Prairiefire in southern Overland Park will be the new home of the first-ever permanent College Baseball Hall of Fame. State and local leaders, as well as representatives from the College Baseball Foundation which oversees the Hall of Fame, announced the decision on Tuesday at an event at the Museum at Prairiefire on 135th Street. The new Hall of Fame is expected to open late next year in a space in the museum previously set aside for traveling exhibits. Warren Wilkinson, president and CEO of Visit OP, the city’s tourism bureau, called it a “historic milestone” for the city. “Prairiefire was built for this moment,” Wilkinson said during the announcement event Tuesday. “Working together we have not only secured a permanent home for the College Baseball Hall of Fame, we’ve intentionally created a unique place that elevates our destination and supports our tourism strategy.” In a news release that accompanied Tuesday’s announcement, College Baseball Foundation officials said they selected Overland Park after an “extensive search” for a permanent home for its Hall of Fame, which has been inducting classes of honorees since 2006. The College Baseball Foundation said Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes played an “instrumental role” in finalizing the deal to settle on Overland Park. Mahomes played college baseball at Texas Tech and is also the son of a former Major League Baseball pitcher. “Mahomes’ commitment mirrors a love for the game fostered by watching his father play professional baseball, a steadfast dedication to preserving the heritage of college baseball and a genuine enthusiasm for providing a space where budding athletes can envision a promising future,” the Foundation’s release said. “Baseball has been a huge part of my life, and I was fortunate to play the game in college,” Mahomes is quoted in the release. “I’m excited for the College Baseball Hall of Fame to call Overland Park home and join the community that I love so much.” It’s the latest involvement for the two-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback in a Kansas City area sports venture. He is also part owner of the Kansas City Royals, Sporting KC and the KC Current. Overland Park and state officials promised immediate financial returns once the College Baseball Hall of Fame opens in 2025. “Bringing a cultural gem such as the College Baseball Hall of Fame to Overland Park will add to our state’s strong array of top-notch tourist attractions and will provide a solid boost to both the local and state economies,” Democratic Lieutenant Gov. David Toland said. Overland Park officials forecast a “multi-million dollar impact” once the Hall of Fame opens next year. Wilkinson said Tuesday 150,000 visitors are expected in the first year, with an estimated economic impact of $25 million over five years. The College Baseball Foundation’s annual Night of Champions, meant to honor collegiate baseball’s top performers and stars, is already set for Feb. 15, 2024, at The Marriott Overland Park hotel.
Source: Johnson County Post
