A New Dawn for Soccer in Grand Rapids
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — In an air thick with anticipation, local officials are igniting a fervor often reserved for the region’s storied sports teams. That’s right, the fresh chapter of Grand Rapids’ sports saga has just begun, as plans unfold for a new professional soccer team to grace this vibrant city.
Just a stone’s throw from the burgeoning Amway Stadium site, which promises to be a hub of excitement, the announcement reverberated through the hearts of soccer enthusiasts. The city is set to enter the MLS Next Pro league, with the inaugural season kicking off in 2027, echoing a resounding commitment to elevate the local sports landscape.
The ownership, helmed by the well-established Van Andel and DeVos families, boasts a wealth of experience in sports management. David Van Andel, flanked by his sons—Jesse, Aaron, Kyle, and Christian—will take the reins, with Dan DeVos and his family joining in a minority stake. Notably, Cole DeVos is anticipated to play a pivotal role in steering this venture.
As Grand Rapids welcomes the likes of the Griffins (AHL), the Gold (NBA G League), and the Rise (Pro Volleyball Federation), the anticipation builds around this soccer team, set to make Amway Stadium its new home.
What Shall We Call This New Endeavor?
For the time being, the team is referred to as West Michigan Soccer, though the hunt for an official name and colors is in full swing. Van Andel, acknowledging the curiosity surrounding these details, humorously addressed future inquiries: “Before the flood of questions comes—no, we don’t have a name for the team yet. We’re collectively rolling with West Michigan Soccer for now.”
He assures that an official announcement will reveal the team’s name and branding in due time, promising a detailed unveiling as the excitement continues to build.
Diving Into the MLS Next Pro League
Emerging prominently on the scene, MLS Next Pro, initiated in 2022, serves as a third-tier professional league designed to nurture talents and prepare them for higher echelons of soccer. As the 2024 season approaches, it boasts 29 teams—27 aligned with MLS and a couple operating independently. Van Andel emphasizes the responsibility they feel in contributing to the region’s vibrant community through this endeavor.
Dan DeVos reflected on the importance of this project, “Soccer fits seamlessly into our city’s rich sporting tapestry. We’re ecstatic to further showcase Grand Rapids on a national platform with the support of MLS Next Pro.”
What Lies Ahead for Soccer in Grand Rapids?
As plans firm up for this new soccer venture, key developments continue to take shape. Work has already commenced on bringing Amway Stadium to life. This ambitious project, born from a $33 million investment from Amway, necessitates the transformation of 230 Winter Avenue NW into a bustling venue capable of housing 8,500 fans.
City planners are brimming with optimism, projecting the stadium will host no fewer than 17 national and international competitions alongside over 50 community-focused events. Construction is slated to last approximately two years, eyeing a spring 2025 groundbreaking, with aspirations to host the first match by spring 2027.
Reflecting on Past Soccer Endeavors
Fans might remember Grand Rapids FC, a team that flickered brightly from its inception in 2014 until it succumbed to the pressures of the pandemic in 2021. This previous chapter, marked by financial difficulties, led to their untimely demise, but the spirit of soccer in Grand Rapids remains undeterred, with a renaissance on the horizon.
With the dust of anticipation settling, the objective seemingly is clear—a fresh start, building unity through sport in a community poised for greatness. Let’s gear up to see what lies ahead in this exciting journey of soccer’s revival in Grand Rapids!
