Venues: First to Close, Last to Open
The venues in West Michigan were the first to close and according to all the plans, they will be the last to open. But will they still be here when that time comes?
Grand Rapids has some amazing venues and has become one of the top cities in America for concerts and large scale events but not on the top of any list to reopen anytime soon.
WZZM-13 reports that Van Andel Arena, 20 Monroe Live, DeVos Place, DeVos Performance Hall, The Intersection, The Pyramid Scheme, the Deltaplex are the places that were shut down first. Not to mention all the bars scattered around the area that also had live entertainment, have all closed and it will be hard to say who will be left standing when it is actually time to have large scale events again.
I know I sure miss the shows. I used to drive a few hours to enjoy concerts and many events that I would take my son to and these venues closings due to COVID-19 have sure left a void in my life and I'm sure many of yours as well.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer has not mentioned anything in regards to large venues across the state of Michigan but the Federal Government does have a three-phase plan. Even that plan will include social distancing that will more than likely mean less people at the event and probably higher ticket prices.
The worst part of all of these venue closings are the workers. Many have been left jobless and for right now, have no idea as to when they'll be returning to working at their current venue.
Let's hope our local venues can find away to hold on, and also that a vaccine and wide spread testing for coronavirus increases so hopefully someday those workers can return with the great entertainment the venues has brought this community and surrounding communities for many years and many more to come.