Acrisure Amphitheater
 Acrisure Amphitheater under construction in 2025 | |
| Address | 201 Market Ave. SW Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503 |
|---|---|
| Owner | Grand Rapids-Kent County Convention/Arena Authority |
| Operator | Legends Global |
| Capacity | 12,000 |
| Construction | |
| Groundbreaking | May 2024 |
| Built | 2024–2026 |
| Opened | May 15, 2026 |
| Cost | $184 million (planned cost, 2023) |
| Website | |
| acrisureamphitheater | |
Acrisure Amphitheater is a 12,000 seat outdoor amphitheater in Grand Rapids, Michigan that opened in May 2026 [1].
History
[edit]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.[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.[2] 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 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.[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.[7]
Overview
[edit]The open-air amphitheater, located at 201 Market Avenue and currently owned by the city, is the embodiment of a state-of-the-art performance space for professional artists. It showcases local talent and draws national artists to the City. The Grand Rapids-Kent County Convention Arena Authority has ownership and management authority. The venue includes a number of seating options to accommodate different budgets. These options include grass and fixed seats, upper and lower concourses, suites, a terrace, and a VIP pavilion. Customers 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 facility includes an environment akin to a public park, enabling both official and casual events.[8]
Controversy
[edit]The amphitheater has also drawn controversy due to noise complaints from residents, with some residents saying they were hearing noise pollution from up to 5 miles away.[9] The amphitheater has received an exemption from city noise ordinances with at least one resident reporting that he had been told by the Grand Rapids Police Department that "We don't take noise complaints on the amphitheater."[10][11] In August 2026, a Judge ruled that the Acrisure Amphitheatre must comply with City noise ordinances[12].
References
[edit]- ↑ Witkos, Matt (May 15, 2026). "Acrisure Amphitheater opens in Grand Rapids after years of planning and $184 million investment". FOX 17 West Michigan News (WXMI). Retrieved September 5, 2026.
- 1 2 Biolchini, Amy (December 27, 2017). "See the 201 Market proposal that won over officials - and those they rejected". MLive. Retrieved January 26, 2024.
{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link) - ↑ Affholter, Danielle (August 16, 2020). "LESSONS LEARNED: GR officials 'pivot' after lack of incentives, infrastructure challenges doom $270M development". Crain Communications. Archived from the original on January 26, 2024. Retrieved January 26, 2024.
- ↑ Carlson, Kate (February 24, 2021). "Downtown GR riverfront vision includes zip line, amphitheater, aquarium along Market Avenue". Crain's Grand Rapids Business. Archived from the original on December 9, 2023. Retrieved January 26, 2024.
- ↑ McVicar, Brian (February 24, 2021). "Grand Action unveils 'catalytic vision' for 31-acre riverfront site in Grand Rapids". MLive. Archived from the original on May 19, 2023. Retrieved January 26, 2024.
- ↑ McVicar, Brian (September 22, 2023). "New Grand Rapids riverfront concert venue to be named Acrisure Amphitheater". MLive. Archived from the original on January 6, 2024. Retrieved January 26, 2024.
- ↑ Carlson, Kate (August 25, 2023). "Amphitheater groundbreaking on track for spring 2024 as officials navigate moving parts". Crain's Grand Rapids Business. Archived from the original on December 14, 2023. Retrieved January 26, 2024.
- ↑ "Greenfield Lake Amphitheater". Retrieved March 22, 2024.
- ↑ Krycka, Amber. "Grand Rapids commissioner gets 'numerous' complaints about amphitheater sound". woodtv.com. Woodtv8. Retrieved June 18, 2026.
- ↑ Berry, Josh (June 17, 2026). "Grand Rapids neighbors file noise complaints over Acrisure Amphitheater concerts". FOX 17 West Michigan News (WXMI). Retrieved June 23, 2026.
- ↑ "Grand Rapids residents urge action on Acrisure Amphitheater's concert noise at city meeting". Yahoo News. June 17, 2026. Retrieved June 23, 2026.
- ↑ Tunison, John (September 5, 2026). "Judge explains Grand Rapids amphitheater noise ruling: court transcript". mlive. Retrieved September 5, 2026.