Plans for Van Andel Arena upgrades are taking shape, as funding has been approved for several improvements at the home of the Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL).
On Friday, the Grand Rapids-Kent County Convention Arena Authority approved funding for capital projects that will cover upgrades to both Van Andel Arena and DeVos Place Convention Center. In the case of the arena, funding will be dedicated to a variety of projects.
Upgraded locker rooms are in the works for the arena, as is a roof replacement and various landscaping additions. A total of $2 million has been allocated for the locker room improvements, with an additional $1 million covering the first phase of the roof replacement. More from MLive.com:
The biggest capital projects include a $1 million roof replacement at Van Andel Arena. The money would cover the first phase of the roof replacement project….
Locker rooms at the arena will receive a $2 million upgrade — a request long made by performers and athletes, according to authority officials.
Additional landscaping is also in store for the front of the arena. The authority is putting $500,000 to a project — that will be matched by Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. — to create a park-like atmosphere along Fulton Avenue.
Van Andel Arena originally opened in 1996, and has hosted the Griffins throughout its history.
