Van Andel Arena Events

Van Andel Arena is a sports and entertainment venue in Grand Rapids, Michigan. It serves primarily as the home of the Grand Rapids Griffins, a minor league hockey team in the AHL. Over the years, it has also served as the home arena for an arena football team and a pro basketball team in the CBA. Van Andel Arena is also used to host concerts and other public events. Officially, Van Andel Arena is the fourth-largest sports venue in the state of Michigan, with a capacity of over 13,000 people for concerts and 11,000 fans for hockey games.

Where are the Best Places to Sit at Van Andel Arena

For concerts at Van Andel Arena, there are three sections of floor seats, as well as a pit area that will get you as close as possible to the performer, with Floor 2 providing the most straight-ahead view of the stage. To be close to the stage but on the side, sections 108, 109, 121, and 122 are the best options. Finally, sections 101, 102, and 128 will provide a straight-ahead view of the stage, although at a fair distance. The same is true of sections 201, 202, and 228, which provide a straight-ahead view of the stage at an elevated height.

For hockey games, sections 108 and 122 are closest to center ice, with section 122 being located on the same side as the team benches. Sections 107, 109, 121, and 123 are also located along the sidelines of the ice rink. For seats behind one of the goals, sections 101, 102, and 128 are the best options. However, the sightlines are great from almost any seat in the arena.

Tips for Visiting Van Andel Arena

One benefit of Van Andel Arena is that it’s located in the middle of downtown Grand Rapids. Those arriving early enough for a game or event might be able to find street parking and avoid more expensive lots. There is also no shortage of places to visit before or after events. Grand Rapids is considered a great beer town, so there are plenty of options to get a drink before or after a visit to the arena. There are also multiple museums and parks within walking distance of Van Andel Arena.

Food to Try at Van Andel Arena

The centerpiece of Van Andel Arena is the Intermission Restaurant and Bar, which is a full-service restaurant that’s located on the lower level of the arena. The menu mimics a standard brewpub with appetizers, sandwiches, burgers, flatbreads, salads, and wraps. There are also larger entrees worth trying, including the deluxe chicken quesadilla and the loaded mac n’ cheese skillet. There are several other concessions scattered throughout the rest of the arena, offering classic items, as well as whole pizzas and customized burritos.