GRAND RAPIDS — Construction crews have been busy along the Grand River as the Acrisure Amphitheater takes shape, remaining on schedule to open next May.
Pioneer Construction took MLive on a behind-the-scenes media tour of the progress on the $184 million Acrisure Amphitheater. The construction progress has been steady, with recent milestones such as the installation of grass on the lawn, completion of the cement seating area and assembly of the venue’s stage.
As we head into October, the amphitheater is roughly 60% to 65% complete and on schedule for a May 2026 opening, according to Eric Olson, senior project manager for Pioneer Construction, the firm building the venue at 201 Market Ave. SW. Construction kicked off in May 2024.
The venue is set to provide unobstructed views for 12,000 concertgoers. This is thanks to its innovative design featuring a football field-sized canopy supported by just two pillars. This departure from traditional amphitheaters, which typically rely on multiple support beams, ensures clear sightlines from every seat.
The amphitheater will offer 7,000 covered seats and an additional 5,000 lawn spaces along the Grand River, with 22 entry points for easy access.
A riverwalk and pocket park will connect to the Grand River Greenway trail system, creating a scenic, community-friendly space. The venue’s location, close to U.S. 131, is designed to minimize highway noise, and acoustic materials have been incorporated into both the stage and canopy.
Funded by $114 million in taxpayer dollars and $70 million in private donations, the amphitheater will be publicly owned and operated by the Grand Rapids-Kent County Convention/Arena Authority.
The venue’s first shows, including performances by MGK (formerly Machine Gun Kelly) and country-pop artist Russell Dickerson, are already on the calendar.
The amphitheater will also include concession stands, VIP areas, bathrooms, and an artist green room. Remaining work includes finalizing buildings, adding audio-visual equipment, and installing the 7,000 seats by March 2026…