“We are moving forward with the project I can tell you that,”
And to move the project forward Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss says the city is borrowing $20.5 million to help build the amphitheater and the downtown development authority is promising to pay off the loan. Downtown Grand Rapids INC. CEO Tim Kelly explains why.
“The estimate is 300 thousand visitors would come to the amphitheater annually over 50 dates at least would be programmed over 450 jobs.”
A public private partnership is raising about $180 million to build the 12,000 seat Acrisure Amphitheater on 11 acres the city owns and occupies at 201 Market Ave. SW.
“We will be off the site hopefully by the end of April and we are hoping to break ground in May so we are full steam ahead.”
The amphitheater is a critical piece of a proposed redevelopment project on about 30 acres along the river that would include housing, trails and retail outlets.
“The amphitheater sort of emerged as the lead anchor for the site.”
Acrisure, a Grand Rapids finance company, paid $30 million to put their name on the amphitheater.
