A new stadium is rising just north of the YMCA on Winter Avenue NW—and it’s not just about soccer. The Amway Stadium, now under construction, is set to bring pro-level energy to Grand Rapids with an 8,500-seat venue designed to anchor the city’s west side growth.
Backed by a $175 million investment, the stadium broke ground in May 2025 and is expected to open in spring 2027.
What’s planned:
- Home to an MLS Next Pro team with 17 matches per season
- A mix of tiered seating, premium boxes, and an open-air concourse
- Expandable to 11,000 seats for larger events
- More than 50 additional events each year, including youth tournaments and community programming
The funding includes a $33 million naming-rights gift from Amway, over $100 million in lodging-tax bonds, and land partially donated by Dan and Pamella DeVos. Construction is being led by Rockford Construction and AECOM Hunt, under the direction of Grand Action 2.0.
Why this matters:
Amway Stadium isn’t just a sports venue—it’s a signal. It’s rising in the Bridge South district, next to the future amphitheater and along the riverfront, in an area that has seen little investment for decades. City leaders estimate a long-term economic impact of $400 million and the creation of up to 330 new jobs.
The hope is that this becomes a cornerstone of a larger entertainment and residential zone, bridging the gap between the city core and its growing south riverfront.
Parking remains a question, but future connections to nearby garages and public transit are being explored. And with plans for new housing and additional riverfront development nearby, this could be the start of a much bigger shift.