Grand Rapids Amway Stadium debut in 2027

Article posted by Coliseum, November 28^th, 2024

Image: Progressive Companies

Amway has secured the naming rights for a professional soccer stadium in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan after providing a $33 million lead donation to the venue.

Private economic development group Grand Action 2.0, which has planned the project alongside the Acrisure Amphitheater, said Amway Stadium is set to be constructed on surface parking lots north of Pearl Street and just west of U.S. 131.

Site work is expected to begin in spring 2025 on the $175 million, 8,500 capacity soccer stadium.

The Amway Stadium will be designed as a multi-purpose, professional venue driving economic growth and development in a vital urban district.

It will become the home of professional soccer in West Michigan and will serve as a broader community asset supporting youth, high school and collegiate clubs.

It is expected to draw 17 national and international professional competitions, over 50 community-based tournaments and events, and 160,000 visitors to downtown Grand Rapids each season.

Tom Welch, Co-Chair, Grand Action 2.0, and Region President, Fifth Third West Michigan, said, “I am profoundly grateful to Amway, a global company so deeply committed to its home community that it is investing $33 million in what is essentially a gift to the people.

“I share the excitement that so many in our community have for the role the Amway Stadium will play as an anchor in the grand vision for one of the largest active downtown riverfront redevelopment projects in the country. That’s happening right here. Right now.”

Construction of the soccer stadium is being funded with a mix of public and private funds, including a $252 million Transformational Brownfield incentive package that encompasses the stadium, Acrisure Amphitheater and two mixed-use projects proposed conceptually at both sites.

As well, the City of Grand Rapids has approved a notice of intent to issue $100.5 million in bonds for the soccer stadium that would be sourced from Kent County lodging tax revenue on hotel and motel stays.

The $184 million Acrisure Amphitheater, a 12,000-seat venue on the downtown riverfront, is currently under construction.

The project broke ground in May 2024 and is expected to be finished by Spring 2026. The amphitheater is part of a community vision to enhance the City’s quality of life, strengthen the local economy and connect people.

Grand Action 2.0 has led the fundraising effort for the stadium over the past couple years. Officials from the private economic development group have said a professional soccer team will use the stadium once it is built, but a team has not yet been announced.

Grand Rapids’ Mayor Rosalynn Bliss outlined the project vision and praised Amway. She said, “This stadium is about building a stronger, more vibrant community. We’re talking about jobs, more active neighborhoods and new customers for our local shops, bars and restaurants.

“It will be a source of pride for the West Side and all of Grand Rapids. It will bring us together as fans, open opportunities for youth leagues, bring more excitement to our community, attract visitors and put us on the map as a serious sports city.”

Over two years of construction and 30 years of operation, the stadium will drive creation of 330 new FTE jobs. In the same period, the stadium will generate $408 million in net new economic impact for the City of Grand Rapids.

Executive architect Progressive Companies will finalize construction documents for the state-of-the art professional venue in January 2025.

Rockford Construction, in a joint venture with AECOM Hunt, will lead construction management and is expected to break ground as early as spring 2025.

The Grand Rapids-Kent County Convention/Arena Authority, which will own and operate the facility, hopes to host the inaugural match in the spring of 2027.

Amway President & CEO Michael Nelson said, “For 65 years, Amway has been dedicated to investing in the people and success of our local community.

“Transformative projects like the Amway Stadium are a testament to the pride we have in our hometown, and our commitment to shaping the growth of West Michigan and beyond for generations to come.”

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