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

    Gallery: Techweek Kansas City expo

    By Tommy Felts | September 17, 2015

    Hundreds of techies, innovators and entrepreneurs converged on Union Station on Thursday for Techweek’s expo. With startups and large corporations, the expo featured dozens of company’s technologies.  Attendees at the inaugural Techweek Kansas City arrived to soak up their pitches. Below is a photo gallery from the event. Enjoy!

    Entrepreneurs discuss trials, triumphs with Athena League

    By Tommy Felts | September 17, 2015

    Embracing chaos and persistence. Those were the two main themes that arose from Athena League’s Techweek event Thursday morning. Athena League worked in conjunction with Techweek to host Hailee Bland-Walsh, owner and CEO of City Gym KC, and Jill Minton, founder and CEO of t.Loft, to speak to a crowd of roughly 100 about their…

    Events Preview: Techweek continues

    By Tommy Felts | September 17, 2015

    There are a boatload of entrepreneurial events hosted in Kansas City on a weekly basis. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, supporter or curious Kansas Citian, we’d recommend these upcoming events for you. WEEKLY EVENT PREVIEW   Techweek Hiring Fair When: September 17 @ 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm Where: KC Live! Whether you’re in search of a…

    After new regulations, Uber opens KC office

    By Tommy Felts | September 16, 2015

    Uber is spreading deeper roots in the Kansas City metro after new regulations have allowed the ride-sharing giant to operate legally in Kansas and Missouri. The San Francisco-based company is currently renovating a new Kansas City office on McGee Street near the Power and Light District, said Andy Hung, general manager of Uber Kansas City.…