Van Andel Arena's Concourse Expansion to be Dedicated Before Saturday's Griffins Game

"Amway Section A,” the $1.2 million expansion of Van Andel Arena’s northwest concourse, will be dedicated and opened to the public prior to the game this Saturday, Nov. 20 between the Grand Rapids Griffins and Lake Erie Monsters at 7PM.

Following four months of construction, final touches are being made to this 3,500-square-foot addition, which was designed by Rossetti Architects, the arena’s original architects, and built by general contractor Rockford Construction and other local firms. Intended to help alleviate congestion during large arena events, Amway Section A will feature a full bar, concession-style food service and three 42” flat screen TVs.

A brief ribbon-cutting ceremony for Amway Section A will be held at 6:15 p.m. Saturday, 15 minutes after doors open. Madiol, Griffins president & CEO Dan DeVos, and SMG’s regional general manager for Van Andel Arena, Rich MacKeigan, will be among the dignitaries on hand to dedicate the addition and welcome its first patrons. The first 500 fans to visit Amway Section A will receive a free t-shirt, while 100 more shirts will be tossed to the crowd during the Griffins game.

“With the full support of the Grand Rapids-Kent County Convention/Arena Authority, we continually strive to make improvements that benefit our patrons,” said MacKeigan. “The expansion of the concourse will provide a more convenient and comfortable walkway for patrons and an additional area for concessions, while maintaining the look and feel of the facility’s original design.”

The naming rights for the concourse expansion are one element in a three-year sponsorship agreement between the Griffins and Amway, which also includes the placement of an Amway patch on the Griffins’ home and road jerseys and ad spots during the Griffins’ radio broadcasts on ESPN 96.1 FM.

“We have pursued Amway in the past with different sponsorship elements, but this year we really felt we had a package that perfectly met their corporate objectives,” said Tim Gortsema, the Griffins’ senior vice president of business operations. “The jersey patch is premium inventory that gives them broadness of reach in all the American Hockey League markets we visit, and having the Amway name connected to the home of the Griffins is a great match. I could not envision any other sponsor for this expansion.”

Amway is extremely active in sports sponsorships. They hold the naming rights of the Amway Center in Orlando, which is home to the NBA’s Orlando Magic, and are the presenting sponsor of Major League Soccer’s San Jose Earthquakes. Most recently, Amway’s North American affiliate announced they hold exclusive rights to placing their logo on the official Detroit Red Wings practice jersey as well as dasher board signage at Joe Louis Arena.

Kid Rock Announces First Leg of "Born Free" Tour On Heels of New Album

Kid Rock has announced the first three months of his “BORN FREE” tour that comes in support of his new album, Born Free. Tickets for the tour will go on sale December 4th while Kid Rock officially plays the Van Andel Arena stage in Grand Rapids on January 25th. Ticket prices and further information to come later.

As usual, Kid Rock will be backed by his own excellent Twisted Brown Trucker Band. Following the Detroit celebration, the tour wraps around the country, hitting arenas throughout the country with this first leg of the tour ending March 14th in Houston, TX. This is just the beginning of a busy touring year for Kid Rock, who plans to add more dates later in the year. The headlining tour will also feature very special guest Jamey Johnson, whose new album “The Guitar Song” has been drawing rave reviews from fans and critics alike.

This tour comes in support of Kid Rock’s just released album “Born Free” which is being released amongst a flurry of promotion. After shaking up the European Music Awards in Madrid and the CMA Awards on November 12th, Kid Rock will appear on the live broadcast of the American Music Awards on Sunday, November 21st. A documentary entitled “Kid Rock: Born Free” has started airing across the MTV, Vh1, and CMT, adding to the huge visibility leading up to the release provided by TNT and ESPN sports campaigns featuring the albums first single, “Born Free.” The companion video to the song is already receiving accolades across the channels after debuting last week.

Kid Rock’s last album “Rock ‘N Roll Jesus,” released in 2007, debuted at #1 and stayed in the charts for 100 weeks, becoming the biggest selling Rock album of 2008. His hit single “All Summer Long” hit #1 in 8 countries and provided Kid Rock the opportunity to expand his huge touring base outside of America.

Kid Rock has a unique ability to genre-hop, marking his territory everywhere. He hosted last years CMT Awards (whose ratings rose 19% over the previous year) and performed at events ranging from the Grammy’s to the VMA’s, EMA’s and CMA’s to the Hip Hop Honors. He has performed for and visited troops overseas numerous times, and remains one of entertainments most vocal supporters of our soldiers abroad. In the past year he has entered into a unique partnership with Jim Beam, while at the same time expanding his philanthropic efforts through his own Kid Rock Foundation.

For more information, stay tuned to the event page at vanandelarena.com.

Concourse Expansion Week 14

The construction is almost done! Check out the pictures of the inside area of the construction. It will look amazing when it is completed. Also, pictures of the bricks being replaced and concrete being laid outside are included.

A Lil' Somethin' Somethin' on DRALION Every Week!

You've heard the name before...but what is Cirque Du Soleil-Dralion? Want to know more?

Well, we're giving YOU the chance to know what you'll be seeing at Dralion before they come into town! Starting next week, we will begin posting a little info every Wednesday leading up to the show on a different "Act" that you can see featured at Cirque Du Soleil's Dralion from Jan. 12-16 right here in Grand Rapids. Also, keep posted throughout December and January for little-known Dralion facts and trivia!

