The Night Eric Church Fell in Love With Grand Rapids All Over Again

When Eric Church rolled into Grand Rapids over the weekend, fans were ready for a wild night, but even “The Chief” himself outdid himself showing his love of the city.

Eric Church took the stage at Van Andel Arena on Friday, October 10, and quickly reminded fans why Grand Rapids holds a special place in his heart.

Between hits and heartfelt stories, he told the crowd that his first-ever sold-out show happened right here in town at The Intersection, just down the street from Van Andel Arena.

“I remember asking if I could play The Intersection every night after that,” Church told the audience with a grin.

It was one of those rare, full-circle moments that you get to see when you live in a city like ours with one of America’s top venues. The intersection gives these artists a place to play when they’re starting, and that connection makes both the artist and the audience feel like they’re part of something bigger than just another midwest tour stop when they’re in Grand Rapids.

He also played a special song he'd never played before:

Hilariously enough, Church really wanted the Grand Rapids experience. Before the concert even began, he decided to do something fans didn’t see: he walked around the concourse of Van Andel Arena completely unnoticed.

Without his trademark sunglasses, no one realized they were standing next to a country music superstar. Later, he even posted a video to prove it really happened, to much to the disbelief (and delight) of his fans online.

Friday’s show felt like a reminder that Grand Rapids has always been one of the best places in America to see a country show. The connection between the crowd and the artist was electric, and Church made it clear that the city’s love for live music still runs deep, long after he started playing much bigger cities (and venues) than ours.

Because in Grand Rapids, you never really know what might happen. Heck, even when “The Chief” could be hanging out next to you in line for a drink.