Western Michigan University Launches ACCELERATE Athletics Initiative

Western Michigan University Athletics announced the launch of ACCELERATE, a transformational initiative designed to fuel the next era of growth and sustained success while establishing Bronco Athletics as an elite athletic program.

Through this new effort, the athletic department intends to use partnerships with Michigan businesses, engage alumni networks, and expand revenue streams across campus venues.

Western Michigan aims to capitalize on its existing foundation to secure sustainable advantages in recruitment, facilities, and student-athlete support.

“Western Michigan has something special. We are the City of Champions, and our community believes Bronco Athletics can compete and win on a national stage. ACCELERATE is about matching that belief with the investment, resources and support necessary to compete and win at the highest level, year after year,” said Alex Gary, Vice President and Director of Athletics at Western Michigan University.

Gary emphasized that the reach of the athletic department extends well beyond the playing field, serving as a primary driver for institutional visibility and regional business connections.

The department structured the initiative around three core pillars designed to engage distinct segments of the university community:

EXPERIENCE: Expanding game-day offerings, premium seating, and hospitality at Waldo Stadium, the Kalamazoo Event Center, and campus facilities for Olympic sports, alongside outdoor hockey games, concerts, and venue rentals.
INVEST: Directing philanthropic contributions toward academic resources, student-athlete well-being, competitive investments, and facility upgrades, anchored by a newly established giving society.
CONNECT: Partnering with Bronco Sports Properties to build corporate relationships, employee activation opportunities, and business-to-business networking across the region.

Western Michigan University Athletics encourages alumni, local businesses, and fans to review specific participation avenues through the official ACCELERATE portal. Department leadership will release additional details regarding the Kalamazoo Event Center seat selection process later this month.