What Grand Action 2.0 does

Grand Action 2.0 is a Grand Rapids, Michigan-based 501(c)(3) not-for-profit economic development organization that identifies, develops, and funds major capital-intensive downtown and adjacent-neighborhood projects through public-private partnerships. Founded in 1991 as the Grand Vision Committee (later renamed Grand Action in 1993 and rebranded Grand Action 2.0 for its current mission) and co-chaired by Dick DeVos, Carol Van Andel, and Tom Welch with Kara Wood as Executive Director, the organization's portfolio includes legacy deliverables such as Van Andel Arena, DeVos Place convention center, the Meijer Majestic Theatre, the MSU Secchia Center, and the Grand Rapids Downtown Market. Its current focus is two flagship venues: the $184 million, 12,000-seat Acrisure Amphitheater (opening May 2026, anchored by a $30 million Acrisure naming donation) and the $175 million, 8,500-seat Amway Stadium (groundbreaking April 22, 2025, completion targeted spring 2027, home to Athletic Club Grand Rapids MLS NEXT Pro), together with a $252 million Transformational Brownfield plan that includes adjacent mixed-use housing (estimated 500-550 units near the stadium and 1,500-1,700 units near the amphitheater).

The organization does not develop technology products; its core capability is project orchestration across municipal government (City of Grand Rapids, Michigan state agencies, the Grand Rapids-Kent County Convention/Arena Authority), private donors (Acrisure, DeVos and Van Andel family networks), construction and architecture firms (Pioneer Construction, Barton Malow, Progressive AE, Rockford Construction), and venue operators (Legends/ASM Global under a 15-year management agreement with 10-year renewal option; Live Nation for amphitheater bookings). All venues are owned and operated by the CAA, with Legends/ASM Global handling event booking, marketing, box office, vendor contracting, facility maintenance, and full food and beverage operations.

Its funding model combines major-gift private donations and naming rights (with donation tiers from $10 community champions up to $2,500+ Garden Club donors receiving permanent venue recognition and priority presale rights) with public capital pursued through Michigan's Transformational Brownfield Program. Projected cumulative economic impact over a 30-year operating horizon is approximately $876 million for the amphitheater and $408 million for the stadium, with 620 and 330-495 net new FTEs respectively, supporting an addressable customer base spanning live entertainment and sports attendees, the West Michigan soccer community, civic and community organizations, real estate developers, and small businesses dependent on catalyzed foot traffic.

Name

Grand Action 2.0

Legal name

Grand Action 2.0 Foundation

Website

https://grandaction.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1991

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Grand Action 2.0 is a Grand Rapids, Michigan-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that identifies, develops, and funds transformational downtown capital projects through public-private partnerships, currently delivering the $184M Acrisure Amphitheater and $175M Amway Stadium via the CAA.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Economic Development / Civic Venue Development

NAICS

Administration of Urban Planning and Community and Rural Development (92512), Civic and Social Organizations (813410), Promoters of Performing Arts, Sports, and Similar Events with Facilities (71131)

SIC

Operative Builders (1531), General Bldg Contractors - Nonresidential Bldgs (1540), Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

Urban Renewal, Brownfield Redevelopment & Land Reuse (BPAIANAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

Outdoor Amphitheater & Open-Air Venue Operations (MPAGALAG), Sports & Recreation Facility Construction (Stadiums, Arenas, Community Centers) (IMAFACAI), Specialty & Entertainment Venue Property Management (BPAJAGAO)

Keywords

• Economic development
• Public-private partnerships
• Venue development
• Urban revitalization
• Nonprofit foundation

Headquarters

HQ city

Grand Rapids

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Others, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Private donations and philanthropy: The organization raises private sector funding through major gifts and naming rights donations. Acrisure donated $30 million for amphitheater naming rights. Goal of $70 million in private donations for Acrisure Amphitheater.
2. Public sector funding: Secures public funding through Michigan's Transformational Brownfield Program. Expected $114 million in public dollars for the amphitheater project. Total $252 million Transformational Brownfield plan includes multiple projects.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Grand Action 2.0 is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit economic development organization that identifies downtown and adjacent-neighborhood transformational capital-intensive projects in Grand Rapids, Michigan, galvanizes public support, and formulates and implements public-private funding strategies (private donations plus public Transformational Brownfield Program grants) to deliver major venues such as the 12,000-seat Acrisure Amphitheater and the 8,500-seat Amway Stadium. Completed venues are then owned and operated by the Grand Rapids-Kent County Convention/Arena Authority (CAA) under management agreements with Legends/ASM Global.

