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Convention and Arena Authority reports strong rebound, updates amphitheater and soccer stadium plans
Summary
The Grand Rapids Kent County Convention and Arena Authority told the Kent County Finance Committee it posted near-record results this fiscal year, highlighted a volunteer concession program that funneled more than $1.5 million to local nonprofits, and previewed a 12,000‑capacity amphitheater and an MLS Next Pro team at a new soccer stadium.
Rich McKeon, a county appointee to the Grand Rapids Kent County Convention and Arena Authority, and Rick Wynn presented a year-end review to the Kent County Board of Commissioners Finance Committee, reporting that the Authority’s three facilities — the Van Andel Arena (the Rink), DeVos Performance Hall and the DeVos Place convention center — have largely rebounded from the COVID downturn and are approaching their best years financially.
The presentation emphasized community and economic benefits from events and venue operations. “The Rink continues to be one of the busiest little buildings in North America,” McKeon said, and he noted that the arena hosts three tenants: the Griffins, a G League team (referred to in the presentation as G League Gold) and the RISE professional volleyball team. The Authority highlighted headline acts including Alan Jackson and two sold‑out nights of Billy Strings.
McKeon told the committee the Authority’s volunteer concession program produced more than $1.5 million in…
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