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Lionel Richie tapped as inaugural performer for Grand Rapids' Acrisure Amphitheater

Grand Action 2.0 Co-Chair Dick DeVos speaks to Grand Rapids leaders and stakeholders at Van Andel Arena.
David Limbaugh
Grand Action 2.0 Co-Chair Dick DeVos speaks to Grand Rapids leaders and stakeholders at Van Andel Arena.

The $184 million, 12,000-seat amphitheater will open next year, Friday, May 15th, when Richie hits the stage

“Hey, Grand Rapids! Lionel Richie here. Let me tell you, I am so honored to be the first artist to perform at the Acrisure Amphitheater.”

Singer/songwriter Lionel Richie made the announcement via video to Grand Rapids leaders and stakeholders at Van Andel Arena.

The $184 million, 12,000-seat amphitheater will open next year, Friday, May 15th, when Richie hits the stage. Grand Action 2.0 Co-Chair Tom Welch adding…

“The celebration will continue with Saturday, May 16th, when we’ll welcome the community for a free open house featuring self-guided tours, live performances by local artists, and other family-friendly activities.”

Singer/songwriter Lionel Richie announced via video that he would be the inaugural performer at Acrisure Amphitheater's opening weekend.
David Limbaugh
Singer/songwriter Lionel Richie announced via video that he would be the inaugural performer at Acrisure Amphitheater's opening weekend.

So far, the 2026 schedule includes Lynyrd Skynyrd and Foreigner, Meghan Trainor, “Weird Al” Yankovic, and mgk with Wiz Khalifa.

Welch explains the amphitheater’s opening weekend was planned with one simple goal in mind.

“To make sure everyone feels ownership in this space because the amphitheater belongs to all of us.”

The venue is expected to generate more than $800 million in economic impact, creating jobs and attracting more than 300,000 annual visitors.

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Dave joined WGVU Public Media in November of 2023 after eighteen years as a Michigan Association of Broadcasters Emmy-nominated photojournalist and editor at Grand Rapids' WOOD TV8 and three years at WEYI TV25 in Flint, Michigan. As a General Assignment Reporter, Dave covers daily news and community events all over West Michigan.
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