Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. (DGRI) is adding another public recreation amenity to the Westside. Las Canchas de Futbol Communitarias (The Community Futsal Courts) will open on Saturday, October 8, 2022.

Las Canchas are outdoor courts designed for futsal, a game similar to soccer that is generally played indoors with five players on each team. Futsal is played worldwide and has been growing in popularity in the US for many years.

“We’re excited to open Las Canchas and provide a place for anyone, regardless of age or ability, to play,” said Corey Mathein, Project Manager at DGRI. “One of the primary barriers to this game is access, whether that is the cost to join a league or the lack of a place to play. Our goal is to eliminate those barriers and create a community space where everyone feels welcome.”

Las Canchas are located at 250 Seward Avenue NW just south of Bridge Street. The site is owned by the Grand Rapids Downtown Development Authority and will transform underutilized surface parking into a public urban recreation amenity. This location joins a growing list of outdoor recreation areas provided by DGRI including two Downtown dog parks and 555 Monroe, a multi-use space with a skate park and bike polo park.

“We hope to partner with community members and organizations to host events, youth camps, inclusive leagues and other programming to maximize the value of this previously under-utilized space,” Mathein continued.

An opening celebration will be held on Saturday, October 8, 2022, from 12:00 – 5:00 PM. The event is supported by Soccer Rebellion, a local organization focused on creating a more inclusive soccer culture in the US. The event is free and open to the public and will feature an all-ages co-ed tournament, teqball (table tennis soccer), food trucks and giveaways.

Additional information about Las Canchas is available on DGRI’s facebook page.

Follow Las Canchas GR on Facebook for future updates and programming information.