Grand Rapids’ Amway Stadium tops out, marking $175M milestone

The $175 million Amway Stadium in downtown Grand Rapids celebrated a major construction milestone on May 29, 2026 when the final structural steel beam was lifted into place, signaling that the 8,500‑seat venue remains on schedule for a spring 2027 opening [2]. The ceremony highlighted the work of roughly 250 daily tradespeople and underscored the city’s push to add a professional soccer franchise and a multi‑use entertainment hub.

Key takeaways

• The topping‑out ceremony placed the last steel beam on the stadium’s canopy framework [2].
• Construction began in April 2025 and is slated to open in spring 2027 [2].
• Amway contributed $33 million for naming rights, and the project is financed through a public‑private partnership including Kent County hotel tax revenue [1][2].
• The 8,500‑seat stadium will host Athletic Club Grand Rapids (MLS NEXT Pro) and over 50 additional events each year [2].
• Economic projections estimate more than 160,000 annual visitors and a $408 million impact over 30 years [2].

Topping‑out ceremony and construction progress

The May 29 ceremony at 230 Winter Avenue NW marked the completion of the stadium’s cantilevered canopy structure, a symbolic moment that honors the skilled tradespeople on site, according to Rockford Construction CEO Shane Napper [2]. With the canopy in place, crews are moving to install the exterior enclosure and begin the tiered seating build. Heavy excavation for the playing surface is slated for the summer, a critical step before winter sets in [2]. The joint venture delivering the project pairs Grand Rapids‑based Rockford Construction with national stadium builder AECOM Hunt, while Progressive Companies provides architectural design [2].

Funding, tenants and projected impact

Amway secured naming rights with a $33 million donation, a claim made by the company in November 2024, and the city approved $100.5 million in bonds backed by Kent County lodging taxes to fund the remainder [1]. The stadium will be home to Athletic Club Grand Rapids, a new MLS NEXT Pro franchise set to begin play in 2027, and will also accommodate concerts, youth sports, collegiate matches and community events [2]. Projections from Grand Action 2.0 estimate the venue will draw over 160,000 visitors annually and generate roughly $408 million in economic activity over three decades, supporting about 330 permanent jobs [2].

Why it matters

The completion of the structural steel framework brings Grand Rapids closer to adding a professional soccer team and a versatile entertainment venue to its West Side, a development expected to boost the city’s regional profile and stimulate further downtown investment. With construction on track and financing secured, the next phases will focus on exterior work, seating installation, and pitch preparation, aiming for a spring 2027 debut that could reshape the local sports and cultural landscape.