Grand Action 2.0, the not-for-profit economic development organization working with the Grand Rapids-Kent County Convention/Arena Authority on a proposed soccer stadium project says it’s focusing on properties located next to the David D. Hunting YMCA and City of Grand Rapids owned Dash parking lots framed by Winter and Summer Avenues and Lake Michigan Drive. Speculation heightened this week with the sudden closure of the Big Boy Restaurant located on Pearl Street NW within the site’s footprint.
Kara Wood, Grand Action 2.0 Executive Director, says while no final decision has been made on a site, it is prioritizing the near-westside location.
“Our ability to build a stadium depends on several factors – most importantly, community and stakeholder engagement, completing due diligence, acquiring property – including, in this case, the property at 407 Pearl St., NW – and securing lead private and public sector funding. We are not able to confirm site information at this time because none of those critical factors have been completed.”
Wood added Grand Action continues partnering with key public and private sector stakeholders as it spearheads the construction of an 8,500-seat stadium for a USL Championship League franchise. Grand Action is hoping to open it for the 2026 season when the World Cup games are played in North America.