Arts org wraps up season with more than $50 million in economic impact
GATSBY NA Tour Company | Photo by Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade
Broadway Grand Rapids concluded its 2025–2026 season, welcoming more than 145,000 patrons to 72 performances at DeVos Performance Hall. The season generated an estimated $50.3 million in local economic impact while expanding opportunities for thousands of community members to experience live theater through Broadway Arts Access. Estimates calculated using the research from the Economic Impact Study commissioned by The Broadway League.
The season featured acclaimed productions including The Outsiders, Water for Elephants, & Juliet, The Great Gatsby, and a three-week engagement of Disney’s The Lion King, which alone welcomed approximately 50,000 patrons to downtown Grand Rapids.
Based on gross ticket sales of $12,575,765, the season generated an estimated $50,303,060 in local economic impact using The Broadway League’s economic impact multiplier of 4.0. The estimate reflects spending that supports local jobs, theater operations, advertising, and wages, as well as visitor spending at area restaurants, hotels, parking facilities, and retail businesses.
“The economic impact of Touring Broadway is significant,” remarked Meghan Distel, President & CEO of Broadway Grand Rapids. “Every performance brings people downtown to dine, shop, stay in local hotels, and support businesses throughout our community. At the same time, we’re creating shared cultural experiences that enrich the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.”
Broadway Grand Rapids also continued to deepen its investment in the West Michigan community through the Broadway Arts Access program and by forming strategic community partnerships. During the 2025–2026 season, the organization distributed 3,897 tickets, valued at more than $182,000, to more than 70 community organizations, schools, and families, opening the doors of DeVos Performance Hall to many for the very first time. The program helps ensure that the transformative experience of live theater is accessible to individuals and families who might not otherwise have the opportunity to attend.
“Broadway Arts Access is one of the most meaningful ways we fulfill our mission,” Distel said. “We’re grateful to our donors and community partners who help ensure that the joy, inspiration, and connection of live theater can be experienced by more people throughout West Michigan.”
Looking ahead, Broadway Grand Rapids will welcome audiences back this fall with an exciting 2026–2027 season featuring Alicia Keys’ Hell’s Kitchen, The Notebook, Maybe Happy Ending, SIX, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Death Becomes Her, and Phantom of the Opera. For tickets and more information, visit www.BroadwayGrandRapids.com.
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