FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 11, 2006

Kansas City Explorers move to Barney Allis Plaza

Professional tennis is coming to downtown Kansas City. The Kansas City Explorers along with City of Kansas City, Mo., officials today announced that the team will practice and compete at a new tennis court venue being built at Barney Allis Plaza. The announcement was made at a news conference at the site this afternoon. Barney Allis Plaza is located between 12th and 13th streets, and Central and Wyandotte streets.

The Kansas City Explorers is a franchise of the World TeamTennis Pro League and formerly made its home at the Plaza Tennis Center, 4747 J.C. Nichols Parkway. The Kansas City Explorers 2006 season runs from July 6-26.

"We are happy to be paving the way in bringing activities and sports back to downtown Kansas City," said Jeff Launius, Kansas City Explorers general manager and co-owner.

"I am very pleased to have found a new home for the Explorers in downtown Kansas City," said Councilman Chuck Eddy, 6th District. "Bringing the Explorers to this new venue will provide exciting possibilities for fans, players, sponsors and the community."

The tennis court venue is being built by Kraus-Anderson Construction Company, which is working to reconfigure the concrete on the plaza and build the actual surface. Temporary lighting and seating, including bleachers and box seats, also will be erected. These courts will be open to the public. Construction began April 10 and is expected to be competed by June 15.

This project is being funded by the City of Kansas City, Mo., Public Improvements Advisory Committee with $100,000 allotted for projects in the 2nd City Council District. Additional funding will be raised by the Downtown Council Kansas City.