This is a guest post written by Eric McCafferty
Michigan is home to a variety of premier venues that cater to sports fans, event goers, and tournament organizers. From seasonal gatherings to high-caliber events, these facilities offer the perfect blend of functionality, flexibility, and state-of-the-art features. Below, we’ve curated a list of the top five event centers in Michigan that stand out for their reputation, amenities, and versatility.
Ready to make an impact in your community?
Holland Civic Center (Holland)
The Holland Civic Center is a versatile and historic venue designed to host a wide range of events. It stands out not only for its functionality but also for its picturesque location in the charming town of Holland. From weddings and banquets to corporate gatherings, expos, and farmers’ markets, this venue has built a reputation for elevating a wide variety of events.
- Capacity: With 50,000 square feet of well-designed, configurable spaces, the center is suitable for events large and small.
- Features: Newly renovated interiors, a stage, a dance floor, excellent AV capabilities, classrooms, concessions, a full-service kitchen, and a range of updated in-house catering options.
- Highlight: Their extensive event packages and expert event coordinators cater to sports organizers, wedding planners, and businesses alike. Plus, its proximity to Lake Michigan gives it weekend getaway appeal!
Kalamazoo County Expo Center & Fairgrounds (Kalamazoo)
The Kalamazoo County Expo Center & Fairgrounds is a versatile venue that caters to a wide range of events, from trade shows and exhibitions to community gatherings and private celebrations. Located in “KZoo,” it offers expansive facilities, including indoor and outdoor spaces, ample parking, and modern amenities to suit any occasion. This venue is a favorite for sports tournaments, trade shows, and large community events.
- Capacity: The 90,000-square-foot facility with over 61,000 square feet of exhibit space, including numerous climate-controlled rooms. Outside, it offers 120 acres of festival areas that can accommodate up to 25,000 attendees.
- Features: Multiple versatile exhibit spaces, free paved parking for 4,200 vehicles, 220 campsites, Wi-Fi, concessions, ATMs, and nearby hotels and restaurants for vendors and guests.
- Highlight: The location’s fairground element makes it ideal not just for indoor events but also for outdoor festivals.
Van Andel Arena (Grand Rapids)
Located in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids, Van Andel Arena is a destination for entertainment that has hosted everything–from basketball games, ice hockey matches, world-class concerts, and more–since opening in 1996. Home to the Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL), Grand Rapids Gold (NBA G League), and Grand Rapids Rise (Pro Volleyball Federation), this arena regularly sees packed crowds cheering on their team.
- Capacity: This exceptional venue can accommodate over 12,000 attendees. The arena floor measures 85 by 220 feet, with 9,886 permanent seats, 1,300 retractable seats, 44 luxury suites, and 1,800 club seats.
- Features: Exceptional acoustics, executive-level suites, and multiple dining options for a premium experience.
- Highlight: The venue has hosted legendary artists like Paul McCartney, Taylor Swift, Prince, and Metallica. Other notable past events include the NCAA Hockey Regional Championships, Detroit Pistons exhibition games, Disney on Ice, WWE Raw, and performances by Kevin Hart and Jeff Dunham.
Lansing Center (Lansing)
Located along the scenic Grand River with panoramic views of Michigan’s buzzing capital city, the Lansing Center is a state-of-the-art convention and event facility that is the go-to venue for large corporate events, sports expos, concerts, and cultural festivals.
- Capacity: In total, the complex offers over 175,000 square feet of contemporary event space with 40-foot ceilings, including nearly 72,000 square feet of column-free exhibit space for maximum customization and 20 breakout rooms.
- Features: Cutting-edge technology, including high-speed internet and projection systems, paired with onsite catering, dressing rooms, 430 parking spaces, and a covered pedway connected to the Doubletree Hotel.
- Highlight: Its convenient location near state government offices and hotels makes it popular among business professionals and large-scale organizers.
The Dow Event Center (Saginaw)
From hockey games to conferences, The Dow Event Center does it all. The venue’s list of spaces–both indoor and outdoor–is extensive and offers a place for every event, including the arena, the theater, the red room, the garden room, and the Jolt Credit Union Event Park. Home to the Saginaw Spirit (OHL hockey team), this spot is a favorite for local hockey fans and national touring acts alike.
- Capacity: The facility offers a range of spaces for any type and size of event, including the 25,000 square foot, 7,600-seat arena, the 10,000 square foot outdoor pavilion, and intimate banquet or meeting rooms.
- Features: An upgraded sound system, new LED lighting, a state-of-the-art videoboard, premium seating options, onsite event coordination services, spacious dressing rooms, and convenient loading docks.
- Highlight: The venue has hosted notable artists like Kid Rock, Nelly, and Bob Seger, family shows like Disney on Ice and Sesame Street Live, Broadway musicals like RENT and CATS, comedians like Jerry Seinfeld, and even the Moster Jam. Its central location in the state is accessible from any neighboring major city and beyond.
Michigan offers some of the best-equipped and most diverse sports and event centers to cater to every need. Whether you’re planning a high-stakes sports tournament, a business expo, or an entertainment-packed evening for a crowd, these locations deliver professionalism, community engagement, and unforgettable experiences.
