Wings Event Center Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids
Wings Event Center
Construction


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Former names	Wings Stadium (1974–2015)
Location	3600 Vanrick Drive Kalamazoo, Michigan 49001
Owner	Stadium Management Company/Greenleaf Hospitality
Operator	Stadium Management Company/Greenleaf Hospitality
Capacity	5,113 (Ice Hockey, Indoor Football, Basketball) 8,023 (Other)
Surface	Ice
Broke ground	February 1974
Opened	October 30, 1974
Architect	Richard A. Schramm
Tenants
Kalamazoo Wings (IHL) (1974–2000) Kalamazoo Kangaroos (AISA) (1984–1986) Kalamazoo Wings (ECHL) (2000–present) Kalamazoo Xplosion (CIFL) (2007–2008) Kalamazoo Galaxy (TBL) (2023-2023 )

The Wings Event Center is a big building in Kalamazoo, Michigan. It's a place where many different events happen! It has 5,113 seats for sports like ice hockey. The arena first opened its doors in 1974. It is the home of the Kalamazoo Wings, a professional ice hockey team. In 2015, the stadium changed its name from Wings Stadium to Wings Event Center. This was to show that it hosts many kinds of events, not just sports.

What You Can Find Inside
- Hosting Events and Shows
  - Wrestling Events
Other Arenas in the Complex
Images for kids
See also

What You Can Find Inside

This big complex has lots of cool features. You can find four places to buy snacks and two bars. There is also a special place called the Underground Sports Bar. The main arena is part of a larger complex. This complex serves as a sports and convention center for southwest Michigan.

Hosting Events and Shows

The Wings Event Center is a great place for many events. When it hosts a concert, up to 8,023 people can watch. It can also be a convention center. This means it has 17,000 square feet (about 1,579 square meters) for trade shows. Many concerts have happened here over the years.

Wrestling Events

The center has also hosted many professional pro wrestling events. Big wrestling companies like World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) have held shows here. On April 8, 1992, the facility recorded some TV shows. These included "Superstars," "Prime Time Wrestling," and "All American Wrestling." The "Superstars" episodes aired later in April and May 1992. One episode on April 18, 1992, was special. It was the first time the show was called just "Superstars." A famous wrestler, The Ultimate Warrior, had his first TV match here. This was after he had left the WWF the year before.

Other Arenas in the Complex

The Wings Event Center is not just one building. It's a complex with three different arenas!

The Valley (Annex)

In 1989, another arena was added. It was first called the Annex, but now it's known as The Valley. This arena can seat 1,367 people for hockey games. For other events, it can hold up to 2,850 people. It also has 17,000 square feet (about 1,579 square meters) of floor space. This space is used for hockey, curling, trade shows, and other events. There's even a viewing area that is 3,166 square feet (about 294 square meters).

The Zoo (Cube)

The third arena in the complex was added in 1997. It was called the Cube, and now it's known as The Zoo. This arena is used for hockey and trade shows. Its floor space is also 17,000 square feet (about 1,579 square meters). This means the whole complex has 51,000 square feet (about 4,738 square meters) of exhibit space! There is also a viewing area here that is 5,800 square feet (about 539 square meters).

Lobby and Hospitality

The complex also has a large lobby. It is 2,500 square feet (about 232 square meters). There's a special room for guests called a hospitality room. It is 500 square feet (about 46 square meters). You can also find another snack stand and a bar. This bar is called the Icehouse by Old Burdick's. It has a great view of The Valley arena.