Product overview

Grand Action 2.0 is a not-for-profit economic development organization that develops and manages a portfolio of major entertainment venues and civic infrastructure in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The current product portfolio consists of two major new venues: the Acrisure Amphitheater (12,000-seat outdoor concert venue opening May 2026 at 201 Market Ave. SW) and Amway Stadium (8,500-seat professional soccer stadium opening spring 2027). These are complemented by a legacy portfolio including Van Andel Arena, DeVos Place convention center, Meijer Majestic Theatre, MSU Secchia Center, and Grand Rapids Downtown Market. All venues are owned and operated by the Grand Rapids-Kent County Convention/Arena Authority (CAA) with management by Legends/ASM Global.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Acrisure Amphitheater A 12,000-seat outdoor concert and event venue located at 201 Market Avenue SW in downtown Grand Rapids along the Grand River. Draws national touring acts, showcases local talent, and is expected to host 54+ ticketed performances and welcome 300,000+ visitors per season. Owned and operated by the Grand Rapids-Kent County Convention/Arena Authority (CAA).
• Amway Stadium An 8,500-seat professional soccer stadium (with room to grow) located west of downtown Grand Rapids on an 8.2-acre site. Multi-purpose venue for professional soccer, youth programs, college and amateur clubs, and community events. Will be home to MLS NEXT Pro team Athletic Club Grand Rapids. Owned and operated by the Grand Rapids-Kent County Convention/Arena Authority (CAA) and managed by Legends/ASM Global.
• Van Andel Arena Premier sports and entertainment arena in downtown Grand Rapids delivered by the predecessor organization Grand Action. Operated and managed under the Grand Rapids-Kent County Convention/Arena Authority (CAA) with Legends/ASM Global.
• DeVos Place Major convention facility in downtown Grand Rapids delivered by the predecessor organization Grand Action. Operated and managed under the Grand Rapids-Kent County Convention/Arena Authority (CAA) with Legends/ASM Global.
• Meijer Majestic Theatre A 777-seat performing arts theatre at 30 N. Division Avenue, Grand Rapids, delivered by the predecessor organization Grand Action and funded via a $10 million private-donation campaign led by Fred and Lena Meijer.
• MSU Secchia Center A 180,000 sq ft medical education facility on Medical Mile at 15 Michigan St. NE, Grand Rapids, delivered by the predecessor organization Grand Action. Completed Spring 2010 at a cost of $90 million (a $40 million private-sector campaign plus a $55 million Spectrum Health donation).
• Grand Rapids Downtown Market A 130,000 sq ft market hall at 435 Ionia Ave. SW, Grand Rapids, delivered by the predecessor organization Grand Action. Completed July 2013 with $10.9 million in public funding and $20 million in private funds, designed by Progressive AE and Hugh A. Boyd Architects, and constructed by Pioneer Construction.

Quantifiable outcome

• 300,000+ visitors per season expected at Acrisure Amphitheater
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered major, core, flagship and supporting.

• Rockford Construction & DevelopmentmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 December 2025Rockford, a local Grand Rapids construction and development company, is being considered for a partnership with the Grand Rapids DDA for a mixed-use housing project (Stadium District Tower) adjacent to Amway Stadium. Rockford would have 12 months to conduct due diligence and evaluate market conditions before potentially submitting a formal development proposal. The project is part of Grand Action 2.0's $252 million Transformational Brownfield plan and could include 260 apartments, retail, office space, and a parking structure.
• Legends/ASM GlobalcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 10 July 2025Legends/ASM Global has been selected as the venue manager and food/beverage operator for Acrisure Amphitheater and Amway Stadium. The agreement extends their existing 30+ year relationship with CAA to include the new venues. The 15-year management agreement (effective July 1, 2026) with 10-year renewal option covers event booking, marketing, box office, vendor contracting, facility maintenance, licensing, permits, and all food and beverage operations including concessions, premium clubs, suites, and catering.
• Live NationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 July 2025Live Nation has committed to a long-term partnership with the CAA for Acrisure Amphitheater, playing a key role in both booking and managing events at the amphitheater and working closely with stakeholders to bring diverse performances to the community.
• Progressive AEcoreTechnology or IntegrationProgressive AE served as the architect for Acrisure Amphitheater. The firm completed schematic designs and is providing ongoing architecture, design, and engineering services for the project.
• Pioneer Construction and Barton MalowcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPioneer Construction and Barton Malow are leading construction of Acrisure Amphitheater. Construction is expected to break ground and be completed in 2026.
• Grand Rapids-Kent County Convention/Arena Authority (CAA)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe CAA is the seven-member public board that administers DeVos Place, DeVos Performance Hall, Van Andel Arena, Acrisure Amphitheater, and Amway Stadium. Established March 29, 2000 under the Convention Facility Authority Act, CAA's mission is to encourage economic development, create jobs, and provide entertainment/sports facilities for the West Michigan region. CAA will take ownership and operations of the new venues.
• City of Grand RapidscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe City of Grand Rapids owns the 201 Market Ave. site where Acrisure Amphitheater is being developed. The city has a $24.3 million option agreement with CAA to purchase the amphitheater site. City operations on the site are being relocated, with full removal expected by November 2024. The city is also contributing to the $18.6 million sewer relocation project.
• MeijersupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerMeijer is sponsoring the Acrisure Amphitheater Community Drone Show as part of the Grand Opening Community Celebration. Meijer is a privately owned, family-operated retailer with over 500 supercenters across the Midwest, consistently recognized as a Great Place to Work.
• Grand Valley State University (GVSU)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerGVSU is supporting the Acrisure Amphitheater Grand Opening Community Celebration, contributing to the community-driven event celebrating local arts and culture.
• OpnrsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerGrand Action 2.0 partnered with Opnr to lead a community-driven artist sourcing process for the Acrisure Amphitheater Grand Opening Community Celebration, resulting in a lineup of 20 local artists.

