Soccer Stadium
The planned Grand Rapids Soccer Stadium would become a major sports and entertainment hub in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids. This multi-purpose venue would host professional soccer matches, youth sports, and various community events, contributing significantly to the local economy and cultural landscape.
Details
SCOPE
The stadium will have an audience capacity of 8,500, with the potential to expand to 11,000 seats. It will feature tiered seating, suites, loge boxes, and an open concourse.
The project covers more than seven acres of land adjacent to US-131, near Winter Avenue and Pearl Street, and is part of a larger urban development plan.
The total cost of the stadium is $175 million, according to Grand Action 2.0.
The soccer stadium is expected to host 17 professional matches annually and 56 additional events. These could include youth and amateur sports as well as cultural activities, including a holiday market.
TIMELINE
Groundbreaking: Anticipated to be Spring 2025
Anticipated Completion: Spring 2027
First Matches: Anticipated in 2027
KEY MILESTONES ACHIEVED
A portion of the land for the stadium was donated by Dan and Pamella DeVos.
Construction plans were officially filed with the city in early 2024.
CURRENT STATUS
The planning application for the Grand Rapids Soccer Stadium has been submitted, and the project is moving forward with detailed architectural designs and community engagement initiatives. The Planning Commission discussed the special land use request and was approved March 2024.
Impact
KEY PARTNERS
Kent County
City of Grand Rapids
Grand Action 2.0; co-chaired by Fifth Third Bank Regional President Tom Welch, Carol Van Andel, and Dick DeVos.
Grand Rapids-Kent County Convention Arena Authority
Downtown Development Authority
Downtown Grand Rapids Inc.
Michigan Economic Development Corporation
West Michigan Sports Commission
COMMUNITY BENEFITS
The stadium will create approximately 260 jobs, including both full-time positions with benefits and part-time roles.
It will serve as a catalyst for additional housing developments, potentially unlocking 500 to 550 housing units in the surrounding area.
Connects the hotel district to Bridge Street area, filling underutilized space.
ECONOMIC & SOCIAL IMPACT
The stadium is expected to generate over $400 million in net new economic impact for the city, along with substantial tax revenue and job creation.
It will boost local tourism, support businesses, and foster entrepreneurial opportunities, contributing to the revitalization of the Bridge Street corridor.
