Grand Rapids Is Warning About Parking Ahead of Amphitheater Opening

Downtown Grand Rapids is about to enter a new era. In May, the new Acrisure Amphitheater opens with 12,000 seats, adding another major venue to our city’s core that already includes Van Andel Arena, DeVos Performance Hall and The Intersection. Not to mention an eventual downtown soccer stadium that is also on the way.

It’s exciting, big moment for Grand Rapids. But, it’s also going to test everyone’s patience when it comes to parking.

City leaders know that parking is top of mind for residents and downtown workers. In an interview with our friends at Fox17 ahead of the amphitheater’s opening, Deputy City Manager Kate Berens encouraged people to plan ahead and take advantage of the information the city is developing.

What you should plan for when parking in downtown Grand Rapids on event days

According to the city, you should expect lane and ramp closures on US 131 during performances, though specific locations have not been announced. The city is creating an Access Guide to help visitors find alternative transportation and parking options. They also say they plan to have between 20 and 30 additional officers for traffic control during events.

Deputy City Manager Berens also addressed accessibility concerns, noting that accessible parking will be available on site for those who need it. For everyone else, the city is asking nicely for people to consider parking farther away and walking if they’re able bodied. (Bonus, could be a way to save money on parking when the weather is nice.)

That advice feels slightly unhelpful at first glance, but it is also fair to admit that once the amphitheater, the soccer stadium and existing venues all host overlapping events, it may be a little harder to find nearby parking than some are used to.

During a recent Public Safety Committee meeting, officials shared that eight events are already scheduled on the same day at the amphitheater and arena. That does not include everything else happening downtown on a typical busy night.

The math checks out that it should be okay. There are more than 20,000 parking spaces within a mile (or 20 minute walk) of the downtown core. Those spaces are spread across more than 20 ramps, along with street parking and surface lots, which means if people carpool, rideshare, and plan ahead, there is more than enough to go around.

It would not even be surprising, in my completely uninformed opinion, if we eventually saw some unused buildings demolished and converted into additional parking to help ease the strain. Cities evolve when demand increases. Infrastructure follows.

So here’s the easy advice for coming downtown to see an amazing event: Show up early, give yourself extra time, and wear comfortable shoes. It might be a longer walk than you are used to, but having a 12,000 seat amphitheater and a professional soccer stadium in downtown Grand Rapids is worth a few extra steps.