Acrisure Amphitheater
The outdoor amphitheater will be located at 201 Market Avenue, currently a city-owned site. It will be a state-of-the-art professional performing arts space that will draw national groups and showcase local talent. It will be owned and operated by the Grand Rapids- Kent County Convention Arena Authority. It will include a wide variety of seating options with multiple price points, including an upper and lower concourse, fixed and lawn seating, suites, a terrace, and a VIP pavilion. It will be surrounded by dining and retail options with outdoor seating available along the Market Avenue plaza. It will have ample green space and be part of a nearly 4-acre “Green Ribbon” running along the river. The amphitheater will include a public park setting making it ideal for formal and informal gatherings and uses throughout the year
“A downtown riverfront amphitheater will attract many events that we currently do not have the capacity to host, increasing visitor traffic to the area. Downtown venues bring valuable business to hotels, shops, and restaurants. An amphitheater will absolutely augment that business and contribute to our efforts to promote Grand Rapids as a can’t miss visitor destination.”
— Doug Small, President & Chief Executive Officer- Experience Grand Rapids
Project Highlights
Up to 10 acres of riverfront revitalized
12,000 seat venue
300,000 visitors per season
190 additional new parking spaces
Community & Cultural Benefits
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Housing
The amphitheater will serve as a catalyst for 1,500 to 1,700 units of new housing development potential of all income types along the river.
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River
The 31-acre site will include up to 10 acres of new riverfront recreation space and trails.
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Trailways
The amphitheater will allow for the development of a new Riverfront Trail. It will connect trails east to west and north to south. It will link Grand Rapids to over 60 miles of trailways, including south portions of our city that have had limited access to trails. It will provide a safe, scenic pathway through the downtown corridor and area neighborhoods.
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Business Opportunities
The amphitheater will spur new economic development and inspire entrepreneurs, including restaurants, shops, bars, and pop-up retail
Acrisure Amphitheater
Project Resource Downloads
Economic Impact
Estimated impact with two years construction and 30 years of operation:
City of Grand Rapids:
$876M net new economic impact
$325M earnings from 620 new jobs (FTEs)
$4.9M tax revenue (income)
State of MI:
$563M net new economic impact
$216M earnings from 765 jobs (FTEs)
$31.7M tax revenue (sales, hotel, car rentals)
Kent County:
$807M net new economic impact
$306M earnings from 790 new jobs (FTEs)
$6.2M tax revenue (hotel)
A Comprehensive Vision
The new amphitheater is an important component in a larger vision of transforming 31 acres along the east bank of the Grand River between Fulton and Wealthy Streets to create a riverfront greenspace with public access and another showcase district that connects and serves a diverse community. The proposed 31-acre development is the largest active riverfront development in the nation. It will bring new energy and excitement to one of our greatest assets—the Grand River—and return access to it. It will enhance our downtown and elevate our city. It will be a catalyst for new housing development, and will improve the lives of Grand Rapidians today and guide the next phase of downtown development for future generations.
