Grand Rapids Griffins Overview

Fast facts

League: American Hockey League

Head Coach: Dan Watson

Team Mascot: Griff

Year Opened: 1996

Capacity: 10834

City / State: Grand Rapids / Michigan

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

Grand Rapids Griffins-Cleveland Monsters Rivalry

Rival Team: Cleveland Monsters

Michigan and Ohio have a fierce rivalry, and it’s no different in the AHL where there are a lot of bragging rights at stake whenever the Griffins take on Cleveland. If you want to attend one of the biggest games of the year, then make sure to be in attendance when the Monsters come to town.

Grand Rapids Griffins Stadium Guide

In Game

The Grand Rapids Griffins are the reigning Calder Cup champions making it the perfect time to attend a Griffins game. The buzz surrounding the team right now is at an all-time high, and you’ll encounter a lively crowd when attending a Griffins game. The arena is filled with die-hard Griffin’s fans on game days making a trip to Grand Rapids an enjoyable experience for anyone who loves the game of hockey.

In addition to the fun atmosphere found inside Van Andel Arena, sports fans will also enjoy all of the tributes to great athletes found around the arena. The Grand Rapids Sports Hall of Fame display is located near the box office, and you’ll find plaques dedicated to the best athletes to come out of Grand Rapids all around the arena. Make sure to arrive early and take the opportunity to see all of the plaques before the game.

Finally, you’ll find lots of excellent places to grab a drink or bite to eat before the game. Downtown Grand Rapids is home to lots of excellent bars and restaurants including Stella’s Lounge, Rockwell Republic, and more, so explore the area around the arena before the game to make the most out of your trip to Grand Rapids.

 

A Grand Rapids Griffins game is a fantastic experience for those of you who love hockey, so start planning your trip to Grand Rapids today.

Things to check out

Grand Rapids Sports Hall of Fame

Make sure to check out the Grand Rapids Sports Hall of Fame during your visit to Van Andel Arena. Grand Rapids has been home to many great athletes including President Gerald Ford and former Yankees first baseman Wally Pipp making the Hall of Fame a must-see.

Hockey Player Sculpture

Snap a picture with the hockey player sculpture outside the arena. The sculpture is a must-see for anyone attending a Griffins game and presents a fun photo op as well.

Local Sports Hero Plaques

Take a walk around the concourse to see the plaques dedicated to sports legends from Grand Rapids. The plaques honor greats such as Jim Kaat and are a can’t-miss part of any visit to Van Andel Arena.

Jay Van Andel Statue

Stop by and see the statue of the arena’s namesake Jay Van Andel before the game. Van Andel and his wife Betty played a crucial role in helping fund the stadium, so take a minute to see the statue of the man who helped make the Griffins possible.

Banners

Check out the banners hanging above the ice celebrating the Griffins two Calder Cup victories. The banners are perfect for reliving your favorite Griffins moments, so don’t miss them when attending a Griffins game.

Griff

Don’t miss the Griffins’ mascot, Griff, during your trip to Van Andel Arena. Griff is a fun part of any game, and kids will love his goofy antics. If you see Griff on the concourse, make sure to give him a high-five to get the full Griffins game day experience.

Fight Songs

  1. Goal Horn and Song

    “Break Away” by CFO$

    Yeah Hey Hey Hey Hey Hey Hey Hey Hey Hey Hey Yeah Hey
    Welcome to the revolution We’re taking to the streets today
    No more dissolutions cause
    We will break away
    Whoa-oh-oh-oh Whoa
    Whoa-oh-oh-oh Whoa Whoa-oh-oh-oh
    Whoa Whoa
    Hey Don’t want to hear your propaganda Not listening to a word you say
    So go knock and give us all you got cause We will dig today
    Whoa-oh-oh-oh
    Whoa Whoa-oh-oh-oh Whoa Whoa-oh-oh-oh Whoa Whoa Yeah Welcome to the revolution We’re taking to the streets today
    No more dissolutions cause
    We will break away
    Whoa-oh-oh-oh
    Whoa Whoa-oh-oh-oh Whoa Whoa-oh-oh-oh Whoa Whoa Hey Don’t want to hear your propaganda Not listening to a word you say
    So go knock and give us all you got cause We will dig today Whoa-oh-oh-oh Whoa Whoa-oh-oh-oh Whoa Whoa-oh-oh-oh Whoa Whoa Yeah Welcome to the revolution We’re taking to the streets today
    No more dissolutions cause
    We will break away
    Whoa-oh-oh-oh
    Whoa Whoa-oh-oh-oh
    Whoa Whoa-oh-oh-oh Whoa Whoa Yeah (Whoa-oh-oh-oh Whoa Whoa-oh-oh-oh Whoa Whoa-oh-oh-oh Whoa Whoa) Welcome to the revolution We’re taking to the streets today
    No more dissolutions cause
    We will break away Welcome to the revolution We will break away

