GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The sellout crowd of 10,834 that is expected for tonight’s Grand Rapids Griffins season opener at Van Andel Arena will enjoy several new amenities designed to enhance the fan experience.

Most noticeable will be the state-of-the-art LED ribbon that now encircles the arena on the façade of the upper deck. This dynamic new feature, found in many NHL and NBA arenas, enables the Griffins to integrate graphics and animation into their award-winning game operations to greatly add to the spectator experience. Measuring 657 linear feet with 1,750 square feet of LED display, the ribbon was manufactured by Daktronics and boasts the same technology that was installed at the $238 million, 22,000-seat KFC Yum Center in Louisville, Ky., and the $480 million, 20,000-seat Amway Center in Orlando, Fla.

Fans will also see the Griffins’ stunning new center ice logo, a huge image of Griff that replaces the standard team logo that adorned the center circle for the last 14 seasons, as well as a 13-foot noise meter that has a surprise in store when the crowd reaches a fever pitch.

When they get hungry, fans will be able to purchase a variety of new concession items and take advantage of combo meals to save on the cost of their night out. The new items include funnel cake fries, slushie lemonade, pretzel twists, homemade corn dogs, beer bratwurst and Cajun bleu sliders, along with three combos: a $5 Meal Deal (hot dog, soda, popcorn), a $5 Snack Deal (pretzel, soda, candy), and a $15 Popcorn Soda Combo (two sodas, two popcorns at a savings of almost $5).

In addition, the size of the $1 soft drink specials during Sunday games has been increased to 20 oz. in response to fan feedback.

The improvements will continue in November with the opening of the arena’s northwest concourse expansion. This 3,100-square-foot, $1 million improvement will allow for additional concession areas while helping alleviate concourse congestion during the Griffins’ more highly attended games.