“Round Up at the Rink – to fight cancer” this October at Van Andel Arena

Fans attending events at the SMG-managed Van Andel Arena throughout the month of October will have the opportunity to “Round Up at the Rink – to fight cancer.” Donation jars will be available at concession stands during each event to benefit local non-profit, Cancer Families United, an organization that provides support to families affected by childhood cancer.

Cancer Families United was selected as the beneficiary of October’s Round Up at the Rink by Van Andel Arena staff member, Bessie Price, a breast cancer survivor being recognized by Van Andel Arena as part of the Round Up. In addition to selecting the charity, Bessie is also receiving a night on the town with two tickets to the November 1st Janet Jackson concert at Van Andel Arena, dinner at The B.O.B., concessions vouchers from SAVOR…Grand Rapids and car service provided by Executive Coach Service.

Nominated by co-workers Lyndsey Horvath and Kathy Yasick to be recognized, Bessie Price has worked as a custodian at Van Andel Arena since 1998, and is excited to be a part of the October Round Up at the Rink. As a cancer survivor, mother of 8, grandmother of 20 (with 2 more on the way) and great-grandmother of 10, she values the support that families can provide each other during hard times and understands the need for assistance for families dealing with childhood cancer.

“I’m excited to be able to give back and happy to do my part in this small way,” said Price. “I hope that I, along with everyone coming out to Van Andel Arena in October, can make a difference to kids and their families who are dealing with cancer.”

The SMG staff at Van Andel Arena set out to raise money for a cancer-related non-profit in October, expanding on Breast Cancer Awareness Month to open up fundraising opportunities for all types of cancer. Bessie’s selection of Cancer Families United is fitting in that it is extending September’s Childhood Cancer Awareness Month by continuing to offer support into the month of October.

At the end of October, SMG will add to patrons’ donations by matching the total donation amount, up to $1000, with a gift to Cancer Families United in the name of Dean Gust, Van Andel Arena’s Head Ticket Taker who lost his battle with cancer in 2015.

Events taking place in October at Van Andel Arena include:
Oct. 6: Grand Rapids Griffins vs. Manitoba Moose
Oct. 7: Grand Rapids Griffins vs. Manitoba Moose
Oct. 10: WWE Smackdown
Oct. 16: Steely Dan
Oct. 21: Grand Rapids Griffins vs. Hershey Bears
Oct. 25: Grand Rapids Griffins vs. Tucson Roadrunners
Oct. 27: Grand Rapids Griffins vs. Chicago Wolves
Oct. 28: Bob Dylan & His Band, Plus Mavis Staples

About Cancer Families United
Cancer Families United is a grass roots non-profit established in 2012 to provide essential support and services to families of Southwest Michigan affected by childhood cancer through family networking, community awareness, financial assistance and advocacy for a cure. For more information, visit cancerfamiliesunited.org.

The Intermission's New Mural Is Unveiled

Van Andel Arena is pleased to unveil the new mural inside of their full service restaurant and bar, The Intermission, located on the lower level of the building. With a new season of Grand Rapids Griffins hockey kicking off tomorrow night and the typically busy run of shows through the fall and winter months, the arena has been eagerly awaiting the installation of the new mural on the restaurant’s east wall.

The new mural features several current and former Griffins players, a still shot of the arena in the center, and a variety of past performers, many of whom are native Michiganders. The arena had asked fans to vote for performers they would like to see on the mural as part of their “Intermission Mural Contest” last month. The artists chosen are Bob Seger, Josh Groban, Anthony Kiedis, Reba McEntire, Roger Waters, Brad Paisley, Ted Nugent, Lady Gaga, and Kid Rock.

A winner was randomly selected among all responses and will receive two tickets to a show of their choice (based on availability) at the arena in 2015 as well as dinner for two in The Intermission before the show.

Here are some shots from the installation process:

The Intermission is located street-level inside of Van Andel Arena and opens two hours before all major events and Grand Rapids Griffins hockey games. The menu boasts amazing appetizers and new menu creations to satisfy every palate. The full service bar and constantly evolving wine list have offerings from around the world, enough to complement any dish. The Intermission can be booked on non-event days for private functions. For more information or to make a reservation before the next show you see at Van Andel Arena, please call 616-742-6453 or email shackney@smggr.com.

With Time Comes Change: New Video Board Installed

Van Andel Arena turned 17 years old this year, and with age comes change and the need for upgrades. If you haven’t made it to a Grand Rapids Griffins game at the SMG-managed arena yet this fall, you’ll notice something new the next time you visit. In early October, installation of a brand new video board began at the south end of the arena in order to enhance the experience of fans and guests.

The new widescreen video board is approximately 698 square feet (15.6’ x 44.72’) and displays advanced viewing angles with 3-in-1 LED pixels for a high quality picture regardless of where you are in the arena. It is capable of displaying both high definition and standard definition video that can be divided across the screen, allowing for multiple frames to be displayed simultaneously. The Daktronics screen is an upgrade from the previous video system that was much smaller and could only display standard definition video.

From video replays to advertisements and informational video clips, the new screen’s size, versatility and crystal clear picture quality will demand the attention of everyone in the audience, including those at the far end of the arena. Fans who attended the Grand Rapids Griffins’ home-opener this season were able to catch the first glimpse of the board as it was debuted during the game on October 18th, the same night as the Griffins' AHL Calder Cup Championship banner raising ceremony. The screen will be utilized during all home Griffins games and other sporting events at the arena.

Van Andel Arena and SAVOR Proudly Announce “The Chef’s Knife”

A New Carving Cart in Van Andel Arena’s Amway Section A

Van Andel Arena announces a new carving cart, The Chef’s Knife, located in Amway Section A, Van Andel Arena’s new concourse expansion area. The carving cart will feature fresh and local products from Michigan Turkey producers during all Griffins games and the majority of events at Van Andel Arena. The food is prepared by SAVOR… Grand Rapids, Catering by SMG’s Executive Chef Chris Simpson, as well as his staff. All items featured at The Chef’s Knife are $9.00 each. The Chef’s Knife made its debut Sunday, February 20th at the Griffins vs. Rivermen game, the Griffins won 4 to 2.

The delectable items featured at The Chef’s Knife, include:

• The Carved Turkey Grinder - hand carved turkey breast piled high on a sour dough roll with cherry chutney and pesto mayo.
• Smoked Turkey Thigh- Each thigh is hand rubbed with our Chef's own secret spices then slow smoked for 6 hours. The hand pulled turkey is packed into a sub roll with apple coleslaw and your choice of sweet or zesty BBQ sauce.
• Griffins Jumbo Wing - Jumbo turkey wings rubbed with ancho chili spice and fire roasted; served with southwest ranch dipping sauce or sweet BBQ.
• Turkey Sticks- Slow smoked turkey legs with a mild spice rub and a robust hickory smoke; served lightly glazed with Chef's own sweet sauce.

SMG offers food and beverage operations through its concessions and catering company SAVOR, currently serving more than 100 accounts worldwide. Savor Catering by SMG’s food and beverage expertise extends from elegantly catered events for up to 10,000 guests to thematic portable food carts, exquisite suite presentations and permanent concession stands designed to create a memorable experience for all of our patrons. Savor Catering by SMG raises the bar for culinary excellence for patrons, meeting planners and special events. By placing emphasis on freshness, quality, and customer care, we ensure that only the finest service is provided. Savor Catering by SMG displays detail in presentation, menu selections and decor to incorporate an ambiance and flavor for each unique event.