GRAND RAPIDS, March 14, 2025 — Pioneer + Barton Malow, construction manager for the Acrisure Amphitheater, celebrated a major milestone with a canopy topping-off ceremony. The event marked the placement of the final steel beam for the amphitheater’s 60,000-square-foot canopy, a significant step in the two-year construction timeline.
“This ceremony marks roughly the halfway point in construction and carries on a longstanding tradition in the construction industry,” said Tim Schowalter, president and CEO of Pioneer Construction. “It’s an opportunity for our dedicated workers and our project partners to reflect, celebrate and take pride in the progress we’ve made since breaking ground in May 2024.”
Tom Welch, co-chair of Grand Action 2.0, also recognized the significance of the milestone. “We have a tremendous team leading construction,” Welch said. “This is an exciting moment to acknowledge their work and celebrate everyone who has played a role in developing this transformational community asset that will enrich the quality of life and drive economic growth in our region for generations to come.”
Commemorating a Milestone
The ceremony brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from Grand Action 2.0, lead donor Acrisure, Pioneer Erectors and LPR (steel erection teams), Progressive Companies (architect and engineer of record), Ruby & Associates (steel erection engineer), Steel Supply Engineering and Thomas Steel (fabricators), as well as community leaders, donors, and project partners. Attendees signed the final beam before it was lifted into place, completing the canopy’s structural framework.
Comprising 1,600 tons (3.2 million pounds) of steel, the canopy—comparable in size to a football field—will provide coverage for the stage and approximately 75% of the fixed seating area. Designed to enhance acoustics and aesthetics, it will also offer protection from the elements for performers and audiences alike.
Next Steps
With the structural framework in place, crews will now begin installing architectural metal panels to form the roof and soffit of the canopy. Work will also progress on concrete and earthwork for the seating bowl beneath the structure.
An additional 30 tons of steel will be used to construct the Market Street structures surrounding the amphitheater, which will house concessions, operations, VIP areas, and artist green rooms. Steel construction for these areas is expected to be completed by July 2025.
The Acrisure Amphitheater remains on track for completion in May 2026.
About
About Pioneer Construction + Barton Malow
Pioneer Construction and Barton Malow, two Michigan-based, family-owned firms, bring nearly two centuries of combined experience to shaping communities through construction. Pioneer, rooted in Grand Rapids, and Barton Malow, headquartered in Southfield, share a legacy of craftsmanship, integrity, and innovation. Together, as a joint venture, they are bringing their expertise to the Acrisure Amphitheater—Grand Rapids’ newest entertainment destination. With Pioneer’s deep local roots and self-performed trades and Barton Malow’s extensive experience in large-scale entertainment venues, this collaboration ensures the project is built to the highest standards, reinforcing both companies’ commitment to Michigan’s future.
About Grand Action 2.0
Grand Action 2.0 is a not-for-profit economic development organization. Its primary mission is to identify transformational capital-intensive projects in downtown Grand Rapids and adjacent neighborhoods, galvanize public opinion and support, leverage public and private investment and formulate and implement funding strategies including securing private sector funding in support of requests for primary public sector funding. Grand Action 2.0 is co-chaired by Dick DeVos, Carol Van Andel and Tom Welch.
