Van Andel Arena
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Van Andel Arena

4.5
·9k reviews·Grand Rapids, United States

Grand Rapids' premier arena for electrifying concerts, thrilling hockey games, and spectacular family entertainment.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weeknights

Fewer crowds, better parking

CrowdLow
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Van Andel Arena

Van Andel Arena

Best Time

Weeknights

Fewer crowds, better parking

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Grand Rapids' premier arena for electrifying concerts, thrilling hockey games, and spectacular family entertainment.

4.5
(9k reviews)

"Great venue with helpful staff, though seats can be a bit snug."

Vertical photo
TIP

Check Bag Policy First

Confirm bag size restrictions before arriving to avoid entry issues. :handbag:

Arrive Early for Parking

Lots fill up fast; plan to arrive 30-60 mins before doors open. 🚗

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.5 · 8,959 reviews

Type

Arena

♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Concert Spectacles

Concert Spectacles

Main Arena Floor & Seating

Experience electrifying performances from country stars to rock legends and pop icons.

TikTok+2
Grand Rapids Griffins Hockey

Grand Rapids Griffins Hockey

Ice Rink

Cheer on the home team in a thrilling AHL hockey game.

Instagram+1
PBR Bull Riding

PBR Bull Riding

Arena Floor

Witness the raw power and skill of professional bull riders in an adrenaline-pumping event.

TikTok
Family Entertainment

Family Entertainment

Main Arena

Enjoy spectacular shows like Disney on Ice or Monster Jam that delight audiences of all ages.

TikTok
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Planning Your Visit

Bag Policy & Entry

Check the Van Andel Arena's bag policy before you go; many events prohibit bags larger than a small clutch. Arrive early to navigate security and find parking, especially for popular concerts or PBR events. Reddit

Seat Comfort & Accessibility

While the arena offers great views, some visitors find the seats to be quite small and close together. Consider this if you're a larger individual or attending a long event. Reddit+1

Best Times

When
Weeknights
Why
Fewer crowds, better parking
Crowd
Low
When
During Griffins games
Why
Lively atmosphere
Crowd
Medium
When
Major concert tours
Why
See top artists live
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Great night with @Jon Pardi in Grand Rapids! 🤠 #jonpardi #grandrapidsmichigan #vanandelarena #countrymusic #dirtonmyboots
@jordanbucsi
111 likes • 1.1K views

Check Bag Policy First

Confirm bag size restrictions before arriving to avoid entry issues. Reddit :handbag:

Arrive Early for Parking

Lots fill up fast; plan to arrive 30-60 mins before doors open. Reddit 🚗

Such a fun night at the @Quinn XCII concert!! If you’re the follower I met hiii! Sorry I blacked out from excitement when you said hi 🤣🤭 #concert #quinnxcii #grandrapidsmichigan #grandrapids #vanandelarena
@madio09
76 likes • 1.2K views
The Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapdis, MI is teasing a Jonas Brothers show?! Could this be leg 2? Announcement on Monday at 12pm ET! #JoeJonas #NickJonas #KevinJonas #Jonas #JonasBrothers | Follow @jonasdailynews_ for more.
jonasdailynews_
442 likes • 9.7K views

Consider Seat Size

Seats can be snug. If you're a larger person, be prepared for a cozy fit. Reddit 🪑

Food & Drink Variety

Explore diverse concessions and bar carts for your cravings. TikTok 🍨

MAIN EVENT JEY USO GOT VAN ANDEL ARENA HYPE!!! YEET YEET YEET!!!! #SMACKDOWN #GrandRapids
crook616fwme
11 likes • 346 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Check Bag Policy First

Confirm bag size restrictions before arriving to avoid entry issues. Reddit :handbag:

Arrive Early for Parking

Lots fill up fast; plan to arrive 30-60 mins before doors open. Reddit 🚗

Consider Seat Size

Seats can be snug. If you're a larger person, be prepared for a cozy fit. Reddit 🪑

Food & Drink Variety

Explore diverse concessions and bar carts for your cravings. TikTok 🍨

Sound Quality is Great

Enjoy well-mixed audio for concerts, not too loud or quiet. Reddit :musical_note:

What Travellers Say

4.5
(9k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors generally praise Van Andel Arena for its diverse event offerings, from concerts to hockey and family shows. The helpful staff and good sound quality are frequently highlighted positives. However, some attendees find the seats to be uncomfortably small and closely spaced, which can detract from the overall experience for larger individuals.

