Going to Acrisure Amphitheater? Read This Before Your First Show

After years of planning, development and construction, the new Acrisure Amphitheater in Grand Rapids is finally open.

I got my first look inside on the night country star Russell Dickerson notched the very first sellout in the venue's history. Gotta say - it's an absolutely beautiful place to see a concert.

If you're going for the first time, there are few things to know ahead of time.

Don't Plan on Tailgating

While Acrisure Amphitheater is similar inside to places like Pine Knob Music Theatre in Clarkston or Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill in Sterling Heights, there's a major difference when it comes to parking.

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Acrisure Amphitheater does not have its own dedicated parking areas. Grand Rapids has an abundance of parking ramps and lots from which to choose, and it's a relatively flat walk to the venue from most of them. Expect to spend $20 to $50 on parking, and don't plan on tailgating pre-show.

Leave Your Cigs or Vapes Behind

Not only does Acrisure Amphitheater prohibit smoking of any kind (including cigarettes, e-cigs, and vapes), it does not offer a dedicated area for smoking either.

Pathways in the Lawn?

The lawn is a free-for-all at most outdoor venues — slap your blanket down wherever, and pop a squat.

Acrisure Amphitheater has chalk lines marking off pathways on the lawn, making it much easier to find the steps once the sun goes down.

It also makes it easier for emergency crews to respond in the event someone in the crowd needs medical attention.

Watch Your Drink

If you have seats at Acrisure Amphitheater, there'll be a cupholder built-on to the seat in front of you (unless you're in the front row, in which case it's built into your armrest).

They seem like they're placed kind of high. If the person in front of you happens to have long hair, it might wind up in your Jack & Coke — word to the wise.

All in all? A gorgeous venue. Can't wait to see tons of shows there in the years to come.