Michigan native with NHL, NBA, NASCAR and F1 experience to lead corporate partnerships, ticketing and revenue

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Athletic Club Grand Rapids today announced the hiring of Ted Van Zelst as Chief Revenue Officer. Van Zelst began his role on Aug. 10, joining the MLS NEXT Pro expansion club as it builds toward its 2027 inaugural season at the new Amway Stadium. A Michigan native, Van Zelst returns home to lead the club’s corporate partnerships, ticketing and revenue operations.

“Someone with Ted’s experience and knowledge of this market is huge for our organization. He’s a great leader in this business, and his ties to Michigan strengthen what we’re building here. As we build a team of strong voices, Ted will play a key role in shaping our thinking and executing on the vision we’ve put in place.” — AC Grand Rapids President Darrius Barnes

Van Zelst brings more than 25 years of revenue leadership across major sports and entertainment properties. During his time as Senior Vice President of Corporate Partnerships at the Detroit Pistons, he built a new and modernized sponsorship department while leading the transition from the Palace of Auburn Hills to the team’s new downtown arena. He was directly responsible for the Pistons’ practice facility naming rights agreement with Henry Ford Health System and the franchise’s first-ever jersey patch partnership with Flagstar Bank.

“I love building properties and teams from scratch and seeing them come to life. I’ve done it across a variety of professional sports entities at all levels. This is a great community, and I’m excited to learn more about it, meet the people here and help build a thriving organization. There’s something special about walking into a club with just a handful of employees, having a real voice in building something that’s never existed here before, and knowing you helped bring it to life. That’s a legacy worth chasing.” — Chief Revenue Officer Ted Van Zelst

Reporting directly to Barnes, Van Zelst will oversee premium hospitality, season tickets, groups, single-match tickets and revenue operations, along with sponsorship development and activation, building cohesive plans designed for both the club’s inaugural season and long-term success.