GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — It’s a name West Michigan knows well: Amway was announced Monday as the naming sponsor of the soccer stadium proposed for Grand Rapids’ West Side.
“(Amway) has and continues to be committed to investing in (West Michigan) — in its people and its success. And today, we are proud to announce the Amway Stadium,” Amway President and CEO Michael Nelson said at a morning announcement event at New Holland Brewing.
“It’s truly an honor for us to continue the legacy of community partnership and to have our name associated with this new Grand Rapids landmark,” he added.
The Ada-based multilevel-marketing health and beauty product company promised a donation of $33 million for the development of the $175 million stadium, Carol Van Andel, co-chair of economic development nonprofit Grand Action 2.0, said.$252M in incentives for stadium, amphitheater approved by state
Van Andel said that Amway “epitomizes the giving spirit” of the region’s business community.
“They are willing to say yes, and perhaps more importantly, they get other businesses to say yes, as well,” to public-private partnerships, she said.
The plan is to build the stadium an 8.2-acre site along US-131 near the YMCA. With 8,500 seats and an 18-story tower with restaurants, shops, apartments and offices, the development is expected to draw some 160,000 people downtown each year and have a $408 million economic impact for the city in its first 30 years.
“Transformative projects like the Amway Stadium are visible displays of the pride and purposeful intent we have for Grand Rapids and this region,” Nelson said. “While this stadium will be the home of a new professional soccer club, we see the stadium as so much more: a hub for community interaction and for healthy activity, making Amway Stadium and Grand Rapids a destination in Michigan and beyond.”
The stadium will be run by the Grand Rapids-Kent County Convention/Arena Authority.