The Acrisure Amphitheater made its debut in May 2026, and it's already established itself as a major cultural and entertainment landmark. Located at 201 Market Avenue SW, the 12,000-seat venue has welcomed acts like Lionel Richie, Kid Cudi, and Darius Rucker to its stage, bringing a new energy to the Grand River and downtown's growing riverfront district.
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 has a capacity of 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
Construction Completed: Spring 2026
First Concert: May 15, 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.
Opened to the public in May 2026.
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 led the amphitheater project in partnership with Barton Malow. According to President and CEO Tim Schowalter, Pioneer Construction employed 700 workers and invested $6 million of the construction budget in minority-owned, women-owned, and micro-local businesses.
CURRENT STATUS
The Acrisure Amphitheater opened in May 2026, kicking off with a headline performance from Lionel Richie and a free community celebration the following day. The venue is now fully operational, hosting a packed inaugural season of concerts and events on the Grand Rapids riverfront."
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 has created new jobs, inspire entrepreneurial opportunities, and drive regional tourism, enriching the local economy:
90% of the restoration workers are from Ionia/Kent/Ottawa counties.
12+ joint ventures and partnerships with prime contractors supporting underrepresented contractors.
$9.5M+ in contracts to minority and women-owned businesses.
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.
