Looking at the future of Van Andel Arena after 16 years

GRAND RAPIDS The board that manages the 16-year-old Van Andel Arena is starting to look at its next 16 years.

That future could include filling in arenas south end to add more seating, adding a 900-car attached parking garage, and building in new concourses, restaurants and outdoor smoking decks, according to a 35-page study presented to the Grand Rapids Kent County Convention and Arena Authority Friday.

General Manager Richard MacKeigan said the $50,000 study by the arenas original architects, Rosetti & Associates, is not a wish list but an assessment of the potential for the 12,000-seat arena.

Im think all of these should be looked at, MacKeigan said. Im not saying any of these should be done.

Our plan is to dive into it with our team as well as our financial team to see what might work.

The biggest change would be to fill in the south end of the arena to mirror the north end facing Fulton Street. The project would create a mirror of the southern face and possibly add a three-level parking garage with retail shops on the ground floor.

The survey also looked at the buildings heating, cooling and electrical systems, concluding they aer in good condition but may need some upgrading in the future.

If the authority decides to pursue any of the improvements, MacKeigan said it will be added to the facilitys long-term capital plan.

The report was created by looking at what other newer arenas have done since the Van Andel Arena was completed in 1996 and by assessing the current condition of the facility.

The arena, which hosts more than 500,000 visitors a year, recently completed a $1 million addition to the building's northwest corner that added more concession stands and a wider pathway in that area to alleviate backups during events with large crowds.

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Looking at the future of Van Andel Arena after 16 years