KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – It looks likely that Kalamazoo’s new $40 million youth sports tournament facility will be built in the city of Kalamazoo.
Discover Kalamazoo Director Jane Ghosh told the city commission last night that a selection committee will recommend 15-acres on the west edge of town near U.S. 131.
“Specifically in the Westgate area, between Drake Road and 131, North of the Holiday Inn,” says Ghosh.
The Kalamazoo County board will take the final vote, but they are expected to go with the recommendation.
That location was picked over sites in Portage and in Texas Township.
Ghosh says the location will help the facility achieve one of its goals, and that’s to provide a place for many young athletes who may not have a place to play.
“Local use of this facility will be prioritized Monday through Thursday, and that will significantly increase participation opportunities for underserved youth.”
She says its construction will be fully funded by a fee on hotel rooms, and its local operation will be funded by regional basketball and volleyball tournaments on the weekends.
There may be winners and losers in the games, but the facility will generate mostly winners, with tourism and hotel rooms up and the creation of over 600 new jobs.
“It means an annual economic impact of impact of almost $50 million.”
Ghosh say their current goal is to have it operational by 2027, about the same time that the new downtown arena could be ready to open.
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