News Summary
Grand Rapids, Michigan is set to construct the Amway Stadium, an 8,500-seat multi-use venue planned to be completed by May 2027. The project has commenced with groundwork and utility relocation, while significant funding has already been secured, including a $100 million bond and private donations. Amway Stadium will host a new MLS Next Pro soccer team and is expected to boost the local economy by attracting visitors and creating jobs.
Grand Rapids, Michigan is preparing for the construction of Amway Stadium, an 8,500-seat soccer and multi-use venue scheduled to open in May 2027. Official construction began in May 2024, and the project is moving ahead on schedule, with the installation of the first steel beams expected by late October 2024.
Located on an eight-acre site adjacent to the David D. Hunting YMCA on Lake Michigan Drive NW, construction crews have already completed initial groundwork by removing asphalt from a previous parking lot and relocating underground utilities. Installation of masonry walls is anticipated to commence as early as next week.
The construction is being executed by Rockford, a Grand Rapids-based construction firm, in collaboration with AECOM Hunt. The initiative is overseen by Grand Action 2.0, which is co-chaired by prominent local figures including Dick DeVos, Carol Van Andel, and Tom Welch.
Funding and Economic Impact
The total budget for Amway Stadium is $175 million. Funding sources include a $100 million bond issued by the Grand Rapids city government, repayable over 30 years through hotel tax revenue generated by Kent County. In August 2024, county voters approved an increase in the countywide hotel tax rate from 5% to 8% to support this and other development projects, such as the upcoming Acrisure Amphitheater, which opens in May 2026.
In addition to public funding, significant private donations have enhanced the budget, including a $33 million naming rights agreement with Amway. The venue is expected to attract approximately 160,000 visitors each season and is projected to create around 330 new jobs in the local area.
Soccer Team and Events
Amway Stadium will serve as the home for a new MLS Next Pro soccer team, currently known as West Michigan Soccer. The team’s ownership belongs to the families of David Van Andel and Dan DeVos. The team was announced in December 2023, but an official name has yet to be determined. In addition to soccer matches, the stadium will be equipped to host youth and amateur sports events, as well as various cultural gatherings.
Progress and Community Outreach
On September 5, 2024, the downtown YMCA’s surface parking lot officially closed and was transferred for construction purposes. To mitigate inconveniences for YMCA patrons, the city has arranged free parking at Grand Valley State University’s Seward Parking Ramp, available through prior registration of vehicle license plates.
Construction efforts will require substantial materials, including around 12 million pounds of concrete, 678,000 pounds of rebar, and approximately 118,000 tons of structural steel. The venue is designed to facilitate around 17 home matches for the soccer team annually, along with an additional 50 events of various types each year.
Background and Location
The site for Amway Stadium was previously occupied by a Big Boy restaurant located at 407 Pearl St. NW, which was demolished in May 2024. The property was purchased for $3.2 million by Dan and Pamella DeVos in July 2022 and then donated to the Grand Rapids Downtown Development Authority to be included in the stadium project.
The facility will be operated by the Grand Rapids-Kent County Convention/Arena Authority (CAA), ensuring community access to a versatile venue that meets a variety of sports and entertainment needs. As construction progresses, the new stadium is expected to become an essential part of the Grand Rapids community and its future development.
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Additional Resources
- MLive: Amway Stadium Construction Update
- Wikipedia: Grand Rapids, Michigan
- WZZM13: Amway Stadium Groundbreaking
- Google Search: Amway Stadium Grand Rapids
- Fox17: Construction Begins on Amway Stadium
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Grand Rapids
- Crain’s: Amway Stadium Project Breaks Ground
- Google News: Amway Stadium Construction
Author: STAFF HERE GRANDRAPIDS WRITER
GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER The GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGrandRapids.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Grand Rapids, Kent County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as ArtPrize, Festival of the Arts, and World of Winter. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in furniture, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Steelcase, Spectrum Health, and Meijer. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
