Wing It

Official Review by Paul Swaney, Stadium Journey Co-Founder

The word Kalamazoo derives from an Algonquian phrase meaning "boiling water." While that may be true (and there seems to be some debate over the correct meaning), it's also a place to find some action on frozen water. Yes, professional hockey is played in Kalamazoo, by the ECHL's Kalamazoo Wings (known familiarly as the K-Wings).

Originally affiliated with the Detroit Red Wings, then the New York Islanders, their affiliation moved to the Vancouver Canucks, the New Jersey Devils, and the Albany Devils (AHL) beginning the 2011-2012 season. With two Turner Cups (IHL) and one Colonial Cup (UHL), the team has three championships in its history.

In the parking lot, the first thing I heard over the loud speaker after exiting my car was, "Come for the party, stay for the game." That seems to be the marketing plan here. They offer plenty to do for families, or for the group that just wants to belly up to the bar before, during, or after.

Food & Beverage    4

I went into this review thinking that if they don't have some decent wings at a Wings game, then I was going to unload in this section. Fortunately they do, and they're fairly decent. Boneless wings made to order are available in quantities of 6 or 12 ($4.75/$9.25). There are separate lines at each main concession area, especially for season ticket holders. This will either ingratiate or infuriate you, but I think it's a good touch for your most loyal fans.

Outside of that, I didn't see too much that would blow typical fans away. Hot dogs ($3.75), cheeseburgers ($5.25), and chicken poppers ($5.50) are offered alongside the usual snacks. On Sundays, fans aged 12 and under eat for free, a definite nice perk for families.

Beverages are provided by Pepsi with three sizes, including the smart kids size ($2.50, $3.50, and $4). Hot chocolate and coffee are offered ($2.25) with cappuccino ($3.25) if you're feeling fancy. Most stands have Budweiser, Bud Light, and Rolling Rock in 16-ounce or 22-ounce sizes ($5 or $6).

Burdick's is a bar attached to the arena, where fans can go before, during, or after a game. Also accessible from the main concourse is the Underground Sports Bar.

Atmosphere    3

You may have been able to tell by looking at the pictures above, but I attended on Star Wars Night at Wings Stadium. I have to say that was a real plus, as there were at least 6 fully dressed Storm Troopers, Chewbaca, Darth Vader, and several other recognizable characters.

Outside of that, the experience was pretty tame. The scoreboard is very basic, displaying only the score, time, period, and penalty information.

The arena is small, and holds noise in fairly well so you should be able to hear a lot of clicks and clacks of hockey very well. There are only 19 rows, in one level of seats, so you can be sure that you'll have a good view regardless of where you sit. Seats offer above average leg room, but no cup holder. At many hockey venues, you'll find ushers at each entrance to prevent spectators from walking around while the puck is in play. The majority of entrances at Wings Stadium did not have an usher, but I didn't see a lot of meandering in the stands anyways.

Neighborhood    3

When I think of Kalamazoo, Michigan, I think of Bell's Brewery. I was pretty excited to spend some time at the Bell's Eccentric Cafe. If you've ever had a Two Hearted Ale, you'll know what I mean. They have really good sandwiches in this fun location, including the salami & capicola Panini ($8), and all of the many delicious and interesting Bell's brews, including 7 that are only served here. It's about 5-6 miles from the arena, so I'm probably stretching to include it in the neighborhood section, but it's worth the extra miles if you like good beer.

Closer to the arena, you may want to spend time at Airway Lanes. It's a bowling alley that also offers several other games, as well as a bar, the Alley Oops Sports Bar. There are several TVs and 10 beers on tap, so it may be a good place to spend some time, especially if you have your bowling ball with you. They also offer karaoke on Friday and Saturday nights in case you didn't scream yourself hoarse at the game.

Fans    3

The fans were pretty good, but not great. There were no special traditions or chants that were apparent during my visit. It was a Sunday afternoon, so there may have been fewer hard core hockey fans, and more kids, but I didn't hear much from the group other than reacting to goals and fights.

Very few fans left before the final horn, and probably half the fans remained in their seats as the team announced the stars of the game and did a player interview over the PA system. That showed a lot of dedication to the team.

Access    4

Located just off of exit 80 on I-94, Wings Stadium is easy to find and easy to get to. Parking is free (I love it when teams offer free parking) and it is ample. You should have no problems getting in and out.

Concourses are wide and restrooms are found on each of the four sides of the arena. I didn't find any problematic lines anywhere or at any time throughout the contest.

Return on Investment    4

The Kalamazoo Wings offer a $1 discount on all tickets that are purchased in advance. Tickets at the box office on the day of the game go for $11, $14, and $16. My advice would be to go for the most expensive or the least expensive and skip the middle here. Frankly, they're all equally good seats, but if you can sit front row, that's always a lot of fun.

When you factor in the free parking and the reasonably priced concessions, you're in for a good value here. The ECHL is beginning to get a reputation as a good fighting league, all the more reason to sit on the boards if they're available.

Extras    3

"From the banks of the Kalamazoo River," Slappy, the Wings' mascot was the first "player" to be introduced. He deserved it, because he did a wonderful job during intermissions entertaining the fans, and an even better job during the game up in the stands.

The annual Green Ice game is played on St. Patrick's Day, and in 2011 it will be the 30th consecutive year that Wings Stadium has hosted that traditional game. The club also offers an Orange Ice game on Halloween and a Pink Ice game on St. Valentine's Day.

I also have to award an extra point for the Star Wars Night promotion. They really did a great job, and the Star Wars characters vs. 5th Graders during the first intermission was well worth the visit.