KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Discover Kalamazoo is reporting a record year in sports tourism in 2022.
According to a news release dated Thursday, February 16, a total of 60+ sports events which resulted in $28.7 million in estimated direct visitor spending helped Kalamazoo return to pre-pandemic levels through sports tourism.
Discover Kalamazoo says more than 36,000 youth, amateur, college and professional athletes competed in various sports events and tournaments held throughout the Kalamazoo area, contributing to the region’s local economy through a combination of activities to include lodging, transportation, food and beverage, retail, recreation, space rental, and other business services.
The following notable sports events were held in Kalamazoo in 2022:
Midwest & Pacific Coast Synchronized Sectional Championships hosted by the Greater Kalamazoo Skating Association at Wings Event Center, January 25 – 29
- Nearly 2,500 athletes, coaches, and various event personnel
- 2,800 room nights realized
- Estimated direct economic impact of $3,688,772
USA Hockey Youth Tier II 14U National Championships at Wings Event Center and Wings West, March 30 – April 4
- Nearly 1,300 athletes, coaches, and various event personnel
- 3,100 hotel room nights realized
- Estimated direct economic impact of $2,059,177
USTA Boys’ 18 & 16 National Championships at Kalamazoo College Stowe Stadium, August 5 – 14
- Nearly 600 athletes, coaches, and various event personnel
- 830 hotel room nights realized
- Estimated direct economic impact of $1,357,589
National Collegiate Roller Hockey Association National Championships at Wings Event Center, April 6 – 10
- Nearly 650 athletes, coaches, and various event personnel
- 530 room nights realized
- Estimated direct economic impact of $811,840
MHSAA Team Wrestling Finals hosted by the Michigan High School Athletic Association at Wings Event Center, February 25 – 26
- Nearly 900 athletes, coaches, and various event personnel
- 500+ hotel room nights realized
- Estimated direct economic impact of $557,557
“As we look to the future, our goal is to continue building upon a strong foundation of annual and recurring sports events in our community as well as look at ways to diversify what sports events we attempt to bring to the community,” said Brian Persky, Director of Business Development at Discover Kalamazoo.
“We’re extremely fortunate in Kalamazoo to have some of the country’s most highly respected youth sports organizations, and our community is the ultimate beneficiary from these successful partnerships.”
“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. Kalamazoo was an unbelievable host for over 700 players, 200 coaches and staff, plus their parents and family members,” said Matt Kakabeeke, Executive Director of Kalamazoo Optimist Hockey Association.
“The Kalamazoo Optimist Hockey Association would not have been able to host, manage and ensure a lifetime of memories for these players without the assistance and guidance of Discover Kalamazoo Sports. The games, celebrations and championships achieved along with the impact on the local community will make us a future site in years to come.”
Looking further into 2023, Kalamazoo is set to witness the return of the MHSAA Team Wrestling Finals at the end of February, followed by the 2023 USA Curling Mixed Doubles National Championships at Wings Event Center, February 28 to March 4.
Kalamazoo will also be hosting the first Scripps Regional Spelling Bee presented by The Kalamazoo Promise at Chenery Auditorium on Saturday, March 4 at 1pm.
Kalamazoo will also 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 much more.
The USTA Boys’ 18 & 16 National Championships will also be returning to for their 80th consecutive year at Kalamazoo College’s iconic Stowe Stadium, with satellite sites taking place at Western Michigan University and Loy Norrix High School.
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