Grand Rapids is home to the national champion Rampage arena football team, as well as the almost-national-champion Grand Rapids Griffins hockey team. The city also boasts the West Michigan Whitecaps (Detroit Tigers' Class A team), who won the Midwest League Championship in 2004.

The area also features many great collegiate teams, including Grand Valley State University's football program, which won back-to-back NCAA Division II national championships. Calvin College won two NCAA division III men’s basketball titles, and Cornerstone University has a NAIA men’s basketball championship. Other local sporting events include the International Hot Rod Association’s Northern National Championships, the Vintage Sports Car Drivers Association Vintage Grand Prix Au Grattan and the US Sand Nationals drag racing.