The proposed $184 million, 12,000 seat Acrisure Amphitheater located on the east bank of the Grand River is set to receive $15 million from Kent County over the next three years beginning in 2024. The County Board of Commissioners’ 10-member Finance and Physical Resources Committee agreed to release the money generated through Kent County’s lodging excise tax fund.
Not-for-profit economic development organization, Grand Action 2.0 is spearheading the project’s Next Wave campaign. Its goal is raising the $184 million to finance amphitheater construction. Recently, Grand Rapids-based Acrisure secured its naming rights with a $30 million commitment bringing the private donation goal of $70 million past the midway point. Grand Action 2.0 and its partners continue efforts securing another $114 million in public funding.
Kara Wood, Grand Action 2.0 Executive Director was asked what financial gap remains?
“The remaining gap are some state funds that have not yet been approved. The application’s been filed, and the approval will come hopefully sometime early next year. But yes, essentially the county dollars now are putting us at the 80% mark and then the remainder is yet to be approved but have been applied for.”
The financial support plan now advances to Kent County’s full board of commissioners for its decision.