GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — 13 ON YOUR SIDE drone footage is showing a birds-eye view of the construction of a nearly $200 million amphitheater in Grand Rapids.
The plan for Acrisure Amphitheater broke ground on May 21 in a now-demolished city lot. It's located just along the Grand River downtown off of Market Street.
The name for the 12,000-seat amphitheater came from the local insurance company that contributed $30 million to the project.
Grand Action 2.0 is a nonprofit economic development organization working on the project.
Bill Culhane, the owners representative for Grand Action 2.0, said work done so far includes building demolition and removal of asphalt and concrete surfaces and removing underground foundations from previous buildings.
He said crews are currently working on removing underground utilities.
There are 15-20 workers on site each day. Culhane said they're following specific guidelines to stay safe and productive even in the heat.
Grand Rapids amphitheater drone footage
The amphitheater is one of several new projects the city has been planning, including a potential soccer stadium and a new aquarium.
They're projects that some leaders hope will get support from an increased tax on hotel and motel stays in Kent County.
A proposal on whether to do so is set to appear on the August 6th election ballot.
"We need your 'yes' votes on that date to help raise visitor-funded community assets to underwrite this project," Grand Action 2.0 co-chair Carol Van Andel said.
However, concerns arose among some county commissioners when the resolution was passed to put the proposal on the ballot. Such concerns revolved around having those staying in Kent County outside of Grand Rapids having to pay the increased tax to potentially help fund projects inside city limits.
Being a mix of both public and private dollars, the amphitheater is expected to be complete by mid-2026. Culhane said construction is on track to be completed at this time.
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