# Grand Rapids Acrisure Amphitheater Opens With Record Crowds, Road Closures
DOWNTOWN GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The new Acrisure Amphitheater welcomed thousands of fans on Friday night for its highly anticipated inaugural concert, marking the opening of Michigan's newest major entertainment venue.
The first show featured Lionel Richie and drew fans from across West Michigan who filled the amphitheater and surrounding areas to celebrate the historic opening.
Road Closures For Every Event
The City of Grand Rapids announced that road closures will happen for every amphitheater event. Roads close two hours before doors open to ensure safety.
Affected routes include:
- US-131 Off Ramp onto Market Ave SW
- Market Ave between Cherry St and Bartlett St
- Finney to Williams
- Market Ave between Bartlett St and Wealthy St
The closures apply to people with reservations at the amphitheater or those with ADA assistance.
Fans Gather Outside Without Tickets
Thousands of fans gathered outside the venue on Friday night, even those who never stepped inside. Grand Rapids native Caleb Gildener said the excitement surrounding the amphitheater's debut was enough to join the crowd.
As soon as they put out the lineup for the amphitheater, the idea was first concert, we're gonna sit out here and see how it is, Gildener said.
Gildener admitted he is not the biggest fan of Lionel Richie, but he and his friends did not want to miss the venue's first show. Before we came out here, we did listen to a couple of songs so we could hopefully sing along, he said.
Neighbors Line Patios To Catch The Music
Residents living near the amphitheater took advantage of the historic night. Neighbors inside the 234 Market Apartments lined their patios to catch a glimpse of the first-ever concert at the new venue.
I got home from work early because I was worried about parking, and there were already people everywhere, said Tery Lawrence.
Residents in the 234 Apartments, Anthony Kennedy and Paige LaMott, said they have been eagerly awaiting the amphitheater's opening day since they moved in.
Honestly, we take advantage of any good weather to come and sit on our patio, so that was an incentive for us to move here, said Kennedy.
Downtown Businesses See Increased Foot Traffic
The venue's opening brought noticeable business to downtown Grand Rapids. Kennedy, who manages a downtown location for Detroit-based clothing company Greyson Clothiers, said Friday brought some of the busiest foot traffic his store has seen.
Today was the first day seeing a lot of foot traffic, and it is really exciting as a business, Kennedy said.
Fans Plan To Make The Most Of The Amphitheater
After Friday night, Gildener says he expects the amphitheater lawn outside the venue to become a regular hangout spot. I did buy tickets for one concert, he said.
But every other single one, I'll probably be sitting in this exact spot.
A West Michigan family including Sunfield resident Melanie Daler attended the inaugural show. Daler got tickets to see Lionel Richie as a gift for her mother. Daler, her mom Sheila, and Daler's sister Jenna are all making the trip to the new venue.
We get to go to this new venue and go see Lionel Richie, and just have a girls' night, Daler said.
They plan to spend the entire day together before heading downtown for the show. Daler says she even took the day off work to help her mom get ready for the special occasion.
Tickets for Friday's concert were available. The show began at 7:30 P.M. with two Michigan artists opening for Richie.
The Acrisure Amphitheater represents new energy for the city's growing entertainment district. Even residents without tickets say they still plan to make the most of the amphitheater all summer long, whether that means listening from nearby balconies, or gathering outside the venue with friends.