KALAMAZOO, Mich. — Hotels in Kalamazoo County voted to establish funding for the development of a new $40 million indoor sports facility, organizers from Discover Kalamazoo announced Wednesday.

Starting June 1, hotels with 35 rooms or more will collect a 4% assessment on visitor stays of less than 30 days that will go towards the acquisition, construction, and maintenance of the Kalamazoo County Event Center Assessment District (KCECAD), organizers said.

The facility’s initial design features space for eight basketball courts or 16 volleyball courts, as well as an indoor turf field, according to organizers, who said it will serve the local community –in particularly youth– during the week and will also host regional tournaments on weekends.

“Sports tourism continues to be a major driver of economic impact for our community,” Brian Persky, director of business development for Discover Kalamazoo, said. “In 2024 alone, more than 50 sporting events brought an estimated $30.3 million in direct visitor spending to Kalamazoo, thanks in large part to the efforts of our sports partners in the community. With the addition of this new facility, we look forward to building on that success, attracting even more events, visitors, and opportunities that will strengthen our local economy and enhance the vibrant sports culture we’ve worked hard to grow.”

As sports tourism continues to grow in the area, the indoor sports facility is just the first project organizers expect to benefit from the new assessment.

Discover Kalamazoo said their next step will be requesting that the Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners create an ad hoc committee to review potential sites and make a recommendation on the location of the facility.

Once that recommended location gets the green light, organizers said an authority may be formed between the municipality of that location and the county pursuant to the KCECAD’s enabling ordinance.

Decisions surrounding bonding options, site design, management, and daily operations will come after the location is finalized.

“Supporting this vote is an easy decision,” Elena Kitterman, director of sales of Homewood Suites by Hilton & Courtyard by Marriott Kalamazoo-Portage, said. “It’s a smart investment in the success of our area hotels and the future of Kalamazoo. With the potential to generate over 36,000 additional room nights annually, we’re not just focused on today; we’re helping position our community for increased revenue, stronger occupancy, and lasting economic impact as a premier destination for sports and events.”

The vote passed with 82% of hotels in favor, according to organizers.