Next Generation of Amway's Founding Families Speak on Engagement in New Downtown Grand Rapids Soccer Stadium
Kyle Van Andel
Grand Rapids, MI – For third generation members of Amway's founding families, Kyle Van Andel and Monreau DeVos Stewart, the company’s engagement in a new downtown Grand Rapids professional soccer stadium is not just another project, it is a significant investment in the city's future and a reflection of Amway’s long-standing dedication to community.
"It’s exciting to have the company make an investment in this project. Having Amway as the stadium sponsor continues to show strength in fostering the community and its success," said Kyle Van Andel. "I’m proud to see the area’s ongoing success. I want West Michigan to continue to be seen on a national and international stage by consistently making a name for the region. Amway Stadium builds on the legacy of my grandfather, Jay, who took a similar approach with Van Andel Arena. Looking at past projects with the Van Andel name, they all have one thing in common: They are places of gathering for the community."
The stadium, which will open in 2027 and be publicly owned and operated by the Grand Rapids-Kent County Convention/Arena Authority (CAA), is being supported in part by a $33 million naming rights agreement with Amway, announced in November.
“I’m proud to see the area’s ongoing success. I want West Michigan to continue to be seen on a national and international stage by consistently making a name for the region. Amway Stadium builds on the legacy of my grandfather, Jay, who took a similar approach with Van Andel Arena. Looking at past projects with the Van Andel name, they all have one thing in common: They are places of gathering for the community.”
Monreau DeVos Stewart
"Amway being connected to the new stadium and professional soccer in the region feels like a natural extension of our values and our grandparents’ love and commitment to our local community," added Monreau DeVos Stewart. "Amway has always been about bringing people together, creating opportunities, and making a positive impact, and I believe this stadium has a chance to do just that."
The project is part of a broader $1.7 billion cumulative plan to transform Grand Rapids with two new entertainment venues, including the 8,500-seat soccer stadium and a riverfront amphitheater, as well as a variety of unique new projects, like the renovations at Lyon Square and the Grand Rapids Public Museum, a transformative mixed-use development at Fulton & Market, and the introduction of Grand Valley State University’s Blue Dot Lab.
The stadium will be located west of downtown, near Grand Valley State University’s Grand Rapids campus. It will feature multi-level tiered seating, including suites and loge boxes, and an open concourse connecting guests to the game.
"Our family’s commitment to the new soccer stadium stems from our love for our hometown and our love for sports," DeVos Stewart continued. "We believe that sports have this unique ability to connect people from all walks of life, and we’re thrilled to play a part in creating a place where fans, families, and athletes can come together and share in those experiences."
“Amway being connected to the new stadium and professional soccer in the region feels like a natural extension of our values and our grandparents’ love and commitment to our local community.”
For DeVos Stewart, the connection to soccer is deeply personal: "Soccer has been a defining part of my life from an early age. I started playing when I was just three years old, and the game has taken me on an incredible journey, including competing at the collegiate level at Wake Forest. Beyond the competition, soccer has given me friendships and connections that will last a lifetime. My teammates and coaches have become family, and the sport has taught me invaluable lessons about teamwork, resilience, and dedication."
Van Andel echoed this sentiment, sharing his own journey with the sport: "My connection to the game of soccer started at a very young age. As a young kid, as many kids do, I started playing soccer with AYSO. From the beginning, it was my favorite sport, and I continued to pursue that love by playing as often as possible, all the way through high school. Whether it was at school, club teams, or soccer camps, soccer was a year-round facet of my life. As a big soccer fan, it’s exciting to see the sport growing in popularity in the U.S., especially as the country prepares to host the World Cup in 2026."
DeVos Stewart envisions the stadium as a place where dreams abound and memories are made: "Bringing a soccer stadium to Grand Rapids is so personal to me because I know firsthand the community that can grow around this sport.”
“Bringing a soccer stadium to Grand Rapids is so personal to me because I know firsthand the community that can grow around this sport.”
“My hope is that this stadium is more than just a venue; it’s a place where young athletes can imagine themselves out on that field someday and visualize their dreams becoming reality. I hope it becomes a place where friends and families can come together to cheer, celebrate, and make memories. Ultimately, I hope it inspires a love for the game, encourages kids to chase their dreams, and creates a lasting positive impact for everyone in the region."
Van Andel added, "The passion for soccer is what makes 'The Beautiful Game' the most popular sport in the world. It bridges various communities, cultures, and people to come together under one roof with one cause, which is the intention of the stadium in Grand Rapids. Additionally, having Amway Stadium on the ever-growing West Side will further energize this great community, and not just from the cheering!"
As the project progresses, the collaboration between Amway and local government highlights the potential of public-private partnerships to drive community development. The new stadium is set to become a landmark in Grand Rapids, embodying the city's growth and the enduring legacy of the private support. The stadium will also serve as a catalyst for economic growth, potentially unlocking the development of 500 to 550 housing units nearby and driving new tourism revenue.
“The passion for soccer is what makes ‘The Beautiful Game’ the most popular sport in the world. It bridges various communities, cultures, and people to come together under one roof with one cause, which is the intention of the stadium in Grand Rapids. Additionally, having Amway Stadium on the ever-growing West Side will further energize this great community, and not just from the cheering.”
The upcoming Amway Stadium with 8,500, with the potential to expand to 11,000 seats.
