UPDATE 2/16/25: 

The creator of the map has shared a link to check out the arena in Roblox. Here is the link. Please note that you need to be a member of the hockey league group to join the map.

ORIGINAL 2/14/25:

People from all over Michigan have made their way to Grand Rapids to watch sporting events like the Griffins or the Rise, concerts with Paul McCartney or Justin Bieber,  comedians like Bert Kreischer and Kevin Hart, and more at the Van Andel Arena, the entertainment venue located in downtown GR.

Being born and raised here in GR, I have many memories of that venue.

But now I can make memories inside that venue without actually being there. Well, technically. Someone has painstakingly recreated GR's iconic venue in Roblox, the online video game platform.

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attachment-RS32554_Van andel 2015-scr
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Roblox

Roblox, which has a massive 85.3 million daily active users, gives users the tools to create "experiences" that others can play and enjoy. You can create anything on Roblox, and someone has decided to use Roblox's exhaustive creation tools to recreate the Van Andel Arena during hockey season.

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If that name sounds familiar but you're not sure why, it's because you've probably seen your kids spend hours playing it on your iPad or computer. Or, they've tried getting their hands on your credit card to buy Robux.

READ MORE: The Story Behind Van Andel Arena’s 15,000-Light Holiday Ribbon |

Roblox
Roblox
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Van Andel Arena x Roblox

Over the r/GrandRapidsGriffins subreddit, user Negative-Tip-1106 posted his recreation of the arena built entirely inside Roblox, and it's pretty impressive. The user elaborated that while they aren't a local nor are they a fan of the team, they built the arena for a friend who is here. The user wanted feedback on how it looks. So, what do you think?

Van Andel Arena Roblox Recreation
byu/Negative-Tip-1106 inGrandRapidsGriffins

Compared to a photo of the arena from a similar angle.

Van Andel Arena during a Grand Rapids Griffins hockey game.
Van Andel Arena via YouTube
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Van Andel Arena
Van Andel Arena
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The arena doesn't appear to be playable to the public, but if it goes live we will update this article with a tour of the map. What do you think? Is the recreation accurate?

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