GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The development of a soccer stadium in downtown Grand Rapids reached another milestone on Monday with the revelation of the project's naming rights.
Amway Corporation paid $33 million to put its name on the facade.
The naming rights deal was announced Monday during an event at New Holland Brewing.
"We tend to like good news in West Michigan," said Grand Action 2.0 Co-Chair Dick DeVos. "This is going to be an economic destination."
Developers say the stadium will attract 160,000 visitors to Grand Rapids each year.
“I share the excitement that so many in our community have for the role the Amway Stadium will play as an anchor in the grand vision for one of the largest active downtown riverfront redevelopment projects in the country. That’s happening right here. Right now," said Tom Welch, Co-Chair of Grand Action 2.0, and Region President, Fifth Third West Michigan.
The stadium, which will sit just north of the the David D. Hunting YMCA on Winter Avenue, is expected to host a professional soccer club. The current proposal would have 8,500 seats with a total capacity of 11,000 fans.
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Grand Action 2.0 expects 17 national and international soccer matches to be hosted each year, with another 50 community-based tournaments and events.
“This stadium is about building a stronger, more vibrant community,” said Bliss. “We’re talking about jobs, more active neighborhoods and new customers for our local shops, bars and restaurants. It will be a source of pride for the West Side and all of Grand Rapids. It will bring us together as fans, open opportunities for youth leagues, bring more excitement to our community, attract visitors and put us on the map as a serious sports city.”
The project is one of several large developments which will receive financial support through an increased tax on hotel room stays in Kent County. The Acrisure Amphitheater being built off of Market Avenue on the Grand River's east bank is another Grand Action 2.0 project that will also receive tax funds.
DeVos says this is the first time the committee has ever had two large-scale projects in development at the same time.
Ground breaking for the soccer stadium is expected in Spring 2025.
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