Van Andel Arena generates millions for GR economy
The Van Andel Arena has brought top name acts to the heart of a city who streets were once devoid of traffic. The streets, and the surrounding businesses, now bustle with activity and economic growth.
According to excerpts from the story:
Andrew and Sara Fassler were ready to rock. Robert Cray had just finished his set as crews prepared the Van Andel Arena stage for Andrew’s favorite artist of all time, Eric Clapton. Two seventh-row floor seats? $250.
Cha-ching.
Before the show, the Elkhart, Ind., couple hit one of the nearby bars to pick up a few drinks.
Cha-ching.
They were considering a nightcap at another spot on Ionia after the show.
Cha-ching.
If downtown has had an economic engine over the past decade, the arena would get credit for creating a lot of its horsepower.
In 10 years, it has transformed a sleepy, struggling downtown into a regional mecca for nightlife, spurring redevelopment of neglected old buildings into new bars, clubs, restaurants, apartments and condos.
In the first five years after the arena opened, the city attributed $150 million worth of investment to the arena.
Read the complete story here.
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