Van Andel Arena Going Completely Smoke Free in September

If you're headed to Van Andel Arena for concerts or events soon, the venue has changed its smoking policy.

SMG-Managed Van Andel Arena announced Tuesday morning it's going completely smoke free.

Previously, there had been a designated smoking area outside the venue, where guests had been allowed to re-enter. In September, that will no longer be an option.

The venue said in a statement they worked with local authorities and the Department of Homeland Security and decided to become an entirely non-smoking facility as part of "on-going security enhancements".

It has been a trend among venues to no longer provide a designated smoking areas. Little Caesar’s Arena in Detroit, Michigan Stadium and Crisler Center on the University of Michigan’s campus in Ann Arbor, and Spartan Stadium and Breslin Center on Michigan State University’s Campus in East Lansing have all adopted this policy.

SMG Regional General Manager at Van Andel Arena Richard MacKeigan said in a statement,

“First and foremost, we work to provide a secure and comfortable environment for all of our guests and employee. It has been a growing trend in the industry, and we feel strongly about this opportunity for security enhancement. We understand this may be an inconvenience for some, however we are confident everyone can agree that safety is paramount.”

The arena  had previously banned all smoking, including vaping and e-cigarettes, inside of the arena.

You can find out more about Van Andel's policies and procedures here.