KS: AdventHealth Sports Park Generates $7.7M in New Market Spend in First 3 Months

The highly anticipated AdventHealth Sports Park at Bluhawk in Overland Park, Kan., which first opened its doors in October of last year, has reported a $7.7M direct economic impact through new market spend in the first quarter of 2025. This puts the operation ahead of pace towards its first year economic impact projections of $12.3 million and five year projections of $97 million. The facility is a destination for youth and amateur sports tournaments and an anchor for the 277-acre mixed-use development, Bluhawk, developed and owned by Price Brothers.

Located in Overland Park, minutes from Kansas City, the sports park has attracted top-tier events from across the country, including Triple Crown Battle To Bartle, KSHSAA State Wrestling Tournament, Heart of America Figure Skating Competition, and Adidas Basketball.  Not only does the facility host major youth sports tournaments and events, but is also home to the Icehawks Hockey Club, serves as the home of the University of Kansas Men's Ice Hockey Club, provides local recreational programming including summer camps and skating lessons, and is a local hot-spot for entertainment in their Hawk’s Outpost Entertainment Destination with bowling, laser tag, arcade, a full bar, restaurant, and other family-friendly attractions.

"The synergy between AdventHealth Sports Park and Bluhawk Marketplace is exactly the kind of integrated experience we envisioned from the start. Our data shows that nearly 30% of Sports Park visitors are extending their stay to enjoy shopping and dining at Bluhawk Marketplace, while a similar percentage of our Marketplace patrons are also experiencing the world-class facilities at the Sports Park,” said Bart Lowen, Vice President of Development for Price Brothers.  “This cross-visitation creates a dynamic ecosystem that benefits all our partners and enriches the overall guest experience. The Sports Park has become an integral part of Bluhawk's identity as a premier destination for the community and visitors alike, generating consistent economic activity that supports our growing retail environment."

At 260,000 square feet, the first completed phase of the 420,000 square-foot sports venue features an NHL regulation-sized ice rink, eight basketball courts (convertible to 16 volleyball), a 40,000-square-foot turf field, locker rooms, a training area, a café, a bar/grill, and more. Open to the public 7 days a week, the Hawk’s Outpost, located within the sports park, is a premier entertainment center that also features an esports lounge, Krazy Darts bays, a dark ride (think 4D experience), and a roll-glider individual electric zip-line ride.

The facility is operated by The Sports Facilities Companies (SFC), a specialty provider of management services for sports complexes, community recreation centers, and event facilities, which is responsible for event and tournament booking, daily operations, local programming, marketing, and community partnerships.

“Our major event calendar is nearly filled with some of the largest youth sports tournaments in the country,” said Greg Jackson, AdventHealth Sports Park General Manager. “We attract thousands of teams who bring their families to Overland Park and the greater Kansas City metro region to play, stay, and enjoy what this destination has to offer. We’re proud to announce that we have produced $7.7 million in direct economic benefits. We’re also incredibly bullish on our ability to continue to grow that number.”

Jackson and the SFC operating team at the Sports Park have booked and hosted more than 93 events. Jackson commented that their approach to building a great event calendar starts with booking, but guest service and satisfaction for event owners, athletes, and families are the foundation of their results.

“The inaugural year of the KC Frontier Feud at the brand-new AdventHealth Sports Park at Bluhawk was nothing short of extraordinary. When we began planning this event, our goal was to attract 900–1,000 wrestlers in the first year. Thanks to your incredible facility and the support of your team, we far surpassed that, welcoming 1,783 wrestlers from 22 states for both individual and dual competitions. The event drew some of the top teams in the country and showcased countless National and State Champions, all competing under one roof, said Nate Blevins, Event Director of the KC Frontier Feud.

The KC Frontier Feud wrestling event was not the only wrestling event to outperform their anticipated participation numbers at AdventHealth Sports Park. The team hosted the KSHSAA State Wrestling Tournament with 56 teams and more than 400 athletes in March and recorded over 4,600 associated spectators over two days. Notably, this was the first time a state event for any sport has been hosted east of Topeka since 1983 and the first time in the Kansas City Metro since 1978.

The facility has also hosted a number of events in other sports, including Hype Nation Volleyball called the Crown Town Clash in February.

“The venue team was outstanding in their attention to detail and preparation prior to the event. They left no stone unturned and were very prepared to host our tournament. During the event, the team was outstanding, always ready to respond to anything that might come up, said Justin Trout, Director of Events for Hype Nation Volleyball. “We had an incredible experience for our first year at Bluhawk and cannot wait to return in 2026!”