12 Courts, 2 Floors, $39M: The Unbelievable Transformation Of Hy-Vee Arena In Kansas City
The Hy-Vee Arena in Kansas City stands today, as of late 2025, not just as a sporting venue but as a monument to architectural ingenuity and community revitalization. This iconic facility, once the venerable Kemper Arena, underwent a stunning $39 million adaptive reuse project to become the nation’s first multi-level sports complex, fundamentally changing the landscape of amateur athletics in the Midwest. Located in the Historic West Bottoms, the arena now serves as a vibrant hub for youth and adult sports, attracting major tournaments and leagues year-round.
The transformation was a high-stakes gamble that paid off, preserving a historic landmark while giving it a fresh, state-of-the-art purpose. The facility’s rebirth has injected new economic life into the area, offering a premier destination for everything from basketball and volleyball to futsal and pickleball, ensuring its legacy continues well into the 21st century.
From Kemper Arena Glory to Hy-Vee Arena's New Era
The story of the Hy-Vee Arena is inextricably linked to the history of its predecessor, Kemper Arena. Opened in 1974, Kemper Arena was named in honor of R. Crosby Kemper Sr. and quickly became a centerpiece of Kansas City's cultural and sporting life.
During its original tenure, the arena hosted an incredible array of high-profile events. It was the site of the NCAA Final Four games, professional basketball and hockey matches, and the Big Eight Conference Men's Basketball tournament. From 1975 to 1993, it was also the home for the NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Association) basketball tournament. Beyond sports, it welcomed music legends like Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson, cementing its status as an iconic venue.
However, as newer, modern facilities emerged, Kemper Arena faced the threat of obsolescence and even demolition. The solution arrived in a massive, privately financed redevelopment plan that preserved the arena’s distinctive architecture while completely reimagining its interior. The $39 million renovation, completed in 2018, saw the single-level venue adapted into a cutting-edge, two-story facility dedicated to youth and amateur sports.
The new name, Hy-Vee Arena, came after Hy-Vee Inc. secured the naming rights, marking the start of its new chapter as a multi-functional sports complex.
The Nation's First Multi-Level Sports Complex: A Design Marvel
The architectural brilliance of the Hy-Vee Arena lies in its innovative, multi-level design, a concept that was the first of its kind in the nation. This transformation was achieved by essentially building a second floor within the existing structure, leaving the original spectator seating largely intact on the lower level.
This massive interior overhaul resulted in over 82,000 square feet of dedicated hardwood court space. The facility boasts a total of 12 full-sized hardwood maple courts.
Key features of the multi-level layout include:
- Upper Bowl Courts: The upper level features eight High School and Collegiate regulation courts, designed to host major tournaments and league play.
- Court Versatility: All 12 courts are striped for multiple sports, providing maximum flexibility. They can be used for basketball, volleyball, and futsal. Remarkably, the space can also be configured to hold up to 36 pickleball courts, catering to one of the fastest-growing sports in the country.
- Additional Amenities: Beyond the courts, the complex is designed to be a complete destination. It includes retail outlets, office space, dining options, and gaming areas, making it a true community and economic hub in the West Bottoms.
The successful adaptive reuse project has been praised for not only saving a historical landmark but also for creating a truly modern, high-capacity indoor sports facility that can accommodate multiple events simultaneously.
Current Tenants, Leagues, and Must-See 2025 Events
As of 2025, the Hy-Vee Arena is a bustling center for regional and national sports, offering a home to numerous leagues and major annual tournaments. The focus on amateur and youth sports has made it a key driver of sports tourism for Kansas City.
The arena hosts a variety of ongoing sports programming, including the popular Men's Basketball League, which offers competitive play with a focus on community engagement. Furthermore, organizations like KC Crew frequently utilize the venue for court rentals, underscoring its role as a one-stop shop for sports and fun in the city.
Major events that solidify the arena's topical authority and draw include:
- KC Classic "American Princess" Invitational: A staple in the Kansas City sports calendar for over 30 years, this gymnastics invitational continues to be hosted at the Hy-Vee Arena, drawing over 1,000 gymnasts annually.
- Hy-Vee Arena Invitational: This event, often one of the largest tournaments in the city, features dozens of teams battling it out, particularly in volleyball, such as the 28 teams that competed in the 2024 event.
- West Bottoms Beer Fest (September 2025): Demonstrating its multi-functional capacity, the arena is scheduled to host the West Bottoms Beer Fest in September 2025, with a Bottoms Up Bar open for mixed drinks, proving it’s a venue for both athletic and cultural community events.
The facility’s ability to host a diverse range of activities—from competitive basketball and volleyball tournaments to community festivals and graduations—highlights its success as a multi-functional anchor in the West Bottoms neighborhood. The daily operating hours from 7 AM to 10 PM reflect its commitment to being a continuously active, accessible, and integral part of the Kansas City sports and entertainment scene.
The Future of Sports in the Historic West Bottoms
The transformation of Kemper Arena into the modern Hy-Vee Arena represents a blueprint for how cities can preserve history while embracing the future. By focusing on the growing demand for flexible, high-quality amateur sports facilities, Kansas City has secured a landmark that will continue to generate economic activity and community engagement for decades. The arena’s success as the nation’s first multi-level sports complex has set a new standard, making it a must-visit destination for athletes, fans, and event organizers across the Midwest and beyond.
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