KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Several Kalamazoo-area ice sports organizations and businesses are coming together to support the Wings West arena’s new ownership and partnering with Discover Kalamazoo to evaluate the region’s long-term ice facility needs. The facility, previously operated by Stadium Management Corporation (SMC), abruptly shut down in September after a failure at the ice plant, the company said.
However, in October, Black Bear Sports Group officially acquired the arena, a move local ice sports leaders say will help stabilize and grow hockey, figure skating, and curling in the region. Groups including the Kalamazoo Optimist Hockey Association (KOHA), Greater Kalamazoo Skating Association (GKSA), Kalamazoo Curling Club, South Central High School Hockey League (SCHSHL), and local businesses like Athletic Mentors and Hockey Services Source for Hockey, have expressed optimism about the future under the new ownership. Black Bear Sports Group currently owns and operates more than 40 ice arenas across the country.
Read the full story here – https://sportseventsmediagroup.com/kalamazoo-ice-sports-groups-unite-to-support-new-wings-west-arena-ownership-launch-feasibility-study-for-future-growth/