Lionel Richie Welcomes 'Hello' to Grand Rapids' New Downtown Amphitheater

A New Era for Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids welcomed a new chapter in its cultural landscape as Lionel Richie made history with the inaugural concert at the Acrisure Amphitheater, an outdoor venue located in the heart of downtown. The event drew a crowd of 12,000 fans, marking a significant milestone for the city and its growing entertainment scene.

Richie, who had participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony earlier in the day, took the stage at 9:20 p.m., just as the last rays of sunlight illuminated the surrounding buildings. His performance kicked off with the iconic "Hello," setting the tone for what would be a memorable evening for both the artist and the audience.

A Venue That Shines

The Acrisure Amphitheater, which took years to come to fruition, was constructed with a reported cost of $184 million. Its opening marks the beginning of a season that will feature over 40 concerts, including performances by Kid Cudi, Jerry Seinfeld, John Mulaney, and the Dave Matthews Band. This influx of events is expected to revitalize the downtown area and further establish Grand Rapids as a hub for live music.

"This is absolutely, positively, the way you're supposed to open a building," Richie exclaimed during the show. He praised the venue, which is named after the Grand Rapids-based insurance and financial technology company, and expressed his belief that it would spark a new renaissance for the region. "Acrisure outta control!" he said, urging the crowd to feel the energy of the moment.

A Community Celebrates

Fans were eager to experience the new venue, with many expressing their excitement about the possibilities it brings. Mike Hellmann, a local from Macomb, described the venue as "beautiful" and compared it to an upgraded version of Pine Knob. Jessica Huizen, who grew up in a time when Blues on the Mall was the main live music option in downtown Grand Rapids, felt encouraged by the city's growth and the potential of the new amphitheater.

Chris Butcher, a fan from Zeeland, noted that the venue would have been a game-changer if it existed when he was younger. "This would have been so cool to have had this here when I was in my 20s!" he said, adding that he and his family were already looking at the upcoming schedule to plan future visits.

A Unique Design

The Acrisure Amphitheater's circular roof gives it a futuristic look, resembling a UFO landing in the heart of the city. Located just a block from Founders Brewery and the Intersection, the venue is also within walking distance of Van Andel Arena. Its location near the Grand River offers a pleasant breeze in the early evenings, and a river walk is currently under construction outside the venue.

Inside, the amphitheater boasts wide open sightlines and six speaker towers positioned at the front of the lawn to ensure clear sound for all attendees. Food and drink stations are plentiful, offering a variety of options from domestic beers to local craft beers and cocktails.

A Place for Everyone

The concourse along the southwest side of the venue features ample seating areas where fans can enjoy meals while taking in the view. During the show, many fans gathered along the second floor railing on stage right, using it as a spot to rest their food or drinks while enjoying the performance.

The seating area includes several "suites" designed for small groups, and there are also areas throughout the venue that can be reserved for private parties. The lawn area filled up quickly on Friday, with many fans bringing lawn chairs to sit on. Some found themselves at the edges of the perimeter, but the atmosphere remained positive and energetic.

Local Talent Takes the Stage

Before Richie took the stage, the night was opened by Verve Pipe singer Brian Vander Ark, a Grand Rapids native. He performed alongside Channing Lee and Angie Mattson, sharing his excitement about the venue and reflecting on his journey from playing in the backroom of an MC Sporting Goods to performing at the new amphitheater.

The War and Treaty, a gospel, country, and blues duo from Albion, Michigan, followed Vander Ark. Their intimate performance of "Don't Say Goodbye" showcased their talent and connection with the audience.

A Night to Remember

Richie, who is 76 years old, brought his signature charm and energy to the stage, delivering a mix of hits and humor. He shared stories about his experiences on "American Idol" and joked about the weather and the local "Grand Rapids juice."

Before closing the evening with "All Night Long," Richie gave an impassioned speech about unity and performed "We Are the World." The show ended just before curfew at 10:58 p.m., leaving the crowd with a sense of excitement and anticipation for the future of the Acrisure Amphitheater.