Lawson Arena

Lawson Arena
Western Michigan University
1590 Lawson Dr.
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5422

Ticket & Game Day Information
Directions & Parking Information

Harry W. Lawson Ice Arena has been the home of the Western Michigan University hockey team since the 1974-75 season. Its namesake was the founding father of Bronco hockey, forming the school’s club team in 1958.

The facility contains a 200’ x 85’ ice surface and has a seating capacity for 3,667 fans. The concourse opens high above ice-level, allowing for excellent viewing from all areas.

Lawson underwent a $2.2 million renovation project during the summer of 2006, as improvements were made to the interior areas located under the stands. New varsity locker rooms for home and visiting teams were added, along with a video/team meeting room, expanded athletic training and equipment areas and new coaching quarters. The project was made possible through monies received from university commitment, auxiliary services and fund raising.

Lawson underwent a $250,000 facelift in 1997, as premium chairback seating and vinyl bleachers were installed. The most noticeable change was the new seating section above the Zamboni entrance.

In 1998, Lawson received a new $1 million dollar metal roof, matching the cost of renovations made in the summer of 1993 when a new cooling system, floor, boards and glass were installed.

Locker rooms also underwent a facelift that summer with the addition of 30 new lockers made of solid oak, each of which was financed through donations from former WMU hockey players and their families.

Adjacent to the dressing area is a conditioning area and the medical training room. WMU players have access to Lawson’s conditioning area throughout the year as well as other weight room facilities provided on campus.

Ahead of the 2014-15 season another renovation was done of the Bronco locker room. WMU invested approximately $200,000, financed through generous donations, to add new stalls and carpeting. In the summer of 2016 the arena underwent a major renovation. A new mechanical room to house a new ice-making system was added. Also added was a new, state of the art, ammonia refrigeration system, along with a new floor, piping, boards and glass. Lawson also has a computerized system to to monitor the ice for energy efficiency. The new system is also reclaiming the heat it produces and heating Gabel Pool, along with the front and back outside entrance pads to melt snow and ice.

Lawson has staged other events besides hockey games, including professional boxing matches, ice shows and concerts. From 1992-94, Lawson housed WMU men’s and women’s basketball games while University Arena was being renovated. Lawson served as home to the WMU synchronized skating varsity team for five seasons.

The largest crowd to ever watch a game at Lawson Arena occurred on Oct. 31, 1987 when 5,168 spectators filled the arena beyond capacity to see the Broncos clash with CCHA rival Michigan State.

Directions:

From I-94: At exit #74, turn north onto US-131, go 2.7 miles; use the following directions for exiting from US-131
From US-131: At exit #36, turn east onto Stadium Drive, go 2.2 miles; turn left on Howard Street. Cross railroad tracks and immediately turn right and enter campus. Turn left at stop sign and continue to 4-way stop. Turn left and continue to Lawson Ice Arena parking lots.
From M-43 North of Kalamazoo: Turn left off M-43 (Gull Road) in Kalamazoo on to Riverview Drive; go under the railroad overpass and bear right onto Michigan Avenue for 0.4 miles; it then becomes Kalamazoo Avenue. Continue until it becomes Stadium Drive. Pass Waldo Stadium (on your left) and turn right onto Howard Street (second light past the stadium). Cross railroad tracks and immediately turn right and enter campus. Turn left at stop sign and continue to 4-way stop. Turn left and continue to Lawson Ice Arena parking lots.

Parking: Guest parking passes and parking maps are attainable at WMU Parking Services. Please contact WMU Parking Services M-F 7:30a-4:00p at:

wmich.edu/parking for online services
2507 W Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49008 for in-person services
(269) 387-4609 for call services