The Kalamazoo Curling Club is teaming up with Wax Wings Brewing Co. to launch a special IPA tied to the Winter Olympics. The event, set for February 7, 2026, will feature curling demonstrations and live Olympic commentary despite the club's current lack of ice time. This collaboration aims to keep community support alive amid local ice shortages.
KALAMAZOO, MI — With the Winter Olympics approaching, the Kalamazoo Curling Club has found a novel way to stay connected to the sport it loves: through beer. Partnering with Wax Wings Brewing Co., the club will celebrate the launch of 'Hammered & Stoned' IPA on Saturday, February 7, 2026, from noon to 10 p.m. at the brewery located at 3480 Gull Road.
The event promises a full day of curling-themed festivities, including live commentary on Olympic matches broadcast from Milan-Cortina. Although the club lacks dedicated ice this season, members will bring a physical model to demonstrate the sport's nuances. 'The model will allow club members to teach the fine points of curling and give community members an opportunity to take a few throws and ask questions,' said Chad Campbell, the club's marketing director.
The IPA's name draws from curling terminology: 'stone' refers to the granite block slid across the ice, while 'hammer' denotes the strategic advantage of delivering the last stone in an end, often clinching points. This playful nod bridges the sport with casual enjoyment.
The partnership stems from challenges facing the club. Since the fall closure of Wings West ice facility, the Kalamazoo Curling Club has been unable to practice, marking the first year in 17 without ice. 'We were sad to hear of the loss of the ice this year and wanted to make sure we kept our support for the community as strong as possible, which led to this collaboration,' explained T.J. Waldofsky, Wax Wings' director of operations and programming.
Club President Arlene Carter noted last fall, 'This is the first year in 17 years that we are not curling. There simply is no ice for us to rent.' While Wings Event Center plans to reopen this fall under new ownership, the curling club won't return, and the facility is slated to go offline in 2028. Uncertainty also surrounds Western Michigan University's Lawson Ice Arena as it prepares to host the AHL's Kalamazoo Wings in a new downtown venue.
In response to looming ice shortages, the club, alongside other groups and Discover Kalamazoo, is conducting a feasibility study to assess community needs for new rinks. Campbell hopes the event will remind locals of the club's vitality. 'I hope Saturday’s beer launch will serve as a reminder that the club is still here and should be back on the ice again within a couple years.' Attendees can also purchase new club merchandise, timed for the Olympic season. The launch coincides with the final weekend of Kalamazoo Craft Beverage Week.
