OVERLAND PARK, Kans.—The Association of Pickleball Players (APP) and Visit Overland Park have signed a partnership to make Overland Park one of the 12 stops on the APP Tours for the next five years, starting in 2026. Tournaments will take place at AdventHealth Sports Park at Bluhawk in Overland Park, with the first tournament beginning Sept. 16-20, 2026.
The APP Tour is a series of professional pickleball tournaments showcasing the world’s best pickleball talent. It was established in 2019 as the first professional tour, and was officially sanctioned by USA Pickleball. The APP Tour includes singles, doubles, and mixed play, alongside amateur brackets, clinics, and community events. Overland Park is home to more than 80 pickleball courts across the community.
“The selection of Overland Park as a tour stop for the APP is another confirmation of Overland Park’s appeal as a place to visit and compete,” says Eric Olson, vice president of Sports and Events for Visit Overland Park. “Hosting the APP Overland Park Open reflects Visit Overland Park’s commitment to attracting world-class sporting events that drive tourism and economic growth. We’re eager to showcase our facilities, hospitality, and community spirit to thousands of athletes and visitors from across the country.”
Each tour stop blends elite competition with a festival-like atmosphere, drawing both dedicated fans and newcomers to the game.
“The APP is proud to set down roots in Overland Park in 2026, bringing three incredible world-class pickleball events to the city for all to enjoy,” says Ryan McSpadden, APP chief revenue officer. “Pickleball fans across the Midwest will see the world’s best pro players at our APP Tour event, the sport’s rising superstars at APP Next, and the nation’s top college teams battle it out at our collegiate qualifier event. With plenty of action in store, we’re pleased to have a terrific partnership with Visit OP to help make these events the best experience possible for both players and fans alike.”
Similar tournaments in Overland Park in previous years resulted in more than $1 million in direct economic impact, according to Destination International’s event impact calculator. That past success inspired two years of discussions with APP to pair its tour with Overland Park and Bluhawk’s purpose-built facilities, benefiting the entire region.
“We are thrilled to host the APP in Overland Park for the next five years,” says Curt Skoog, mayor of Overland Park. “Hosting major sports events provides a positive economic impact to local businesses and provides another opportunity to strengthen Overland Park as a place to visit, live, and work. This announcement is another example of Visit Overland Park’s continued success in securing Overland Park as a premier host of visitors and athletes.”
