Arena takeover to highlight emergency preparedness at Griffins game

Arena takeover to highlight emergency preparedness at Griffins game

Published on December 15, 2025

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - The Grand Rapids Griffins and Grand Rapids emergency officials are teaming up to help fans start the new year with safety in mind. The Grand Rapids Office of Emergency Management (OEM) Arena Takeover: Emergency Preparedness Night will take place Friday, Jan. 2, 2026, during the Griffins' home game against the Chicago Wolves at Van Andel Arena. Puck drop is 7 p.m.

The event aims to raise awareness about emergency preparedness and community resilience, while encouraging residents to sign up for important emergency alert notifications. A text code will be displayed on the arena's big screen and on tables throughout the venue, making it easy for attendees to register on the spot. Representatives from the City's Police (GRPD) and Fire (GRFD) Departments will also be on hand to showcase their operations and encourage community members to join their GRPD and GRFD ranks. Members of the City of Grand Rapids Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) will also be on hand to share their experiences with volunteering to support emergency preparedness and response in the City.

"We want families to have fun while also thinking about how to stay safe in an emergency," said Grand Rapids Emergency Management Administrator Benjamin Rance. "This is a great opportunity to make preparedness part of your New Year's resolution."

Highlights of the night include:

• Emergency vehicle displays where families can explore fire trucks and police cruisers
• Giveaways of starter emergency kits to the first 300 families in attendance
• Raffles for full-size emergency preparedness backpacks
• T-shirt giveaways
• $2 hot dogs and beer specials
• Meet-and-greet opportunities with Grand Rapids Police and Fire personnel
• Fans will also be encouraged to build their own emergency kits at home. A supply list will be available at the event and online, outlining essentials such as food, water, flashlights, first-aid supplies and copies of important documents.

"Preparedness starts with a plan," said Rance. "Whether it's a power outage, severe weather or another emergency, having a kit and knowing what to do can make all the difference.

"The event is part of our broader effort to strengthen community resilience and ensure residents and visitors are prepared for the unexpected. It will be a great family-friendly event and tickets to the game would be perfect stocking stuffers."

For more information on the game, visit griffinshockey.com. To sign up for Grand Rapids emergency alerts, visitgrandrapidsmi.gov/EmergencyAlerts.

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