Construction of Amway Stadium has reached a significant milestone in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan, with project leaders, construction crews, and community stakeholders celebrating the venue’s official topping-out ceremony.
The event marked the placement of the final structural steel beam on the stadium’s canopy framework, signaling that the $175 million sports and entertainment venue remains on schedule for its planned spring 2027 opening.
Located on an 8.2-acre site at 230 Winter Avenue NW along the US-131 corridor near Pearl Street, the 8,500-seat stadium is expected to become a major new landmark on Grand Rapids’ West Side. The facility will serve as the future home of Athletic Club Grand Rapids (AC Grand Rapids), a professional team set to compete in MLS NEXT Pro, while also hosting concerts, youth sports competitions, collegiate matches, and other community events.
Topping-Out Ceremony Highlights Construction Progress
During the May 29, 2026 ceremony, workers and project leaders signed the final steel beam before it was lifted into place by crane atop the stadium’s cantilevered canopy structure. The tradition recognizes the contributions of the construction workforce responsible for bringing the project to life.
Shane Napper, president and CEO of Rockford Construction, said the topping-out ceremony is one of the few construction milestones that primarily celebrates the skilled tradespeople working on-site each day.
Project officials noted that construction remains on track despite occasional challenges encountered during the build. With the canopy framework now complete, crews are moving into the next phase of construction, which includes installing the stadium’s exterior enclosure and building the tiered seating structure inside the venue.
Heavy excavation work is also expected to begin this summer as crews prepare the site for installation of the soccer pitch. According to project leaders, completing the playing surface before winter is a critical milestone ahead of final interior work and commissioning activities scheduled later this year.
Construction Team
The project is being delivered through a joint venture between Grand Rapids-based Rockford Construction and national stadium builder AECOM Hunt, a firm known for its work on major sports venues across the United States.
Architectural design services are being provided by Progressive Companies, headquartered in Plainfield Township, Michigan.
On average, approximately 250 skilled trades workers are active on the site each day as construction progresses toward completion.
Stadium Features and Community Role
Upon completion, Amway Stadium will feature 8,500 seats arranged in a multi-level configuration with luxury suites, loge boxes, premium hospitality spaces, and an open fan concourse designed to enhance the match-day experience.
The venue is expected to host approximately 17 professional soccer matches annually in addition to more than 50 other events, including concerts, community gatherings, youth athletic competitions, and collegiate sporting events.
Supporters of the project believe the stadium will strengthen Grand Rapids’ position as a regional entertainment destination while helping expand professional soccer opportunities in West Michigan.
Community leaders also highlighted the growing popularity of soccer across the United States and the significance of bringing a professional MLS NEXT Pro franchise to the region.
Economic Impact and Downtown Development
Managed by economic development organization Grand Action 2.0, the stadium is viewed as a transformative investment intended to stimulate further growth on Grand Rapids’ West Side.
Project advocates frequently compare the anticipated impact of the venue to the economic activity generated by Van Andel Arena, which helped reshape downtown Grand Rapids following its opening.
Local economic projections estimate the stadium could attract more than 160,000 visitors annually while generating approximately $408 million in economic impact over the next 30 years. The development is also expected to support roughly 330 permanent jobs.
Leaders involved in the project believe the stadium will complement other regional attractions, including the John Ball Zoo, Acrisure Amphitheater, and proposed future developments planned for the surrounding area. Discussions have also emerged regarding potential residential development adjacent to the venue as the district continues to evolve.
Funding and Timeline
The project is being financed through a combination of public and private funding sources. Ada-based Amway Corporation contributed $33 million through a naming-rights agreement, while additional support comes from adjustments to Kent County’s hotel tax structure.
Construction began in April 2025 and has followed a carefully planned two-year schedule. With structural steel work now largely complete and major exterior construction advancing, project leaders remain confident that Amway Stadium will open its gates in spring 2027, creating a new destination for sports, entertainment, and community events in Grand Rapids.
Additionally, Amway Stadium is part of a broader wave of sports venue investments reshaping cities across the United States. In Florida, the $2.3 billion Tampa Bay Rays ballpark project recently advanced after local officials approved plans for the new stadium, moving one of the country’s largest sports-led redevelopment efforts closer to construction.
Amway Stadium Project Factsheet
Project: Amway Stadium
Location: 230 Winter Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Site Size: 8.2 acres
Cost: $175 million
Capacity: 8,500 seats
Current Milestone: Topping-out ceremony completed May 29, 2026
Primary Tenant: Athletic Club Grand Rapids (MLS NEXT Pro)
Construction Start: April 2025
Planned Opening: Spring 2027
Architect: Progressive Companies
Daily Workforce: Approximately 250 workers
Projected Annual Visitors: More than 160,000
Estimated Economic Impact: $408 million over 30 years
Projected Permanent Jobs: 330
Funding: Public-private partnership including $33 million naming-rights investment from Amway
Read also: https://constructionreviewonline.com/pdp-unveils-rendering-of-the-proposed-mlb-stadium-in-portland/
New Amway Stadium: Facility Features
Team store
Private suites
On-site restaurant
Three-story scoreboard
Management: Grand Rapids-Kent County Convention/Arena Authority
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