Construction has started on the Amway Stadium on Winter Avenue NW north of Pearl Street near US 131.
The $175 million soccer stadium is expected to open in 2027 as home to a professional men’s soccer team in the MLS Pro League and also be used as a venue for other community events.
Grand Action Co-Chair Carol Van Andel.
“Just like in soccer, this project is all about a tight-knit teamwork and effective game plan and a final winning push across the goal line. That is the same winning equation we have in Grand Rapids, Michigan.”
The 8,500-seat stadium will anchor eight acres of mixed-use development including apartments, hotels, shops, offices and restaurants.
Mayor David LaGrand believes it will spur growth on the city’s west side.
“I hope this will stimulate housing around here, it will stimulate new businesses around here and will be the kernel of a new, funky, individualized, interesting, distinctive neighborhood because that’s what makes cities great.”
The soccer stadium is expected to draw 160,000 people downtown each year and have a $408 million economic impact for the city over 30 years.
The project is funded through public/private sources including a $33 million lead gift from Amway and will be partly funded by the Kent County Hotel Tax.
