Summary
A new feasibility study says Kalamazoo County has a 'dire need' for ice as rinks close or change management — youth hockey, skating, and curling groups could lose their home ice. Councilmember Miller noted about $12 million in annual economic activity tied to ice events, plus 2,085 lost room nights from events the region had to turn away.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 2
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Mar 9, 2026.
Impact analysis
Roughly $12 million a year in economic activity tied to ice events is at risk as rink capacity shrinks.
Youth hockey, figure skating, and curling participants if new ice capacity is built.
Families and leagues currently facing displaced ice time and tournaments leaving the area.
Mentions & discussions (2)
City Council - Mar 9, 2026
Councilmember Miller reported ongoing talks on a community ice rink, with a published study showing a critical shortage of recreational ice as Wings Event Center ice faces decommissioning by 2028.
City Council - Feb 10, 2026
A new feasibility study says Kalamazoo County has a 'dire need' for ice as rinks close or change management — youth hockey, skating, and curling groups could lose their home ice. Councilmember Miller noted about $12 million in annual economic activity tied to ice events, plus 2,085 lost room nights from events the region had to turn away.
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