Acrisure Amphitheater

Acrisure Amphitheater is a 12,000 seat outdoor amphitheatre which broke ground in Grand Rapids, Michigan in May of 2024^[1] and to be completed by 2026.^[2]

Acrisure Amphitheater

Address	201 Market Ave. SW Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503
Capacity	12,000
Construction
Construction cost	$184 million (planned cost, 2023)

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 15.6 acres (6.3 ha) of property were presented.^[3] 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.^[3] The plan was abandoned in 2020, however, after Flaherty & Collins did not receive tax incentives.^[4]

In February 2021, a proposal from the Grand Action 2.0 group, whose members include Carol Van Andel and Dick DeVos, included developing 30 acres (12 ha) alongside the Grand River in downtown and had a concept of an amphitheater being located on the 201 Market Avenue site.^[5][6] 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.^[7]

City leaders expressed confidence that the project would break ground in Spring 2024 and be completed for its first events in 2026.^[2]

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.^[8]