier II 14U National Championships: Held March 30-April 4 at Wings Event Center and Wings West, the event brought together nearly 1,300 athletes, coaches and event staff. A total of 3,100 hotel nights were booked and the estimated direct economic impact was $2,059,177.
• USTA Boys’ 18 & 16 National Championships: Held August 5-14 at Kalamazoo College’s Stowe Stadium, the event brought together nearly 600 athletes, coaches and event staff. A total of 830 hotel nights were booked and the estimated direct economic impact was $1,357,589.
• National Collegiate Roller Hockey Association National Championships: Held April 6-10 at the Wings Event Center, the event brought together nearly 650 athletes, coaches and event staff. A total of 530 hotel nights were booked and the estimated direct economic impact was $811,840.
• MHSAA Team Wrestling Finals: Hosted by the Michigan High School Athletic Association on February 25-26 at the Wings Event Center, the event brought together nearly 900 athletes, coaches and event staff. Over 500 hotel nights were booked and the estimated direct economic impact was $557,557.

The organization said it plans to further emphasize sports tourism and expand its offerings as it continues to be a big part of Kalamazoo’s recovery from the pandemic.

“Looking ahead, our goal is to continue to build on a strong foundation of annual and recurring sporting events in our community and to explore opportunities to diversify the sporting events that we wish to offer to the community,” Persky said.

As a longtime partner of Discover Kalamazoo Sports, the Kalamazoo Optimist Hockey Association is one of many local youth sports organizations to have been directly involved in a national event.

“In April 2022, our club had the opportunity to host the USA Hockey 14U Tier II National Championships at Wings West and the Wings Event Center,” said Matt Kakabeeke, executive director of the Kalamazoo Optimist Hockey Association. “Kalamazoo has been an incredible host to over 700 players, 200 coaches and staff, as well as their parents and family members.

“The Kalamazoo Optimist Hockey Association would not have been able to host, manage and guarantee a lifetime of memories for these players without the support and guidance of Discover Kalamazoo Sports. The games, celebrations and championships achieved and the impact on the local community will make us a site of the future for years to come.”

Looking ahead to 2023, Kalamazoo will see the return of the MHSAA Team Wrestling Finals in late February, followed by the 2023 USA Curling Mixed Doubles National Championships at the Wings Event Center on February 28-March 4.

Kalamazoo will also host the inaugural Scripps Regional Spelling Bee presented by The Kalamazoo Promise on Saturday, March 4 at 1:00 p.m. in the Chenery Auditorium.

Additionally, Kalamazoo will host the return of the 2023 Can-Am Softball Tournament, Latitude 42 Senior Pro Open 65+ Pickleball Tournament, Kick-Off Classic Synchronized Skating Competition, Michigan Kubb Championship and more.

The USTA Boys’ 18 & 16 National Championships also return to Kalamazoo College’s legendary Stowe Stadium for the 80th consecutive year, with satellites at Western Michigan University and Loy Norrix High School.

To keep up to date with events, follow Discover Kalamazoo Sports on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. For more information about Discover Kalamazoo, visit discoverkalamazoo.com.

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