Acrisure Amphitheater is a 12,000 seat outdoor

amphitheatre An amphitheatre (American English, U.S. English: amphitheater) is an open-air venue used for entertainment, performances, and sports. The term derives from the ancient Greek ('), from ('), meaning "on both sides" or "around" and ('), meani ...

which broke ground in

Grand Rapids, Michigan Grand Rapids is the largest city and county seat of Kent County, Michigan, United States. With a population of 198,917 at the 2020 United States census, 2020 census and estimated at 200,117 in 2024, Grand Rapids is the List of municipalities ...

in May of 2024 and to be completed by 2026.

History

After the City of Grand Rapids determined it would move its fleet of municipal vehicles from 201 Market Avenue in 2017, various proposals for the of property were presented. Such proposals included a senior living community and a soccer stadium though city planners initially approved of a proposal from Flaherty & Collins that pitched apartment highrises for families of various incomes, a grocery store, a luxury hotel and a plaza. The plan was abandoned in 2020, however, after Flaherty & Collins did not receive

tax incentives A tax incentive is an aspect of a government's taxation policy designed to incentivize or encourage a particular economic activity by reducing tax payments. Tax incentives can have both positive and negative impacts on an economy. Among the po ...

. In February 2021, a proposal from the Grand Action 2.0 group, whose members include Carol Van Andel and

Dick DeVos Richard Marvin DeVos Jr. ( ; born October 21, 1955) is an American businessman, author, and former politician. The son of Amway co-founder Richard DeVos, he was CEO of the multi-level marketing company from 1993 to 2002. In 2006 Michigan guber ...

, included developing alongside the Grand River in downtown and had a concept of an amphitheater being located on the 201 Market Avenue site. On September 22, 2023, it was unveiled that the amphitheater project was moving forward after insurance broker Acrisure was given naming rights following their gift of $30 million towards the $184 million budgeted construction costs; the venue was subsequently named Acrisure Amphitheater. City leaders expressed confidence that the project would break ground in Spring 2024 and be completed for its first events in 2026.

Overview

The future open-air amphitheater, located at 201 Market Avenue and currently owned by the city, will be the embodiment of a state-of-the-art performance space for professional artists. It hopes to showcase local talent and draw in national artists. The Grand Rapids-Kent County Convention Arena Authority will have ownership and management authority. The venue will include a number of seating options to accommodate different budgets. These options will include grass and fixed seats, upper and lower concourses, suites, a terrace, and a VIP pavilion. Customers will have access to outdoor-seating dining and shopping options just next to the Market Avenue plaza. The almost 4-acre "Green Ribbon" along the river will smoothly include the amphitheater, which is surrounded by plenty of flora. Moreover, the design would include an environment akin to a public park, enabling both official and casual events.

References

{{coord, 42.9595, -85.6763, type:landmark_globe:earth_region:US-MI, display=title Music venues in Michigan Amphitheaters in the United States Buildings and structures in Kent County, Michigan Tourist attractions in Kent County, Michigan