Van Andel Arena Expansion?

[joeDowntown]

Noticed tonight that they are starting construction on the expansion. The balcony on the inside of the building is being ripped down (northwest corner) and it looks like they've put up some security fences.

Joe

[GRDadof3]

This is scheduled to be open this weekend already. I think it looks pretty cool from the outside.

[GR8scott]

I wonder why they did not build the arena to full capacity at first with the south section supposed to be expandable? In a few more years if there is ever talk of a pro franchise this place will be too small and too expensive to expand as well as being "old' for pro teams. The minor corridor expansion could definitely help traffic flow though.

[GRDadof3]

I wonder why they did not build the arena to full capacity at first with the south section supposed to be expandable? In a few more years if there is ever talk of a pro franchise this place will be too small and too expensive to expand as well as being "old' for pro teams. The minor corridor expansion could definitely help traffic flow though.

I think this has been talked about before here. They didn't have the money to build the South end when it was built, and the estimates to expand it are now in the $50 Million range. Anyone corroborate that?

[Allison Slater]

That's certainly what I remember. I also remember that the south expansion has already reached a point where the cost outweighs the benefit, so we'll likely never see it expanded.

[joeDowntown]

Wow, that was fast. It does look good, works well with the existing building. Even better, you won't feel like your stuck in a choke hold when trying to move around that side of the Arena.

As for the South end, I've heard the same thing as everyone else. They probably should have pulled the trigger when they first built the arena. It's unfortunate, as I see the most likely pro franchise for GR as an NHL (or less likely, NBA) team, but that would be a tough sell (even if it were an option) as the arena is too small for either.

It's too bad Arena Football failed. It seemed like a good concept.

Joe

This is scheduled to be open this weekend already. I think it looks pretty cool from the outside.

[tommygrand20]

Any pics for us out of towners? Stuck down in Houston and won't be home till Chirstmas

[GRDadof3]

Any pics for us out of towners? Stuck down in Houston and won't be home till Chirstmas

Not yet, but it looks A LOT like the renderings (I think it was the second option they went with):

http://media.mlive.com/businessreview/western_impact/other/ADDITION%20OPTIONS%20lowres.pdf

[GRDadof3]

Any pics for us out of towners? Stuck down in Houston and won't be home till Chirstmas

Here are some:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/vanandelarena/

[Gorath]

The Grand Rapids Kent County Convention and Arena Authority is looking at possible plans to expand the Arena on the south and add a 900 car parking garage.

http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2012/03/looking_at_the_future_of_van_a.html

[Allison Slater]

I like how the concourse extension is mirrored in this expansion. Also, I recall this being speculated here in the mid-2000s due to it being designed to allow for an expansion like this, but was assumed that the cost of doing so had risen to the point it would no longer be feasible. Glad to see that assumption may not have actually been the case. I wonder what any landscaping may done (also a mirror of the other side?) around the expanded area since it looks like there will be a major SW entrance added.

[Gorath]

They can't do a complete mirror image of the north end. They still have to have loading docks and such someplace on the south end. I don't think they can get the monster trucks in though the front door.

Edited March 2, 2012 by Gorath

[joeDowntown]

Wow. I thought expansion possibilities were DOA. Even though these are only recommendations, I'm glad they are exploring options to keep it vibrant.

Joe

[jas49503]

how many seats would the expansion add. they only need a few hundred to be in the running to host a NCAA tournament regional site.

[arcturus]

Getting ahead of myself but the first thought which came to mind is how it would affect the Rock the Rapids Fest, if it continues.

[joeDowntown]

That seems like a really small concern. Move it to a myriad of other surface lots within throwing distance.

Joe

Getting ahead of myself but the first thought which came to mind is how it would affect the Rock the Rapids Fest, if it continues.

[SupercityGR]

CALDER PLAZA LOL

[egrguy]

Hmm. I wonder what kind of cost is associated with that? That seems like the dream type scenario to add a 900 car garage and south end expansion. Seems like a huge cost endeavor to me, but quite exciting with everything that is developing around the arena (apartments) and south of division. It almost seems like you can feel the end of the Great Recession finally!

[GrSportsGuy]

how many seats would the expansion add. they only need a few hundred to be in the running to host a NCAA tournament regional site.

I spoke to someone a SMG a few years ago and they said about 2,000 seats. The biggest issue to hosting NCAA basketball tournament games is the lack of direct flights to Ford Airport.

[fotoman311]

I spoke to someone a SMG a few years ago and they said about 2,000 seats. The biggest issue to hosting NCAA basketball tournament games is the lack of direct flights to Ford Airport.

Yes, because Spokane, WA and Dayton, OH have so many direct flights. I think there is just a lot of competition and the West Michigan Sports Commission will just need to put together a compelling application again and we'll have a decent shot.

[GrSportsGuy]

Good point. I think it would do very well here.

[GRDadof3]

I bet this is the next Grand Action project, after the market is finished. They're probably weighing things like how much economic impact an expansion would have, even if it costs $50 Million, if it brings bigger tournaments, shows, events..

[arcturus]

The arena had 'it's worst year ever.'

http://bit.ly/GF2qOm

[Gorath]

From the above link, the Convention and Arena Authority has a $22 million surplus. Now I see where this talk by the KCCAA for arena expansion is coming from. This expansion is sounding even more like a bad idea now.

But if they can land a couple years of NCAA basketball tournament games then it makes some sense.

Edited March 22, 2012 by Gorath

[Gorath]

The Kent County Convention Arena Authority wants to build a 700 space parking ramp in lot 2 directly south of the VAA.  This ramp would prevent any future arena expansion.

 

http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2014/09/van_andel_arena_parking_ramp_i.html