Look Like Professional Soccer Is Coming to Grand Rapids

Rumors, a lot of talk, hopes and dreams have all been a part of the possibility of professional soccer coming to Grand Rapids. The question has always been where could they possibly play?

Build it and they will come! That's what Grand Rapids Grand Action 2.0 says. And after much discussion and community input, they have filed formal construction plans with the city of Grand Rapids for an 8,500-seat soccer stadium, making at least a $108 million investment on the city’s west side.

With the $108 million dollars, the proposed stadium would span 7.25 acres of city owned land, as well as property currently owned by the Downtown YMCA according to Crain's Grand Rapids.

The stadium would be located on surface parking lots just west of US-131, and will include two buildings connected by a circular concourse.

The west building would be three stories and contain a restaurant, team store, the majority of suites and a press box. The east building would be one story and include locker rooms, team and official spaces, security, facility, maintenance and utilities.

They're going to build for 8,500 individual seats with a capacity to expand to a total of 11,000 seats if needed in the future.

Who will play there?

Look for a yet to be named Tier II professional team along with a host of up to 56 other events, which could include tournament events for youth, high school and college soccer teams, as well as other sports and events.

All of this would be owned by the Grand Rapids-Kent County Convention/Arena Authority (CAA), similar to DeVos Place, DeVos Performance Hall and the Van Andel Arena.