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.

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.