Garth Brooks will be playing six shows here in Grand Rapids over the span of four days, and Van Andel Arena wants to make sure that concert-goers are prepared.

Fans are being encouraged to arrive as early as possible. There will be no opening act. You'll want to arrive early to account for parking, traffic, and lines entering the arena.

Doors will be opening 90 minutes prior to the start of each show with the exception of the 10:30 p.m. show times. The doors for the 10:30 p.m. shows are expected to open at 10:00 p.m., but due to the nature of live performances, that could be delayed.

Security will be performing bag checks, pat downs, and wand searches at every entry point for all of the shows.

Parking & Traffic

  • Ottawa Ave. between Weston St. and Oakes St. is currently closed due to the construction of Arena Place to the west of the arena.
  • Fulton St. will be closed Friday and Saturday to allow a staging area for the 10:30 p.m. show times.
  • Carpooling is highly encouraged.
  • Free visitor parking will be available in DASH West Lots (Area 7-9) and the Grand Valley State University’s parking lots on Fulton and Winter.
  • Continuous DASH shuttle bus service will be available Friday and Saturday from 6 p.m. to 3 a.m. More buses will be added to accommodate the parking volume, if necessary.
  • Grand Rapids Police Department Traffic Control will be at key intersections.
  • There will also be extended hours of operation for all City-owned downtown parking facilities

Smoking Section

There will not be an outdoor smoking section for any of the shows this weekend. Smoking is also not permitted inside of the arena at any time; including e-cigarettes.

Camera Policy

No commercial or flash photography of any kind is permitted. Audio/visual equipment are prohibited unless previously authorized.

Prohibited Items

The following items are prohibited inside Van Andel Arena:

  • Weapons
  • Outside food and beverages.
  • Cameras (no flash/professional photography)
  • Selfie sticks
  • Recording devices (including tablets, GoPros, etc.)
  • Bags: backpacks, large bags, suitcases
  • Tripods/Monopods
  • Laser Pointers
  • Alcohol
  • Drugs
  • Noise making devices.
  • Fireworks
  • Flashlights
  • Skateboards
  • Beach Balls
  • Cans or bottles.

Small umbrellas that will fit under a seat will be permitted if the weather is cause for one. Purses, diaper bags, and other small bags are subject to search prior to entry.

In the event that prohibited items are found during a search, guests will be permitted to return that item to their vehicle, or the item will be confiscated or disposed of properly.

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