Wings Stadium, which is also home to "The Annex" and "The Cube", announces the largest renovation in the facility’s 39-year history.
The massive project will be completed by the Kalamazoo Wings 2012-13 home opener on Friday, October 19th.
“All of our upgrades have one underlying goal, to provide all of our guests with the ultimate experience,” said Stadium Management Company (SMC) and K-Wings General Manager,Jim Burlew. “This is the single most significant thing to happen to Wings Stadium since the doors opened back in 1974. These renovations are a vital step in keeping Wings Stadium the top entertainment destination in southwest Michigan.”
Highlighting the renovation is a spectacular 40 foot-by-12.5 foot full digital video board that will be capable of instant replay plus new fun and exciting promotions that provide for full fan interaction and enjoyment.
"Wings Stadium has never had a video board before. This means that every K-Wings game along with many other events now become a fun and exciting entertainment event, in other words, we're now producing a show," Burlew commented.
SMC hired one of North America's top consulting firms, Total Sports Entertainment (TSE), to design and integrate the video board as well as the myriad of additional video and sound enhancements fans will see throughout the complex. To further enhance the entertainment experience, TSE will be producing a custom show for SMC events utilizing an eight-camera shoot using ESPN television quality cameras and equipment
SMC’s new digital video board, which weighs in at almost 15,000 pounds, will replace the existing 3,000 pound, 12 foot-by-12-foot scoreboard that has been utilized at the stadium since 2004.
Accompanying the state-of-the-art video board, will be a new sound system custom designed and installed by TSE that will significantly improve the patron entertainment experience through the rich sound of vibrant and exhilarating music along with crystal clear public address announcements. In addition, The Annex is receiving a total sound upgrade for the first time since it was built in 1989.
Wings Stadium is also installing a slew of 46-inch digital monitors in each tunnel leading from the arena seating bowl to the concourse creating a “ribbon board” that will add to the overall fun and excitement, showcase advertisers and celebrate K-Wings goals like never before.
The renovations and changes focusing on the ultimate fan entertainment experience do not stop there. Customers will also be able to enjoy more food options at Wings Stadium concessions. New signature items, such as K-Wings chicken wings, cheese steaks, foot long hot dogs and funnel cakes will accompany the fan favorite items that guests have come to love over the years. Plus, SMC Food & Beverage is installing state-of-the-art draft beer and soda dispensing lines that will quickly deliver ice cold beverages to our patrons.
The first improvements patrons will notice when they walk in will be a bright, inviting lobby and concourse featuring a fresh new paint scheme and exciting new flooring. The "ice white paint" and "true blue" boarder will be further emphasized by bright new lighting. The fun and vibrant new blue and white "Resinous Epoxy Vinyl Flake Floor" will replace the carpet in the main lobby and throughout the entire concourse. This bold new look will enhance customer enjoyment and their overall event experience.
Giving guests even more to enjoy and experience will be new digital video monitors and a vastly improved speaker system throughout the concourse. Fans will now be able to be a part of the show and the action even when mingling with family and friends in the concourse or heading to a concession stand for one of the new food items on the menu.
This is a digital age and most fans are now staying connected during sporting and entertainment events. SMC internet upgrades will also be made to meet and exceed these digital expectations, as well as to enhance fan engagement, interaction and their overall experience during all events.
