Pickleball Magazine 3-4 Courtesy of Pickleball Guru | Page 66

REGIONAL
matters
KEMPER ARENA
ONE OF THE MIDWEST’S FINEST ARENAS GETS A
FACELIFT AND ADDS PICKLEBALL COURTS
K
emper Arena in Kansas City has played
host to some of the region’s top sports and
political events. Originally built in 1973-74—
in just 18 months—it was the first major
project of German architect Helmut Jahn, who would
later establish himself as a major designer of his era.
A winne r of numerous awards for architectural
design, Kemper Arena was home to the NBA’s Kansas
City Kings for 12 years (1974-1985) and for three NHL
seasons, the Kansas City Scouts. The 1976 Republican
National Convention was held there as well.
Recently, after undergoing a $39 million renovation,
Foutch Architecture and Development of Kansas City,
in partnership with Hy-Vee Inc., is transforming the
historic Stockyards District of Kansas City into a state-
of-the-art sports complex. The former single-level,
18,000-seat Kemper Arena is now known as Hy-Vee
Arena and will feature a multi-level, multi-functional,
10,000-seat sports complex. The Grand Opening is
scheduled for September.
The arena’s second floor will have over 82,000
64
square feet of column-free event space outfitted
with 12 basketball courts and 24 pickleball courts.
Surrounding the two floors of hardwood courts will
be specialty services such as speed and sports agility
training, cross-fit, golf simulators, hydrotherapy pools,
e-gaming, health care services, retail outlets and dining
services. One of the largest indoor practice tracks in the
country will also be part of this one-of-a-kind sports
venue.
Dink Pickleball will be the event and festival
management company for pickleball activities and will
stage an inaugural event—the International 3rd Shots a
Charm Festival in September. The National Indoor Open
presented by Aspen Kern and the Heart of America
Tournament for players 50 and older will be in October
while another national tournament will be held in May
2019. Leagues, clinics and drop-in play will also be a
part of the daily activities along with an expanded junior
program.
Hy-Vee Arena of Kansas City—indoor
pickleball at its finest.
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