GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — West Michigan Soccer officially unveiled the name and brand identity for the region's new MLS NEXT Pro team Sunday, revealing Athletic Club Grand Rapids as the moniker for the squad that will begin play in 2027.
The announcement was made Saturday, September 27, before a crowd at Calder Plaza, marking a milestone for professional soccer in West Michigan. The event featured team-branded face painting, food trucks, live art and music, and merchandise sales, coinciding with ArtPrize and the Beer City Brewers Fest.
"Today marks a defining moment for our community," said Dan DeVos, co-owner of Athletic Club Grand Rapids. "A team's name and crest carry the heartbeat of a city, the voice of its fans and the dreams of its players."
The club's identity was created in partnership with Matthew Wolff Design and draws inspiration from Grand Rapids' history and geography. The crest features a bold navy-blue stripe down the center symbolizing the Grand River, which flows through the city. The design incorporates elements from the region's 19th-century lumber heritage and industrial background.
David Van Andel, majority owner, chairman, and CEO, said the Grand River flows through both the crest and the city center.
"The design draws from our history — the craftsmanship of the lumber barons, the resilience of our industries, and the creativity that defines this region," Van Andel said.
Ali Curtis, Senior Vice President of MLS NEXT Pro, said the league's expansion to Grand Rapids represents the future of professional soccer in the region.
"The community now has a team to call their own, a stadium to call home and a team whose colors and crest we know they will wear proudly," Curtis said.
AC Grand Rapids will play at the new Amway Stadium on Grand Rapids' West Side when it begins competition in the 2027 season. The club plans community events and fan engagement activities leading up to its inaugural season.
MLS NEXT Pro serves as a developmental league for Major League Soccer.
Follow FOX 17: Facebook - X (formerly Twitter) - Instagram - YouTube
