OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – A new $400-million sports facility with one of the only regulation-size hockey rinks in the Kansas City area is coming to Overland Park.
Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly announced last week that ground has been broken at the Bluhawk development area in southern Overland Park on a new 420,000-square-foot arena. The new Bluhawk Sports Facility is part of a multi-stage, 277-acre project funded by Sales Tax and Revenue (STAR) bonds, she 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,” Kelly said.
The project’s first phase will include a shopping center, restaurants and other businesses. The facility is projected to bring in just under $4 million in revenue during its first year. In addition to private funding, the city has been authorized to use $38.5 million in STAR bonds.
Price Brothers Management Co. is heading the Bluhawk development.
“Bluhawk will be a premier attraction for Overland Park and our state,” Lt. Gov. 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.”
The facility will open with four basketball courts, eight volleyball courts, eight pickleball courts, indoor turf fields for soccer, futsal, football, rugby, lacrosse and indoor baseball training areas. In addition, the centerpiece of the arena will be a regulation-sized ice skating rink that will host public skating, along with youth and amateur hockey leagues.
On top of that, the Bluhawk Sports Facility will feature a full-size basketball court with seating for 3,500 people. Kelly said the space will be used for graduations, expos, state athletics competitions, fitness classes, physical therapy and several other programs.
“The Bluhawk development is on the leading edge of youth and amateur competitive and recreational sports in Kansas City and across the country,” Price Brothers President Kent Price told WIBW-TV in Topeka. “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.”
