Michigan Venue Up for Academy of Country Music’s Arena of the Year

Michigan could take center stage - albeit briefly - at the 60th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards being held on May 8.

One of the state's most popular venues to catch a concert has been nominated for "Arena of the Year".

If that comes as a surprise, maybe it shouldn't.

Why Van Andel Arena Would Actually Be a Great Choice for "Arena of the Year"

Yeah, you read that right. Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids could actually win the trophy for "Arena of the Year" at this year's Academy of Country Music Awards.

WATCH: Van Andel Arena's Crew Flips the Floor From Basketball to Hockey

Of all the possible concert venues in America, you may be wondering how and why Van Andel Arena could be getting attention.

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I can tell you first-hand that Van Andel Arena is a favorite place to play among today's country artists. Just to name a pair - Kelsea Ballerini launched her first-ever arena headlining tour at Van Andel Arena in January 2025, and Kane Brown kicked off the U.S. leg of his "Drunk or Dreaming" tour at Van Andel in March 2023.

Van Andel Arena's Competition

In addition to Van Andel Arena, other nominees for "Arena of the Year" at this year's ACM Awards include:

• Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas;
• Moody Center in Austin, Texas;
• TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts; and
• Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Where and When to Watch The ACM Awards

The awards show will be televised live on Prime Video on the evening of Thursday, May 8, hosted by country legend Reba McEntire.