| Acrisure Amphitheater | |
| Address: | 201 Market Ave. SW Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503 |
| Mapframe: | no |
| Cost: | $184 million (planned cost, 2023) |
| Seating Capacity: | 12,000 |
Acrisure Amphitheater is a 12,000 seat outdoor amphitheater planned to break ground in Grand Rapids, Michigan in early 2024 and to be completed by 2026.[1]
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 15.6acres of property were presented.[2] 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.[3]
In February 2021, a proposal from the Grand Action 2.0 group, whose members include Carol Van Andel and Dick DeVos, included developing 30acres alongside the Grand River in downtown and had a concept of an amphitheater being located on the 201 Market Avenue site.[4] [5] 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.[6]
City leaders expressed confidence that the project would break ground in Spring 2024 and be completed for its first events in 2026.
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.[7]