KALAMAZOO, Mich. - Western Michigan University Athletics today announced ACCELERATE, a transformational initiative designed to fuel the next era of growth and sustained success while establishing Bronco Athletics as an elite athletic program. Through ACCELERATE, we will strengthen partnerships with Michigan businesses, create new opportunities for alumni and friends to invest in our success, and deliver more ways for fans, alumni and corporate partners to experience and engage with Bronco Athletics.

The landscape of college athletics is changing quickly, reshaping what it takes to compete and sustain success. The future landscape will reward programs that combine competitive success with strong financial resources, meaningful partnerships, and a compelling brand. We have the foundation to be one of those programs. ACCELERATE is how we build on that foundation, strengthen our position, and create greater possibilities for the future.
It's time to accelerate.

"Western Michigan has something special. We are the City of Champions, and our community believes Bronco Athletics can compete and win on a national stage. ACCELERATE is about matching that belief with the investment, resources and support necessary to compete and win at the highest level, year after year. That will take all of us, and together we can build an even stronger future for Bronco Athletics," said Vice President and Director of Athletics Alex Gary. "The impact of Bronco Athletics extends well beyond competition. Our success creates greater visibility for our University, deepens alumni engagement and opens doors to new relationships with businesses across the state. We have an opportunity to build on that momentum in ways that benefit the entire university."

Three Ways to Be Part of ACCELERATE

ACCELERATE will create new opportunities for alumni, businesses, fans and friends to invest in, connect with and experience Bronco Athletics.

EXPERIENCE: Events and Fan Engagement

WMU Athletics will give fans more ways to be part of game day, from football at Waldo Stadium and Olympic sports across campus to hockey and basketball at the Kalamazoo Event Center. Season and single-game tickets, group outings, premium seating and hospitality will offer different ways to take part.

Signature events such as outdoor hockey will welcome new audiences, and WMU will explore festivals, concerts and other special events. Venue rentals for business gatherings, private celebrations and community events will give more people a reason to visit WMU Athletics facilities. Together, these opportunities will deepen fan engagement and generate revenue that supports Bronco programs.

INVEST: Philanthropic Support

Philanthropic support will advance priorities such as academic resources, student-athlete well-being, competitive student-athlete investment and improvements to athletics facilities. These investments will strengthen every area of our department and help Bronco Athletics to sustain competitive success.

As part of ACCELERATE, WMU Athletics will introduce a new giving society for donors who want to make a lasting investment in Bronco Athletics. Membership will offer increasing access to exclusive experiences, tailored engagement opportunities and meaningful connections with WMU leadership, coaches and student-athletes. Additional details will be shared in a separate announcement.

CONNECT: Corporate Partnerships and Business Development

Working with Bronco Sports Properties, WMU Athletics will develop partnerships that help businesses reach audiences in Kalamazoo, statewide, and throughout the region. Partnership opportunities will be tailored to help businesses activate their brands, engage employees, entertain clients and develop meaningful relationships while supporting Bronco Athletics.

ACCELERATE will also expand business-to-business opportunities by connecting corporate partners, alumni, donors and business leaders throughout the Bronco network. These relationships can generate new business opportunities for participants while creating additional support for Bronco Athletics.

Be Part of What Comes Next

Visit ACCELERATE webpage to explore giving opportunities, connect with Bronco Sports Partners, or learn more about tickets, events, and venue rentals. WMU Athletics will share additional information about Kalamazoo Event Center seat selection process later this month.

Now is the time to ACCELERATE.