Visit Overland Park Lands 5-Year APP Pickleball Stop

Visit Overland Park and the Association of Pickleball Players have reached a five-year agreement that will bring an annual APP Tour to the Kansas destination starting in 2026. The APP Overland Park Open will be one of 12 stops on the national APP Tour, with the tournament staged at AdventHealth Sports Park at Bluhawk beginning September 16–20, 2026.

“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,” said 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.”

Established in 2019 as the first professional pickleball tour, and officially sanctioned by USA Pickleball, the APP Tour offers singles, doubles and mixed play, alongside amateur brackets, clinics and community events.

“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,” said 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.”

The APP estimates the event will attract 200 professional athletes and roughly 1,000 amateur players from across the United States. 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.

“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,” said Overland Park Mayor Curt Skoog. “This announcement is another example of Visit Overland Park’s continued success in securing Overland Park as a premier host of visitors and athletes.”