Want to catch the show? Click here to purchase your tickets today! For now, here's a brief overview of Dralion with our introductory Act. Enjoy!

Dralion
Dralion is a signature Cirque du Soleil ® production acclaimed by more than seven million people worldwide since it premiered in 1999 in Montreal, Canada. After many years performing under the big top, Dralion will now be presented in arenas throughout the United States and Canada, with the same quality performance.

Fusing the 3,000 year-old tradition of Chinese acrobatic arts with the multidisciplinary approach of Cirque du Soleil, Dralion draws its inspiration from Eastern philosophy and its never-ending quest for harmony between humans and nature. The show’s name is derived from its two emblematic creatures: the dragon, symbolizing the East, and the lion, symbolizing the West.

Dralion, the four elements that govern the natural order take on a human form. Thus embodied, each element is represented by its own evocative colour: air is blue; water is green; fire is red; earth is ochre. In the world of Dralion, cultures blend, Man and Nature are one, and balance is achieved. Bearing the unmistakable signature of Cirque du Soleil and featuring 50 international acrobats, gymnasts, musicians and singers, Dralion soars to new heights as it defies the laws of nature.

Medusa
The artists execute graceful and lithe movements which emphasize their extreme flexibility and balance. Together, they create extraordinary and harmonious figures.

Globetrotters Earn Coveted "Parent Tested, Parent Approved" Seal of Approval

The world famous Harlem Globetrotters, who have entertained over a 132 million fans of all ages during more than eight decades of touring, have become the first live-event entertainers to earn the coveted Seal of Approval from Parent Tested, Parent Approved (PTPA). The PTPA™ Seal is internationally recognized as a leader in certifying consumer products for quality, effectiveness and value.

The Globetrotters were among many candidates from across North America competing to earn the PTPA™ Seal. Independent parent volunteers evaluated the Globetrotters during their 2010 tour and decisively named the team’s live show a winner based on its wholesome family entertainment content and high quality of production.

“At PTPA Media, we are proud to play a role in certifying products that families can trust,” said Sharon Vinderine, president and founder of PTPA Media Inc. “The Globetrotters’ ability to keep both parents and children laughing and smiling throughout their show was equally as impressive as their amazing athletic ability. Deservingly, the Globetrotters’ show is the first live-event to earn the PTPA Seal and we are honored that they trusted us with their legendary show.”

And guess what? You can bring your family to watch the Globetrotters right here at Van Andel Arena on January 23 at 2PM. Tickets available online here, DeVos Place and Van Andel Arena box offices or charge by phone at 800-745-3000. Better yet, get a group of 10 or more and receive a group discount! Just call 742-6185.

See you there!

Made possible by Navy Entertainment and Armed Forces Entertainment, this year’s military tour by the Harlem Globetrotters will feature 11 games on U.S. military bases in five countries: Germany, Italy, Greece, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.

The team will pay tribute to the military with a specially-created camouflage Spalding basketball, in addition to their iconic red, white and blue basketball.

“It’s impossible to fully express our appreciation for the U.S. Armed Forces, but our players thoroughly enjoy bringing the troops a slice of home each year, and they consider it a tremendous honor,” said Harlem Globetrotters CEO Kurt Schneider. “The Harlem Globetrotters have the freedom to entertain people worldwide because of the sacrifices these brave men and women make each and every day.”

The Globetrotters’ 2011 “4 Times the Fun” North American Tour tips off Dec. 26, and will visit Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, MI on January 23. Tickets for the Grand Rapids date are available now at the Van Andel Arena and DeVos Place box offices, Ticketmaster outlets, charge by phone at 1.800.745.3000 and ticketmaster.com. Discounts for groups of 10 or more available by calling 616.742.6185 or e-mailing groupsales@smggr.com.

Concourse Expansion Week 13

The end is getting closer! The glass is all in and the cube like structure is looking very nice. Take a look at the different angles!!

Concourse Expansion Week 12

A lot has happened during the past week. The glass is in! The cube like structure is almost complete and they have started working on the ground beneath it. Take a look at the new pictures!

Michael Bublé “Crazy Love Tour” Announces Additional Seats On Sale

Michael Bublé’s Crazy Love Tour has announced that 500 great seats next to the stage will open to the public, officially going on sale Friday, Nov. 5 at 10AM. The ticket price for the newly released seats will be $91.50.

Grammy Award-winner Michael Bublé is coming to Van Andel Arena for one night only on Friday, December 3 at 8 pm. The Michael Bublé show is selling well and these seats are the best available for purchase.

THESE ARE THE BEST SEATS AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE! DON'T MISS OUT ON THE SHOW!

Click here to purchase today!

Griffins Matinee Game!

Wednesday, November 9th at 12pm!

Come watch the Griffins take on Milwaukee for the 10th annual matinee game.

If the Griffins win, fans can redeem their ticket stub for a free ticket to the Griffins' game on Wednesday, December 8th.

Fans that have their Grand Rapids public library card or Kent District library card can go to the Van Andel Arena box office or The Zone, during regular business hours, to get $10 for the lower bowl on the day of the game. Four tickets per card limit.