“We’ve actually got a booking team that is spending a good portion of their time taking a look at nontraditional utilization of those two facilities.”
And Rich MacKeigan, director of the Grand Rapids–Kent County Convention/Arena Authority, says inviting fans to the amphitheater to watch the world cup final is a good example of using the venue for non-traditional experiences.
“To me that’s a really good illustration of identifying an event that probably couldn’t happen at most other venues given the size of the crowd.”
MacKeigan says Picnic Pops with the Grand Rapids Symphony also demonstrates the amphitheaters' versatility.
“The symphony on July 4th, the amphitheater was quite different. It felt and looked more like a park setting than a concert setting.”
In October Art Prize will use the amphitheater for their closing ceremony. Starting next year, MacKeigan says a Christmas market is planned.
“A Christmas market not just for the amphitheater but also for the soccer stadium. We are looking at December of 27 for the amphitheater December of 28 for the soccer stadium.”
As time passes MacKeigan says they will identify other suitable events for the amphitheater and soccer stadium.
“We’ve got a list of 20 things we are exploring.”
