The brand-new Acrisure Amphitheater has been nominated for National Amphitheater of the Year 2026 by the International Entertainment Buyers Association (IEBA).
IEBA is the leading not-for-profit trade organization for live entertainment industry professionals who buy, book, and sell talent. Their nominees for Amphitheater of the Year were announced on Aug. 21, 2026, just three months after the official opening of Acrisure Amphitheater. The nomination recognizes outstanding contributions to the live entertainment industry in the year 2026.
“We’re thrilled to receive this nomination,” said Richard MacKeigan, Legends Global General Manager for Acrisure Amphitheater. “The venue is not even a year old and getting industrywide recognition, which is a testament to the positive impact the amphitheater has had both locally and within the touring industry.”
Opening in May 2026, Acrisure Amphitheater is a cutting-edge, professional performing arts venue in Grand Rapids, Michigan, designed to host national touring entertainment and community events. The venue offers a 12,000+ capacity outdoor option that fills a long-standing gap in amphitheater tour routing. The venue has had a successful inaugural season hosting over 40 public events to date, with more to come throughout September and October of 2026. The opening season has been highlighted by strong ticket sales and enthusiastic praise from artists and industry personnel. The venue recently made the first show announcement for the 2027 season, Stick Figure, scheduled for June 11, 2027.
The IEBA winners will be announced at the IEBA Honors & Awards Ceremony on October 6 at The Pinnacle Nashville. The ceremony is part of IEBA’s 56th Annual Conference, which will be held October 4–6 in Nashville, Tennessee.
About IEBA
IEBA (International Entertainment Buyers Association) is the leading not-for-profit trade organization for live entertainment industry professionals who buy, book, and sell talent. Founded in 1970, IEBA provides unparalleled opportunities for networking, education, and business development, serving more than 2,200 members and representing billions of dollars in buying power across the live entertainment industry. Learn more information at IEBA.org.
About Acrisure Amphitheater
Located along the Grand River in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids, Acrisure Amphitheater is a 12,000+ capacity outdoor entertainment venue designed to host premier national touring acts and live entertainment along with community and private events. Acrisure Amphitheater joins a trusted network of Grand Rapids entertainment venues that have been successfully managed for more than 30 years. Acrisure Amphitheater is managed by Legends Global, the world’s leading premium live experiences company. To learn more, visit AcrisureAmphitheater.com or follow Acrisure Amphitheater on social.
About Legends Global
Legends Global is the premier partner to the world's greatest live events, venues, and brands. We deliver a fully integrated solution of premium services, including feasibility & consulting, owner’s rep, sales, partnerships, venue management, hospitality, merchandise, and content & booking. Through our white-label approach, we keep our partners front and center while leveraging the power of our global network: over 450 venues, 20,000 events, and 165 million guests annually. To learn more, visit us at LegendsGlobal.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram.
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