Kansas City’s SW19 Pickleball Center: Kansas City will open a new $6.5 million pickleball center called SW19 at the Stadium on June 11. It is located at 9119 E 39th Street, near Arrowhead Stadium and Kauffman Stadium. The facility will have eight indoor pickleball courts, a full-service bar and restaurant, a coffee shop, and event spaces. The Kansas City Stingers, a professional team in the National Pickleball League, will make this their home.
The grand opening event will run from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. and include free open play, chances to play with professional players, food and drink specials, and giveaways. This new center transforms the old CoCo Key Water resort into a lively place for pickleball fans.
Boosting Community and Jobs
Emmet Pierson Jr., president and CEO of Community Builders of Kansas City (CBKC), said the project will help bring new life to the stadium area. It also meets the growing need for pickleball courts in the city.
“We’re thrilled to finally open our doors to the Kansas City community. This project represents our continued commitment to changing the landscape of Kansas City, while adding 39 new jobs.” – (Emmet Pierson Jr.)
The new center will create 39 jobs. The Kansas City Stingers team is co-owned by CBKC, Julie Gibson, and Daryl Wyatt, who also owns SW19 Tennis and Pickleball.
Wyatt stressed that the team is just one part of a bigger plan to grow pickleball in Kansas City. Community Builders of Kansas City is a non-profit that has invested $300 million in urban renewal since 1991.
Focusing on Youth and More Than Just Courts
Daryl Wyatt said the center is not only for current players but also aims to attract young people. The facility is working with local schools and youth groups to teach pickleball to kids of all skill levels.
“We’re developing relationships with local youth organizations and school districts to invite the youth to come and learn the sport, no matter their skill level or experience.” – (Daryl Wyatt)
“We want SW19 at the Stadium to be a place where kids can come after school to hang out, play, learn, and dream big.” – (Daryl Wyatt)
He added that colleges are starting to offer scholarships for pickleball players. Wyatt also plays for the Stingers and is ranked third in the world in the APP Champions Division in Men’s Pro Doubles.
Besides courts, SW19 at the Stadium will feature a dining area led by chef Keeyoung Kim of Chingu, Sura Eats, and Chingu Coffee. There will be a main bar, court views, and a coffee shop serving locally roasted coffee.
The center’s hours will be Monday through Thursday from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday from 6 a.m. to midnight, Saturday from 7 a.m. to midnight, and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Hours for the restaurant, bar, and coffee shop will vary.
News in Brief: Kansas City’s SW19 Pickleball Center
Kansas City’s SW19 at the Stadium opens June 11 near Arrowhead Stadium. The $6.5 million center has eight courts, dining, and event spaces. It is home to the Kansas City Stingers pro pickleball team and aims to grow youth programs and community jobs.
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