Van Andel Arena is a multi-purpose arena situated in the Heartside district of Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States. The arena attracted over five million patrons in its first 5 years, 1996-2001.
- Venue
- Van Andel Arena
- Town
- Michigan, US
- Capacity
- 13,184
Van Andel Arena is a multi-purpose arena situated in the Heartside district of Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States. The arena attracted over five million patrons in its first 5 years, 1996-2001. It serves as the home of the Grand Rapids Griffins of the American Hockey League, the Grand Rapids Gold of the NBA G League, and the Grand Rapids Rise of Major League Volleyball. Seating 10,834 for ice hockey, 11,500 for basketball and up to 13,184 for concerts, Van Andel Arena is the fourth-largest arena in Michigan, as well as West Michigan's largest; only Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, the Jack Breslin Student Events Center in East Lansing, and Crisler Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan, are larger. After a $78 million construction effort, the arena opened on October 8, 1996. The 12,000 plus seat arena is managed by ASM Global. It was named in recognition of the largest benefactors, Jay and Betty Van Andel. It is home to the Grand Rapids Griffins of the American Hockey League, the top minor league affiliate of the Detroit Red Wings, with fans giving it the nickname "The Freezer on Fulton". It is also home to the Grand Rapids Gold of the NBA G League, the minor league affiliate of the Denver Nuggets, and the Grand Rapids Rise of Major League Volleyball. The arena was the home court of the now defunct Grand Rapids Hoops of the Continental Basketball Association from 1996 to 2001 and the Grand Rapids Rampage of the Arena Football League from 1998 to 2008. It has hosted acts such as Taylor Swift, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, Eric Clapton, Pearl Jam, Green Day, Metallica, Phish, Slipknot, Jack White, Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney, Phil Collins, Eagles, Barenaked Ladies, Britney Spears, Janet Jackson, Aerosmith, Ariana Grande, Elton John, Lady Gaga, Demi Lovato, Twenty One Pilots, Roger Waters, The Who, Kiss, Mötley Crüe, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Avenged Sevenfold, Rush, TLC, Marilyn Manson, Kenny Chesney, Linkin Park, OneRepublic, Kid Rock, Katy Perry, P!nk, TobyMac, Trans-Siberian