We want the food and beverage experience at the Kalamazoo Event Center to help tell the story of our community.
We’ll soon be looking for local restaurants, food entrepreneurs, packaged food producers, canned beverage producers and other local businesses to bring the flavors and products that make Kalamazoo special into the new Kalamazoo Event Center.
We’ve got the arena must-haves covered. Now, we’re looking for local concepts that bring something different to the table and add to the overall food and beverage experience. Current plans already include:
We’re not simply looking to fill concession stands. We’re looking for small businesses and local products that add something distinctly Kalamazoo to the guest experience.
As you consider applying, think about:
Uniqueness, product quality and the ability to successfully operate within an event environment will all be important considerations throughout the process.
The Event Center is creating opportunities for select local and community vendors to be featured within the venue. These spaces will give selected partners an opportunity to serve their food as part of the overall Event Center experience.
Locally made foods, snacks, canned beverages and other packaged products for grab-and-go and retail locations throughout the Event Center.
There will also be opportunities for local food trucks to participate in pre-event, post-event and non-event-day activations around the Kalamazoo Event Center.
Community vendors will operate from fully fitted concession stands with equipment for on-site prep, assembly, finishing, and service, including items like flattops and refrigeration. With no bulk storage on-site, vendors should plan for primary food production and storage to take place off-site.
Applicants should consider how their concept can translate to this model while maintaining product quality and meeting applicable operational, health and safety requirements.
Fill out the Stay in the Know form below to be notified when applications officially open and learn more about how to apply.
Community vendor applications are expected to open October 12, 2026.
If you haven't previously signed up to receive updates, fill out the form below and select "Vendor Partnerships".
Those who are signed up will be sent the online application link once it goes live on October 12.
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Have questions? We encourage you to visit our FAQ page that will be updated regularly as this project develops!
