KC’s pro pickleball team getting new $6.5M home near Arrowhead, Kauffman Stadium

May 29, 2025  |  Startland News Staff

Daryl Wyatt, SW19 Pickleball, and Emmet Pierson Jr., Community Builders of Kansas City (CBKC), at the new SW19 at the Stadium facility; photo by Darrien Case

A long-awaited redevelopment project in Kansas City’s stadium corridor is transforming the former CoCo Key Water resort into a vibrant destination pickleball facility with eight indoor courts, a full-service bar and restaurant, a coffee shop, and event spaces.

It also will be home to the Kansas City Stingers, a professional team in the National Pickleball League that launched in 2024 from Leawood.

SW19 at the Stadium — led by Community Builders of Kansas City (CBKC), in partnership with SW19 Pickleball — is expected to open June 11 at 9119 E 39th St. An all-ages grand opening celebration 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. is set to include free open play, play with a pro experiences, food and drink specials, and giveaways. 

The project addresses a need for economic revitalization in the corridor, as well as a response to growing demand for pickleball facilities in the metro, said Emmet Pierson Jr., president and CEO of CBKC. 

“We’re thrilled to finally open our doors to the Kansas City community,” he said. “This project represents our continued commitment to changing the landscape of Kansas City, while adding 39 new jobs.

The Kansas City Stingers — co-owned by CBKC, Julie Gibson, and Daryl Wyatt — are just one piece of the puzzle, emphasized Wyatt, who also owns SW19 Tennis and Pickleball.

What is CBKC?

Community Builders of Kansas City is a not-for-profit community development corporation that acts as a community convener, facilitator and resource for services. Since 1991,CBKC has invested $300 million in urban renewal.

The $6.5 million SW19 at the Stadium facility aims to grow pickleball in Kansas City, not just cater to existing players, he said.

“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,” said Wyatt, a former professional tennis player who played on the ATP Tour and has almost three decades of coaching experience, during which he has developed both local and nationally ranked junior players.

“We want SW19 at the Stadium to be a place where kids can come after school to hang out, play, learn, and dream big,” he added, noting the opportunities for young players as colleges begin to offer scholarships for pickleball.

ICYMI: Why a staunch tennis purist put down his racket for a paddle

Wyatt currently plays on the Stingers and is ranked third in the world in the APP Champions Division in Men’s Pro Doubles. 

More than just courts, SW19 at the Stadium is expected to offer a full-service dining area — with a menu led by Keeyoung Kim of Chingu, Sura Eats, and Chingu Coffee — and court views, a centerpiece bar, and a full-service coffee shop serving locally-roasted coffee

Hours for SW19 at the Stadium are set for 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays; 6 a.m. to midnight Fridays; 7 a.m. to midnight Saturdays; and 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sundays. Restaurant, bar, and coffee bar hours vary.

startland-tip-jar

TIP JAR

Did you enjoy this post? Show your support by becoming a member or buying us a coffee.

2025 Startups to Watch

    stats here

    Related Posts on Startland News

    Experts weigh in: Why do StartupNames Alwayz Loook Lyke Dis?

    By Tommy Felts | January 17, 2017

    At times, it seems like startups are waging war on the English language. From merged words to missing vowels to what appears to onomatopoeia, startup names can be as creative as they are baffling. “It’s almost as if everyone is rebelling against Webster’s dictionary,” said Anita Newton, vice president of marketing at AdParlor. So, what’s…

    Events Preview: KC Women in Tech, Lean Lab Happy Hour

    By Tommy Felts | January 16, 2017

    There are a plethora of entrepreneurial events hosted in Kansas City on a weekly basis. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, supporter, or curious community member — we recommend these upcoming events for you. Weekly Events Preview Winning Federal Research Grants When: Jan. 18, 11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Where: UMKC SBTDC This introductory seminar explains how…

    ECJC offering dozens of entrepreneurial education events in 2017

    By Tommy Felts | January 16, 2017

    The Enterprise Center in Johnson County has a jammed packed schedule of over 50 workshops for Kansas City entrepreneurs in 2017. “We are lucky to have the support of dozens of volunteer service providers who take time away from their own jobs and businesses to share their expertise with entrepreneurs,” ECJC vice president of communications…

    With a focus on fashion education, Sock 101 rebrands to School of Sock

    By Tommy Felts | January 16, 2017

    A growing Kansas City fashion firm is restitching its public image. With a broader focus and new expansion plan, Sock 101 is rebranding to become School of Sock. The company — which began with a la carte and “Sock of the Month Club” options — is changing up its name to reflect its goals to…