Do You Remember The Van Andel Arena’s Insane Year 1 Concert Lineup?

If you're a music lover in Grand Rapids, then 2026 is your year. On top of the usual stellar acts appearing at the Van Andel Arena, GLC Live @ 20 Monroe, the Intersection, or the Pyramid Scheme, Grand Rapids is leveling up with a brand new 12,000 capacity outdoor amphitheatre that is already promising big names like Lionel Richie, Jelly Roll, Chicago & Styx, 5 Seconds of Summer, and more.

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It's sure to be one heck of a summer. This lineup has everybody buzzing, and it's cool to be living in the city when such a momentous venue opens. Naturally, whenever there is something new coming to town, the natural inclination is to look backward at the history that came before.

The Van Andel Arena is West Michigan's largest venue, and out of curiosity, I wanted to know which acts came to Grand Rapids in the year the arena opened to drum up excitement. As it turns out, the lineup was insane, with much of the first year carried by some of the most iconic acts in music. Let's take a peek.

The Van Andel Arena: A Brief History

The Van Andel Arena opened on October 8th, 1996, and since then, it has been home to some of the biggest names in comedy and music. The stadium is known for transforming on a whim, hosting hockey, basketball, dirt-heavy events like monster trucks and bull riding, and more.

READ MORE: How Van Andel Arena Transforms for Every Event

Its place in the heart of town symbolizes its status as a pillar of the community. But if it hadn't had a solid opening, it might not have become the venue we know it as today.

Good thing its lineup accomplished exactly that. These are the big names that helped make the Van Andel Arena a must-stop venue for artists.