Acrisure Amphitheater
The Acrisure Amphitheater is an exciting new addition to the Grand Rapids riverfront, poised to become a significant cultural and entertainment landmark. Located on Market Avenue near Williams Street, the amphitheater is part of a broader vision to transform the riverfront area into a vibrant community space.
Details
SCOPE
The project is part of a broader riverfront redevelopment effort believed to be one of the largest in the United States.
The Acrisure Amphitheater features a capacity for 12,000 guests and is set up to host over 50 ticketed performances per season, along with community events and celebrations.
The project is part of a 31-acre development plan, making it what is believed to be one of the largest active riverfront re-development in the United States.
Funding for the $184 million public venue includes $70 million in private investment.
TIMELINE
Groundbreaking: May 2024
Expected Completion: Spring 2026
First Concert: May 2026
KEY MILESTONES ACHIEVED
Secured a $30 million lead gift from Acrisure.
Launched the “Next Wave Capital Campaign” to raise $70 million in private funding.
Received $30 million in additional funding from a State of Michigan grant.
KEY PARTNERS
City of Grand Rapids
Kent County
Grand Action 2.0
Grand Rapids-Kent County Convention Arena Authority
Downtown Development Authority
Downtown Grand Rapids Inc.
Michigan Economic Development Corporation
CONSTRUCTION
Pioneer Construction will lead the amphitheater project in partnership with Barton Malow. According to President and CEO Tim Schowalter, Pioneer Construction anticipates employing 700 workers and investing $6 million of the construction budget in minority-owned, women-owned, and micro-local businesses.
CURRENT STATUS
The construction of the Acrisure Amphitheater officially commenced with a May 2024 groundbreaking ceremony attended by nearly 200 business, government, and community leaders. The project is progressing as planned, and active fundraising efforts are underway to secure the remaining funds needed for completion.
Impact
COMMUNITY BENEFITS
As the lead project, the amphitheater is expected to catalyze significant investments in housing, retail, and commercial properties along the riverfront.
The restoration of this area will create new jobs, inspire entrepreneurial opportunities, and drive regional tourism, enriching the local economy.
The development will also stimulate public investments in parks, green spaces, trails, and connectivity between neighborhoods and the Grand River.
The space is expected to attract major national and international events that currently bypass the region during the summer months, boosting the city’s profile on the global stage.
In addition, 620 new jobs (FTEs), $325M in individual earnings, $6.2M in lodging tax revenue, and $563M net new statewide economic impact over 30 years.
ENVIRONMENTAL & SOCIAL IMPACT
The project aims to create a walkable green space, integrating the amphitheater into a nearly four-acre green ribbon along the riverfront.
