Former Kemper Arena reopens as Hy-Vee Arena with some big changes

After a prolonged makeover, Hy-Vee Arena opened Friday in what was Kemper Arena in the historic West Bottoms. The grand opening drew applause from dignitaries, city council members, pickleball players and others gathered for the celebration and revival of the re-purposed arena as a youth and adult sports facility.

“This is a tremendous addition to the city,” said Troy Schulte, Kansas City city manager.

Eighteen months ago, the city council sold the shuttered Kemper Arena in the West Bottoms to the Foutch Brothers for just $1.

Foutch Development and Architecture spent $39 million to renovate the facility into a youth and adults sports facility with 2-acres of hardwood courts on two levels. The arena design includes more than 84,000 square feet of sports and event space. When fully occupied, Hy-Vee arena will feature about 40 businesses including six restaurants, an arcade, games, as well as sports training and medical businesses.

This story was originally published October 5, 2018 at 6:13 PM with the headline "Former Kemper Arena reopens as Hy-Vee Arena with some big changes."