Thursday, April 11, 2013

Fans Enjoy One of Arena's Most Successful Months Ever

February was a busy month full of variety for fans of all kinds at Van Andel Arena.  From families to sports fans to music lovers, there was something for everyone in the shortest month of the year, and it showed with five sellouts by the time the month was through.

Fans from all over the state packed the house to see five concerts, including one comedian, six Grand Rapids Griffins hockey games, and a performance from Disney on Ice. What shaped up to be one of the most successful months in the history of the arena since its inception in 1996 also turned out to be one of the best for its fans.


In only an eight day stretch, West Michigan was treated to two shutout victories from the Grand Rapids Griffins and three back-to-back-to-back concerts over the second weekend of the month.  The faith-fueled Rock and Worship Roadshow kicked off the weekend and attracted lines wrapped completely around the arena before tickets could be purchased at the door for only $10.  Classic rockers Journey and comedian Jeff Dunham’s “Disorderly Conduct Tour” were crowd pleasers as well as both shows filled up the arena to close out the weekend.

The February fun didn’t stop as the Griffins continued their winning ways, racking up a total of five victories in six home games.  Mid-month featured American Country Music Entertainer of the Year Luke Bryan selling out the arena with help from two other American Country Music Award-winning acts Florida Georgia Line (New Artist of the Year) and Thompson Square (Vocal Duo of the Year.)  Not to be outdone, dance pop-rockers Maroon 5 filled the arena to capacity on the 25th, and Disney on Ice kicked off a seven-show run on the 28th.


It certainly was a month with an assortment of shows. In such a busy month, a masterful job was done to keep the entertainment spread around to several types of fans. But make no doubt about it, the fans played as big of a role as anyone in the arena’s success. 

After all was said and done, close to 100,000 fans walked through the turnstiles of Van Andel Arena in the month of February.  It is this passion and enthusiasm from the fans paired with great shows for the arena that will keep high quality entertainment coming to Grand Rapids for years to come.