Two years ago, Alicia Bosma took photos of what was once an old city building. Today, that site has become the Acrisure Amphitheater in Grand Rapids, and Kalamazoo residents are now planning trips to see concerts there.
Bosma is going to see both Hilary Duff and Kesha at the amphitheater. She made the decision to stay in a hotel rather than park near the venue.
At first I was concerned about the parking, but then I was like, Why not just stay in a hotel? I know it is only an hour away, but why not make a trip out of it?
The whole event is what Bosma looks forward to. This includes the makeup, picking an outfit, maybe dinner before the show and a night out.
What I am looking forward to is like, I have been to Pine Knob, I have been to Blossom Music Center down in Cleveland. They both have massive hills to go down if you are in the grass. This new venue, it looks like it is a little bit smoother, it is not as steep hill to go down. Don't want to risk falling especially going to a concert you are excited about
Bosma spoke with Lisa Key, who uses a scooter for mobility. Key is purchasing accessible tickets for the Hilary Duff concert.
Accessibility, how does that factor in to your planning, for something like a concert?
Key ended up deciding to purchase a general admission ticket, after pictures showed that there is a ramp to get on the lawn. After asking about Key's situation, a representative with the Acrisure Amphitheater told me that anyone who needs more information about their ticket should reach out.
The excitement for the concert remains the same. For Key, it just requires a bit more planning that she is happy to do to see Hilary Duff.
I am really super into Laguna Beach, and the fact that she sings the Laguna Beach theme song. I am like, I got to see it live
The Acrisure Amphitheater opened its doors on May 15, 2026. The venue seats 12,000, including 5,000 lawn seats. The project cost $184 million in public and private investment.
The project was financed through a combination of private and public dollars.
Private funding included $70 million from Acrisure naming rights, $20 million from Live Nation, and $20 million from Grand Action 2.0. Public funding included $30 million from the State of Michigan grant, $27.5 million from the City of Grand Rapids lodging tax, and $20.5 million from the Downtown Development Authority.
The vision for a downtown amphitheater was born in 2007, though finding the right location proved difficult. The city of Grand Rapids made its first formal move toward creating the venue in 2022. The CAA would purchase the city-owned property at 201 Market Street for $24.3 million.
Groundbreaking took place in May 2024. The final cost came to $184 million after the project hit a delay pushing the debut season from 2025 to 2026.
The excitement for concerts at the new venue is high among Kalamazoo residents, who are now making plans to travel to Grand Rapids for the shows.
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Sources:
Fox 17 Online Road Trip article about Kalamazoo neighbors
Fox 17 Online article about Acrisure Amphitheater opening
Fox 17 Online traffic alert about road closures
WoodTV article about Lionel Richie opening the amphitheater