Grand Rapids Griffins Bars & Restaurants

  1. Peppino’s Sports Grille

    Peppinos Sports Grille

    Small chain pizzeria offers pies & classic bar eats, plus flat-screen sports TVs & draft microbrews.

    1515 Eastport Dr, Grand Rapids, MI 49508, USA

    Bar website

    pizza - sportsbar - $$

  2. Grand Woods Lounge

    Grand Woods Lounge

    Pop bands perform at this spacious hunting lodge-themed hub with a patio fireplace & American grub.

    77 Grandville Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA

    Bar website

    american - $

  3. SideBar

    SideBar

    Satisfy that craving for good beer in SideBar. There will be no regrets.

    301, 80 Ottawa Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA

    Bar website

    american - $

  4. The BackForty Saloon

    The BackForty Saloon

    Relaxed haunt featuring DJs, live country bands & line dancing, plus an extensive list of spirits.

    48 Fulton St W, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA

    Bar website

    american - $

  5. Mojo’s Dueling Piano Bar & Restaurant

    Owlz Pub Sand Trap Scorpions Bar Grill

    Dueling pianists upstairs encourage sing-alongs while the ground-floor eatery dishes American fare.

    180 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA

    Bar website

    american - $

  6. HopCat

    HopCat

    Woodwork-filled brew pub with a massive beer list offers creative pub fare & brunch items.

    25 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA

    Bar website

    american - $

  7. J. Gardella’s Tavern

    J Gardellas Tavern

    Old-school, 3-story watering hole with wood floors & exposed brick walls offering bar fare & drinks.

    11 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  8. Rockwell Republic

    Rockwell Republic

    Hip, high-ceilinged hangout serving American & Asian food & cocktails focusing on local ingredients.

    45 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA

    Bar website

    american - asian - $$

  9. San Chez A Tapas Bistro

    San Chez A Tapas Bistro

    Breezy tapas spot for Mediterranean & Spanish flavors with an upbeat ambiance, plus cooking classes.

    38 Fulton St W, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA

    Bar website

    european - $$

  10. Stella’s Lounge

    Stellas Lounge

    Graffitied walls & an '80s arcade set the tone for this bar with 200 whiskeys & a pub-grub menu.

    53 Commerce Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA

    Bar website

    american - $

  11. Z’s Bar & Restaurant

    Zs Bar and Restaurant

    American restaurant with a long wooden bar & booths also features pool & karaoke.

    168 Campau Promenade, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  12. Ruth’s Chris Steak House

    Ruths Chris Steak House

    Outpost of upmarket steakhouse chain known for sizzling, butter-topped beef in an elegant setting

    187 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA

    Bar website

    steakhouse - $$

  13. Sundance Grill & Bar

    Sundance Grill and Bar

    Big breakfasts, Southwest fare, a margarita bar & other cocktails in a quiet atmosphere.

    151 Ottawa Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  14. Bistro Bella Vita

    Bistro Bella Vita

    Airy spot filled with warm woods offers farm-to-table homestyle Mediterranean dishes & patio dining.

    44 Grandville Ave SW #100, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA

    Bar website

    italian - $$$

  15. Grand Rapids Brewing Co.

    Grand Rapids Brewing Co.

    Organic ales & a menu of locally sourced pub grub served in a rustic setting with reclaimed wood.

    1 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  16. Two Beards Deli

    Two Beards Deli

    Sandwich lovers unite! They offer just short of 100 sandwiches from a classic Reuben to vegan paninis, as well as salads, soups and breakfast.

    38 Commerce Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  17. Leo’s

    Leos

    Seafood is artfully presented in a dining room that boasts soaring ceilings & romantic lighting.

    60 Ottawa Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  18. Divani

    Divani

    Globally inspired menus in plush intimate ambiance with wines, cocktails & beers.

    15 Ionia Ave SW #130, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$