City Officially Unloads Amphitheater Property, Grand Action 2.0 Continues Search for Residential Developer

GRAND RAPIDS — Grand Action 2.0 is still searching for a developer of housing next to the Acrisure Amphitheater as the city officially sold the property, according to recent reports.

The amphitheater site is part of a larger vision to transform a 31-acre stretch along Market Avenue into a vibrant hub for entertainment, recreation and commerce. Future development plans include three high-rise towers featuring residential units, a hotel, office space, and retail establishments such as restaurants and shops.

Amphitheater Opens in May, Housing Development Still in Planning

The 12,000-capacity Acrisure Amphitheater is entering its final phase of construction ahead of its scheduled May 15 debut. The venue is a central component of a broader riverfront redevelopment effort that is transforming a portion of downtown Grand Rapids.

Grand Action 2.0, the city's planning and development initiative, continues to seek a developer for the housing component of the project. The city has officially unloaded the property to move forward with the sale, but the residential development piece remains in the planning stages.

Public-Private Investment Driving Riverfront Transformation

The $184 million amphitheater is a publicly owned venue funded through a combination of $114 million in taxpayer dollars and $70 million in private contributions. It will be operated by the Grand Rapids-Kent County Convention/Arena Authority, which also manages major local venues including Van Andel Arena and DeVos Place.

The amphitheater will be overseen and operated by the Grand Rapids-Kent County Convention/Arena Authority, which also manages major local venues including Van Andel Arena and DeVos Place. The venue is expected to become a signature destination in the region, offering a mix of music, culture and scenic riverfront experiences.

Development Plans Include Three High-Rise Towers

According to development plans, the site will eventually feature three high-rise towers with residential units, along with a hotel, office space and retail establishments. The project aims to create a dynamic riverfront district that boosts tourism and economic activity.

The amphitheater is located on a 31-acre stretch along Market Avenue between Fulton and Wealthy streets in downtown Grand Rapids. The venue is a key part of a plan to create a vibrant commercial, entertainment and recreational corridor along the Grand River.

Grand Opening Features Star-Studded Lineup

The venue's grand opening on May 15 will feature a headline performance by Lionel Richie, a four-time Grammy Award winner and global music icon. Richie also serves as a brand ambassador for Acrisure, which contributed $30 million toward naming rights for the amphitheater.

Opening celebrations will continue the following day with a community open house, offering self-guided tours and performances by local artists. The summer lineup reflects the venue's broad appeal, featuring major acts such as Hilary Duff, Jack Johnson, Pitbull, Lil Wayne, Dave Matthews Band and Mötley Crüe, among others.

Final Construction Work Underway

Recent site activity shows construction teams installing speakers across the lawn seating area while completing the main entrance. Seating has already been installed and remains covered for protection as crews finalize painting and detailing beneath the venue's expansive canopy.

One of the amphitheater's defining features is its massive canopy, roughly the size of a football field, supported by just two pillars. This design provides unobstructed sightlines for concertgoers — an improvement over traditional amphitheaters that often rely on multiple support columns.

The venue is part of a larger vision to transform the riverfront into a vibrant hub for entertainment, recreation and commerce. As the amphitheater nears completion, Grand Action 2.0 continues to work on securing a developer for the residential component of the broader development plan.

The project reflects a growing trend among cities investing in multipurpose entertainment venues to anchor redevelopment efforts and attract large-scale events. With its opening just weeks away, the amphitheater is poised to become a signature destination in the region — offering a mix of music, culture and scenic riverfront experiences.

Sources:

• https://crainsgrandrapids.com/real-estate/commercial/cgr-amphitheater-site-sale-to-caa-20260401
• https://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/2026/03/heres-everything-happening-with-grand-rapids-1b-riverfront-transformation.html
• https://www.constructionowners.com/news/grand-rapids-amphitheater-nears-opening