OVERLAND PARK – Governor Laura Kelly today announced the groundbreaking of the 420,000-square-foot multi-sport complex at the Bluhawk development in Overland Park. The facility is part of the $400 million-plus, 277-acre, mixed-use project funded partly by STAR Bonds.
The Bluhawk Sports Facility will be built in two phases, anchored by a neighborhood shopping center, restaurants, and retail outlets. The multi-sport complex will drive a projected $3.8 million economic impact for Overland Park during its first year of operation. In addition to private funding, Overland Park has been authorized to use up to $46.5 million in STAR Bond funds for this phase.
“My administration is committed to making Kansas a place where people want to live, work, and start a business,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “The Bluhawk development project will greatly enhance the quality of life in Overland Park and the surrounding communities and will attract visitors, recreation-seekers, and sports enthusiasts from across the region to Kansas.”
The Bluhawk sports facility will be one of the Kansas City area’s premier indoor multi-sport complexes and regional sports hubs. The first phase of the multi-sport complex will include four basketball courts, eight volleyball courts, eight pickleball courts, an indoor turf field for soccer, futsal, baseball, football, rugby, lacrosse, and indoor baseball training areas. Bluhawk will also be home to youth and adult amateur hockey leagues and public skating, offering one of the area’s only regulation-size ice rinks.
“Bluhawk will be a premier attraction for Overland Park and our state,” Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland said. “This is a powerful example of how STAR Bonds are used to develop attractions that bring new visitors to Kansas and enhance the quality of life for residents.”
A true sports destination, the Bluhawk multi-sport complex will offer individual and team training for novice to professional athletes. The facility will offer a variety of programs for participants of all ages, including fitness classes, wellness activities, sports medicine, massage, functional training, nutrition, and physical therapy. The venue will provide two on-site food and beverage offerings, family entertainment amenities, and e-sports.
“Overland Park has a rich history of providing a high quality of life for its residents and being a destination for sports tourism,” Overland Park Mayor Curt Skoog said. “The state-of-the-art Bluhawk multi-sport complex will be yet another fabulous amenity and will provide more reasons for families to visit Overland Park and the State of Kansas. I look forward to kicking off this part of the project and attending the ribbon-cutting with my own family.”
“The Bluhawk development is on the leading edge of youth and amateur competitive and recreational sports in Kansas City and across the country,” Kent Price, President of the Price Brothers, said. “Not only will we create meaningful economic impact through sports tournaments and large events, but we will also offer programs to enhance the health, wellness, and recreation opportunities of local athletes, children, and families.”
With a 3,500-seat court component, the 250,000 square-foot first phase will be able to host student and family-oriented events such as graduations, state athletic competitions and expos. This venue will connect the Overland Park community by serving schools, colleges, sporting associations and businesses.