"Took our 2 boys to their first concert! Van Andel was the perfect venue to go to! Staff was all very helpful and kind. Seating was great. Kids had an amazing time. We watched: Periphery, Mastadon and Coheed and Cambria"

Jessica Stearns

"Visited for a 7:00 PM Grand Rapids Griffins game. I looked online before the game for when the doors open and it said 90 minutes prior so we found parking and shoed up at 5:30. We were told that doors open at 6:00 for non-season pass holders and we were told VERY rudely. I could not find that information anywhere on the website or ticket. They should post that kind of information.

That being said, everyone inside was helpful. The bartenders were especially kind and funny.

The game was awesome, music was fun, and we really enjoyed it."

Gwenevere Mueller

"Very nice venue. Big arena feel with a more intimate setting. Our seats were great.
The chairs could be just a little bigger or placed just a bit further from each other. I had a rather large person next to me and ended up only having half a chair to sit in. And they're connected, so I couldn't even scoot over a little bit.
However, everything else was great. Clean bathrooms & helpful staff."

Laura Santo

What People Like

Diverse event selection
Helpful staff
Good sound quality

What People Dislike

Small, cramped seats

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Van Andel Arena is located in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan. It's easily accessible by car, with several parking garages nearby. Public transportation options are also available. Reddit

There are multiple parking garages surrounding the arena, including the DeVos Place Convention Center parking ramp and the Market Avenue parking ramp. Street parking is also available but can be limited. Reddit

Yes, The Rapid, Grand Rapids' public transit system, serves the area around Van Andel Arena with several bus routes. Check their schedule for specific routes and times. 🚌

Yes, there are designated drop-off zones near the arena entrances for ride-sharing services and personal vehicles. This is a convenient option to avoid parking hassles. 🚕

Yes, Van Andel Arena is connected to the downtown skywalk system, offering a convenient and weather-protected way to access the arena from nearby hotels and parking structures. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Van Andel Arena generally prohibits bags larger than a small clutch or wallet. Clear bags may be permitted for some events, but it's best to check the specific event's policy on their website or social media. Reddit

Door opening times can vary by event. For Grand Rapids Griffins games, doors typically open 90 minutes prior to game time for season ticket holders and 60 minutes prior for general admission. Always check the specific event details online. Reddit

Yes, the Van Andel Arena box office is typically open for in-person ticket purchases. Hours may vary, so it's advisable to check their official website or call ahead for current operating hours. 🎟️

Age restrictions vary depending on the event. Most concerts and sporting events are open to all ages, but some shows, like certain comedy acts or PBR events, may have age recommendations or restrictions. Always check the event details. :child:

For popular events like major concerts or PBR, it's recommended to purchase tickets as soon as they go on sale through official channels like Ticketmaster or the Van Andel Arena website to secure the best seats and prices. TikTok

🎫 🏟️ Onsite Experience

Yes, Van Andel Arena is an indoor arena and is air-conditioned, making it comfortable for events even during hot weather. Reddit

The seats at Van Andel Arena are generally considered comfortable but can be on the smaller side and closely spaced. Some visitors find them to be a bit snug, especially for longer events. Reddit+1

The arena offers a variety of concessions, including classic arena fare like hot dogs and nachos, as well as more diverse options. Bar carts and concessions are located throughout the concourse. TikTokReddit

Concertgoers often praise the sound quality at Van Andel Arena, noting that it's well-mixed and not excessively loud. Reddit

The 'best' seats depend on the event. For concerts, floor seats offer an up-close experience, while lower bowl seats provide a good balance of view and proximity. For hockey, the lower bowl offers excellent sightlines. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

Photography policies vary by event. Generally, non-professional cameras or phones for personal use are allowed, but professional equipment, flash photography, and video recording are often prohibited. Always check the specific event's guidelines. :camerawithflash:

The arena itself offers a dynamic backdrop, especially during live performances with stage lighting. Capturing the energy of a concert or the excitement of a hockey game can make for great shots. TikTokInstagram

The most visually striking moments often occur during the opening acts, the main artist's entrance, or during high-energy songs with impressive lighting. TikTok+1

Selfies with your phone are generally permitted, as long as they don't disrupt other attendees or violate any specific event rules regarding flash or video. :iphone:

Absolutely not. Drones are strictly prohibited inside Van Andel Arena for safety and security reasons. :noentrysign:

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