Grand Rapids arena, convention center and new amphitheater projects report strong bookings, highlight community programs

Representatives of the Grand Rapids Kent County Convention and Arena Authority told the Kent County Board of Commissioners Finance Committee on Tuesday that the arena, Devos Performance Hall and the convention center posted solid attendance and near-record financial performance while the authority readied a 12,000-seat amphitheater and a new soccer stadium.

“The rink continues to be 1 of the busiest little buildings in North America,” said a presenter for the authority during a year‑end review. The authority said the arena remains ranked in the top tier for venues with 10,000–15,000 capacity and hosts three tenants: the Gryphons, a G League team, and a professional volleyball team called the Rise.

The authority highlighted several community-focused revenue programs. The authority reported a volunteer-concession model through its food-and-beverage provider has equated to “over 1 and a half million dollars in cash to these local nonprofits” in the fiscal year, and as of May the program had generated nearly $800,000.

Why it matters: county officials are co-owners of the arena, convention center and Devos Performance Hall; the authority said the three facilities have become operationally and capital self-sufficient, which the presenters described as uncommon nationally and a financial benefit for Kent County.

Authority representatives reviewed recent and upcoming programming and capital work. They cited high-profile concerts (including Alan Jackson) and sold-out local performances (two nights of Billy Strings). Improvements this year include a new scoreboard at the arena and new carpet at the convention center. The presenters said the convention center is recovering post-COVID, though booking trade shows and conventions requires a longer lead time than concerts.

The authority described progress on two major projects: a 12,000-seat amphitheater that is already attracting agent interest and an MLS Next Pro franchise that will play at a new soccer stadium. “We’ve probably got half a dozen to 10 shows already on the books for the 20 sixth season,” a presenter said of the amphitheater. On the soccer stadium, the presenters said ground has been broken and officials announced the team will play in MLS Next Pro.

Commissioners and presenters discussed operational and community issues. Commissioner McLeod asked about sustainability and waste handling; the authority acknowledged separation and contamination challenges for front-of-house recycling and said they are separating cardboard, cans, garbage and cooking oil, and are piloting composting at the arena and planning composting at the amphitheater. The presenter said, “I think all the garbage through Kent County, is incinerated and, turned into power,” when describing local waste processing and the potential for positive outcomes from separated streams.

Commissioners asked about convention demand and capital needs. Authority staff said studies by Convention Sports and Leisure (CSL) identified more ballroom/meeting space and a full-service convention hotel as the next items that would strengthen the convention business. The presenters noted steel for an unused bank of meeting rooms already exists in the building and described adding roughly 20,000 square feet of meeting space as a potential near-term expansion.

On parking and transportation, the authority said downtown parking is largely complementary to event needs because weekday demand differs from evening/weekend event demand. Presenters described plans that include use of existing GVSU parking, a potential pedestrian bridge, a future skywalk over the train tracks and expanded ride-hail, bicycle and scooter accommodations for the amphitheater and stadium.

Staffing and accessibility: the authority said it employs roughly 80 full-time equivalents under ASM Global management and expects to grow to about 90–95 FTEs as new venues come online, with continued reliance on part‑time/contract event staff. On accessibility, presenters said they work with disability advocates, architects and subject-matter experts to go “beyond code” in designing the amphitheater and stadium to improve experiences for guests with disabilities.

Sound and neighborhood impacts: commissioners asked about sound mitigation for the amphitheater. Presenters said Grand Action, the city and a sound consultant were involved, that the design changed to improve acoustics, and that studies were completed. They acknowledged some high sound events are possible but said such noise is comparable to other downtown sources.

The presentation closed with commissioners thanking authority representatives and expressing support for continued planning on the amphitheater and stadium projects.

Ending: Authority staff said they will continue to refine sustainability and traffic/parking plans, continue coordinating with downtown partners and return with additional details as projects advance.