Scale indicators14 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Live Nation Entertainment: Live Nation is the world's largest live entertainment company, operating amphitheaters, concert venues, and ticketing platforms globally. It is comparable to Grand Action 2.0 in its work with amphitheater venues like Acrisure Amphitheater as a long-term booking and programming partner, but operates as a much broader commercial incumbent.
• Oak View Group: Oak View Group is a global venue development, advisory, and investment company focused on sports and entertainment facilities. Comparable to Grand Action 2.0 in its work developing and managing arenas, amphitheaters, and stadiums, though it operates as a broader, commercial incumbent rather than a regional civic catalyst.

Direct peers

• Downtown Cleveland Alliance: Downtown Cleveland Alliance is a non-profit place management and economic development organization for downtown Cleveland. It shares Grand Action 2.0's focus on activating urban core spaces, attracting investment, and coordinating stakeholder interests to advance major downtown projects.
• Allegheny Conference on Community Development: The Allegheny Conference is a privately funded non-profit catalyst organization for economic development and community progress in the Pittsburgh region. Directly comparable to Grand Action 2.0 in its role as a regional civic convener that has spearheaded transformational infrastructure, riverfront development, and downtown projects.
• Central Atlanta Progress: Central Atlanta Progress is a private, non-profit civic organization that leads downtown Atlanta's economic development and revitalization efforts. It mirrors Grand Action 2.0's mission of driving major capital projects through public-private partnerships, stakeholder coordination, and long-term community vision-setting.
• Regional Industrial Development Corporation (RIDC): RIDC is a non-profit economic development organization in southwestern Pennsylvania that develops industrial, office, and technology facilities. It parallels Grand Action 2.0's role as a development catalyst that secures public-private funding for major capital projects in a defined regional geography.
• Cincinnati Center City Development Corporation (3CDC): 3CDC is a private, non-profit real estate developer and redevelopment organization that has spearheaded downtown Cincinnati's urban revitalization. It is directly comparable to Grand Action 2.0 as both organizations catalyze downtown transformation through large-scale capital projects and public-private partnerships in Midwestern cities.
• Downtown Detroit Partnership: Downtown Detroit Partnership is a non-profit organization that drives economic development and placemaking in downtown Detroit. Comparable to Grand Action 2.0 in its focus on catalyzing urban revitalization, securing public-private investment, and coordinating large capital projects in a Great Lakes city.

Regional players

• Greater MSP (Minneapolis-Saint Paul Regional Economic Development Partnership): Greater MSP is a public-private partnership that advances inclusive economic growth in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metro. Comparable to Grand Action 2.0 as a regional economic development catalyst, though operating in a different geography and broader scope without the same singular venue-development focus.
• Invest Buffalo Niagara: Invest Buffalo Niagara is a regional economic development organization serving the Buffalo Niagara region. It parallels Grand Action 2.0's civic-driven economic development model in a Great Lakes geography, though with a broader employer-attraction mandate rather than discrete venue capital projects.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Instagraminstagram.com/acrisureamphitheater
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/grand-action-2-0

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Grand Action 2.0