KALAMAZOO, Mich. — The Kalamazoo Event Center reached a major milestone on Friday with its official topping out, as project partners, community leaders, and construction crews gathered to celebrate the placement of the final steel beam.

The 33-foot beam completes the building's structural framework and signals a visible turning point as the venue takes shape in downtown Kalamazoo. Topping out is a construction tradition dating back more than 1,000 years and symbolizes both the peak of the build and a moment to recognize the skilled workers bringing the project to life, including the ironworkers who placed the final beam.

"This ceremony is important to all of us," said William D. Johnston, Chairman of Greenleaf Companies. "It's a celebration of the ironworkers and the great work they've done."

Slated to open in Fall 2027, the Kalamazoo Event Center will serve as a year-round destination for sports, entertainment, and community events. The facility is expected to host more than 230 events annually, attract over 700,000 visitors, and generate an estimated $50 million in annual economic impact for the region.

"We step on hundreds of projects throughout our careers, but there are a select few that we always look back on," said Zac Sliger, Ironworker Superintendent at Barton Malow. "We think this is going to be one of those projects."

The venue will be the future home of the Western Michigan University's men's and women's basketball and men's hockey programs and the Kalamazoo Wings Professional Hockey Team, while also bringing concerts, touring shows, and major events to downtown Kalamazoo.

The milestone reflects more than construction progress. It represents continued investment in the future of downtown and reinforces Kalamazoo's position as a regional hub for entertainment and community connection.

With the structural framework now complete, construction will move into interior buildout and exterior finishing in the months ahead.

For more information, visit kalamazooeventcenter.com.

About the Kalamazoo Event Center
The Kalamazoo Event Center is a once-in-a-generation project set to transform downtown Kalamazoo into a year-round destination for sports, entertainment, and community events. Opening in Fall 2027, the venue is expected to host more than 230 events annually, attract over 700,000 visitors, and generate an estimated $50 million in annual economic impact. It will serve as the home of Western Michigan University's basketball and hockey programs and the Kalamazoo Wings, while also welcoming concerts and major events. The Kalamazoo Event Center is proudly operated by Greenleaf Hospitality Group.