Amidst much anticipation, the upcoming 8,500-seat downtown soccer stadium in Grand Rapids has revealed its official name - Amway Stadium - following a generous $33 million contribution by Amway, the Ada-based direct sales company. The unveiling of the stadium's name took place at New Holland Brewing Co's Grand Rapids brew pub on Bridge Street NW. The $175 million venue is part of an exciting redevelopment initiative for downtown Grand Rapids, which also includes Acrisure Amphitheater and upscale housing infrastructure.

Expected to be situated on a 7-acre site adjacent to U.S. 131, next to the David D. Hunting YMCA on Lake Michigan Drive NW, construction of Amway Stadium is set to commence in the first quarter of the upcoming year and scheduled to conclude by early 2027. The stadium project, led by Grand Action 2.0, was introduced to community leaders, including Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss, along with Grand Action co-chairs Dick DeVos, Carol Van Andel, and Fifth Third Bank Regional President Tom Welch.

Upon completion, Amway Stadium is projected to accommodate about 17 professional matches per year, complemented by 56 other events, attracting an estimated 164,350 visitors annually. Furthermore, the multipurpose stadium is expected to host various events year-round, with plans to feature programs like ArtPrize in the fall, and activities such as World of Winter and broomball during the winter months.

The West Michigan Sports Commission is anticipated to collaborate in activating the stadium, scouting for events to engage the local community. The stadium will operate under the ownership and management of the Grand Rapids-Kent County Convention/Arena Authority (CAA), which currently oversees prominent venues such as Van Andel Arena and DeVos Performance Hall.

While private donors, notably Amway, have significantly bolstered the project, the primary financial backing is sourced from $100 million in public funds over a 30-year period, derived from Kent County's hotel tax. The groundbreaking stadium is expected to become an integral component of the city's entertainment landscape and has been a topic of discussion since 2016.

Look forward to an exhilarating calendar of events as Grand Rapids gears up to welcome its new landmark sports venue, Amway Stadium, and all the diverse activities it's set to host.

**Social Media Reactions**
- Soccer enthusiasts applaud the unveiling of Grand Rapids' Amway Stadium, diversified opinions surface regarding the choice of MLS Next Pro for the future team.
- The role of big corporations in sports sponsorships sparks humorous online chatter, reflecting a prevalent sentiment among the online community.
- Speculations rise regarding potential rivalries and ticket sales for events at Amway Stadium, underlining the engagement and curiosity within the local sports scene.

As Grand Rapids preps for an exciting new era in sports entertainment, the city's soccer enthusiasts and local community anticipate the grand opening of Amway Stadium, set to elevate the region's sports culture and entertainment options.