AC Grand Rapids is ready to celebrate soccer this summer, supporting the vibrant soccer culture in West Michigan during this once-in-a-generation soccer-filled summer when the 2026 FIFA World Cup is hosted in the United States.
Through a series of exciting community-focused events and experiences, ACGR’s Summer of Soccer will tap into the global soccer energy that will take over our nation and the local passion for the game to elevate the community’s soccer culture ahead of the club’s inaugural season.
A key focal point will be the launch of ACGR’s Season Ticket Deposit Campaign on Wednesday, June 3. West Michigan’s soccer fans who want to be at Amway Stadium from day one will have the chance to place a season ticket deposit to reserve their place in line for season tickets when the team begins play in 2027.
By placing a deposit, fans will have the opportunity to indicate their seating preference and show their commitment to being part of the soccer movement that is transforming Grand Rapids into a true soccer city. Fans are encouraged to sign up for the AC Grand Rapids newsletter to receive access to an exclusive presale on the morning of June 3 ahead of the general public sale.
Key Summer of Soccer Activations:
Summer of ‘94 film screening at GRAM — In partnership with the Grand Rapids Art Museum, AC Grand Rapids will co-present a special FREE screening of the new documentary Summer of ‘94 on Thursday, June 4, at 5:00 pm. Featuring Michigan native Alexi Lalas and other American soccer legends, the film recounts the story of the U.S. Men’s National Team that rose from obscurity and thrilled our nation with its performance at the 1994 FIFA World Cup. Registration is required. Register now.
World Cup Opener Watch Party — When Mexico and South Africa kick off FIFA World Cup 2026 on Thursday, June 11, AC Grand Rapids will be at Studio Park for a watch party organized by the Zapopan Sister City Committee and the Mexican Heritage Association of West Michigan, in collaboration with Studio Park, Hylant, VIVE Michigan, the Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce, and the Mexican Consulate of Detroit. This FREE event includes a deejay, food trucks, and family fun activities. RSVP now.
GR World Cup Block Party — On June 19, AC Grand Rapids, in partnership with Soccer Rebellion and Downtown Grand Rapids, Inc., will help transform our city’s soccer Mecca — Las Canchas — into the GR World Cup Block Party, with a full day of street soccer, culture, and World Cup energy. The event will include:
- Official Meijer Michigan State Games Youth Street Soccer Tournament
- 70-yard Jumbotron to catch all the action, including the USA-Australia match
- Food trucks, live DJ, block party games, street artists
Learn more and register a team to play.
Calendar
Throughout June, the ACGR Street Team will be on the ground to connect with fans, dole out promotional items, and join in the soccer celebrations happening around town. Events where ACGR will be present include:
- June 11: Mexico-South Africa watch party at Studio Park, 3:00 pm
- June 12: USA vs. Paraguay watch party at SpeakEZ, 9:00 pm
- June 17: England vs. Croatia watch party at SpeakEZ, 4:00 pm
- June 18: Mexico vs. Korea Republic watch party at City Built, 9:00 pm
- June 19: World Cup Block Party watch party at Las Canchas, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- June 20: Germany vs. Ivory Coast watch party at Kusterer Brauhaus, 4:00 pm
- June 24: Bosnia & Herzegovina vs. Qatar watch party at Cafe Bar Mahala, 3:00 pm
- June 25: USA vs. Turkiye watch party at SpeakEZ and SILVA, 10:00 pm
NOTE: AC Grand Rapids will confirm additional events and Street Team appearances throughout the summer.
