KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Groundbreaking was held Friday for the new $49-million Kalamazoo Indoor Youth Sports Facility on a treelined patch of land on the city’s far west side.
When it’s completed next year, the facility will have indoor space for 8 basketball courts that can be turned into 16 volleyball courts, and 24 pickleball courts. Plans also include a 200-by-85-foot indoor turf field, flex and team rooms, a lobby, ticketing, and a cafe with food and beverage seating.
It will be assessable during the week for local youth and teams and used on weekends for regional sports tournaments, which should raise enough money to make the facility self-sustainable.
Discover Kalamazoo CEO Jane Ghosh, who was described as the visionary behind the project, says it came together quickly, thanks to the many cooperating organizations, local governments, and volunteers in the community.
“Its remarkable that we have gone from asking what sport we want a facility for, to groundbreaking in literally just four years, even more remarkable is that we are still on track to open this facility in the fall of 2027.”
She says the location is what makes it special.
“It has excellent access from U.S. 131 and I-94, and where we are standing today is a 15 minute drive to 98% of motels rooms in Kalamazoo County. It’s really an exceptional location.”
Former University of Michigan basketball player and now coach Corey Person, who sits on the facility board, says it’s all about giving kids more and better opportunities.
“The biggest thing that this thing is going to do is going to provide them with hope and opportunity, with that cliche saying that we all know if you see it or believe it you can achieve it, and that’s what we’re doing here. What we do know is that every day and every month there’s going to be thousands and thousands and thousands of kids that are gonna walk through those doors and that are gonna be learning so many life lessons.”
Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners Chair Jen Strebs says the bottom line is, it’s all about the kids.
“I’m so excited for the day that we’re inside of this facility, that we hear the laughter, the cries, the cheering, the joy, the camaraderie that comes in this space.”
The 140,000 square foot facility will also include an indoor turf field, office and rental facilities. It will generate an estimated $48.6 million annual boost to the local economy, creating 36,000 projected annual hotel room nights, and many new jobs.
Kalamazoo County will fund the project through the newly established Kalamazoo County Event Center Assessment District, approved by local hotels with an 82% “yes” vote. The district applies a 4% assessment to hotel stays under 30 days and dedicates those funds exclusively to tourism-driving facilities like the proposed complex.
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