Discussions have begun and state money has been secured for a new outdoor amphitheater in the Grand Rapids area which would hold up to 15,000 people.

WZZM-13 talked to Richard MacKeigan, one of the amphitheater's project leaders. MacKeigan is also the Regional General Manager of DeVos Place and Van Andel Arena. He said some funding has already been secured. The State of Michigan has agreed to provide $4 million, but the amphitheater is expected to cost $40 million.

Millennium Park is one possible location while others are still being considered.

WOOD-TV says project leaders hope to get started building in the next year or two, once funding and location are secure.

It's not the first time the idea of an amphitheater in West Michigan has been discussed, but it does seem like a much more viable option than when it was discussed years ago.

With all of the growth in and around Grand Rapids and the continued success of Van Andel Arena, Meijer Gardens summer concerts and other smaller venues, West Michigan looks ready for a larger outdoor venue.

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