The Association of Pickleball Players (APP) and Visit Overland Park today reaffirmed their five-year partnership on the eve of the inaugural 2026 APP Dillons Overland Park Open, underscoring a shared commitment to establishing the city as a premier destination for pickleball players and fans.

The tournament, taking place September 17–20 at AdventHealth Sports Park at Bluhawk, marks a major milestone in a partnership built around bringing people to Overland Park, connecting with the local community, and creating an event that grows in stature year after year.

Visit Overland Park has backed that ambition with both sponsorship support and a dedicated local marketing investment, additional to the APP’s own event marketing investment. That commitment is helping introduce the tournament to local audiences and inviting residents to experience the renowned APP Tour competition experience firsthand.

“Visit Overland Park is the kind of partner that helps us build something lasting,” said Ryan McSpadden, Chief Revenue Officer of the APP. “They have matched their belief in this event with meaningful investment and a commitment to getting their community involved. That makes a real difference to our ability to reach new fans, welcome players and deliver a successful tournament. As we prepare for our first serve in Overland Park, we want to recognize how important this partnership is to the APP and how much opportunity we see in the years ahead.”

The five-year partnership provides a foundation for the APP and Visit Overland Park to build awareness, deepen local participation and encourage players and fans to return. It also creates opportunities to showcase Overland Park’s hospitality, restaurants and attractions to visitors traveling for the tournament.

“The selection of Overland Park as a tour stop for the APP Tour 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 Dillons 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.”  

The 2026 APP Dillons Overland Park Open will bring professional and amateur pickleball to AdventHealth Sports Park at Bluhawk over four days, giving local fans the opportunity to watch the world’s best players compete, and experience the sport up close.

For the APP and Visit Overland Park, this week’s event is the beginning of a longer-term effort: growing an annual tournament that delivers for players, fans and the host community.

Tickets and event information are available at TheAPP.global/OverlandPark. To explore Overland Park and plan a visit, go to VisitOverlandPark.com.