15th Annual Meijer State Games of Michigan Hosts Main Weekend
June 21-23
Grand Rapids, Mich., June 17, 2024 - In a little more than a month, all eyes will be on Paris for the 2024 Summer Olympics. This month, Michigan fans can celebrate Olympic fever close to home at the main weekend of the 2024 Meijer State Games of Michigan Friday, June 21 through Sunday, June 23. The games also will celebrate its 15-year anniversary with the help of over 6,000 expected athletes participating in 28 sports, with a total economic impact of over $3 million.
A flagship event of the West Michigan Sports Commission (WMSC), the Meijer State Games – Summer Games features 40 events across 37 venues in 28 sports, including beach wrestling returning after a couple-year hiatus and shooting sports-pistol (previously only a Winter Games sport) on the sports lineup.
The main weekend has events scheduled in 26 sports, which include archery FITA, baseball, basketball, bocce ball, boxing, cricket, disc golf, field hockey, figure skating, footgolf, hockey (competition begins June 20), karate, rugby, shooting sports – air rifle & BB gun, pistol, small bore rifle, skeet, and trap, softball fastpitch, softball men’s slow pitch, Taekwondo, tennis - adaptive, tennis - adult, tennis - youth, and track and field. (A full list of sports and their respective venues can be found here.) NovaCare, the official medical provider of the Summer Games, will be at various sports throughout the weekend.
“Friday, June 21 is an exciting day as we officially kick off the Summer Games, and we look forward to seeing athletes of all ages and abilities and from all corners of Michigan compete in the 28 different sports we offer,” said Julie Cullen, director of the Meijer State Games of Michigan. “Following the kickoff, the main weekend of festivities is what our athletes, staff, interns, sports directors, and volunteers have all been working towards for months now. There is nothing like seeing it all come together.”
Entrance Fees
While most events are free to attend, admission fees are required for spectators at the following events: baseball ($10 per day per vehicle), taekwondo ($3 per child and $5 per adult or $16 limit per family), basketball ($15 a day or $25 for a weekend pass), karate ($5 per person for everyone five years old and up), and track and field ($5 per person).
The Meijer State Games of Michigan yearbook provides an overview of the Summer Games, previous results, what to expect in 2024, and more. Click here to view the 2024 yearbook.
Results for all sports will be available on the Meijer State Games website: Results — State Games of Michigan.
Opening Ceremony
Join the Opening Ceremony Friday June 21, starting at 6:30 p.m. for the kickoff party, with the Opening Ceremony and athlete parade beginning at 7:30 p.m. Following the athlete parade, there will be entertainment, keynote speaker and Olympic gold medalist Nick Baumgartner, lighting of the cauldron, and more. Admission is free to all spectators and athletes. There is a $5 parking fee at the Meijer Sports Complex. For more information regarding the Opening Ceremony, please visit: Opening Ceremony — State Games of Michigan
Volunteer Opportunities
There are still volunteer opportunities available for the Summer Games. For information on volunteering, visit stategamesofmichigan.com/summer-games-volunteer. The Meijer State Games of Michigan is a nonprofit organization that relies heavily on the help of willing volunteers and trusted partnerships. Lake Michigan Credit Union is a proud supporter of the Meijer State Games of Michigan volunteers.
Sponsors
Sponsors of the Meijer State Games of Michigan - Summer Games include title sponsor Meijer; gold sponsors Lake Michigan Credit Union and NovaCare; silver sponsors Blue Cross Blue Shield and Fox Motors; bronze sponsors Lacks Enterprises Inc., Peppino’s, fairlife and Tele-Rad; and supporting sponsors Life EMS, Michigan Fitness Foundation and Experience Grand Rapids.
NOTE: Media Credential Process
Media planning to cover any Summer Games events must register for and wear a media credential by registering here. Please contact Julie Cullen at (248) 990-4994 or Kim Skeltis at (248) 890-9146 if you wish to formally schedule interviews with anyone. Otherwise, media are welcome to cover any of the events on their own.
ABOUT THE MEIJER STATE GAMES OF MICHIGAN
The Meijer State Games of Michigan is a multi-sport, Olympic-style event. In its 15th year, the Games welcome athletes of all ages and abilities to compete. Each year, 50+ sporting events take place and over 8,500 athletes compete in the Meijer State Games of Michigan. Like the Olympics, the State Games features an opening ceremony for athletes. The flagship event of the West Michigan Sports Commission, the Meijer State Games of Michigan is a member of the National Congress of State Games and is one of 30 State Games programs in the United States. Since 2010, the Meijer State Games of Michigan has hosted over 110,000 athletes and contributed more than $42 million in estimated economic impact. For more information, visit StateGamesOfMichigan.com.