Welcome to the Home of the Heart
Overland Park, Kansas is proud to be the official home of the Heart of America Athletic Conference.
This designation reflects a shared commitment to championship-level experiences, innovation, and supporting the growth of student-athletes.
Athletes don’t wait for opportunity. They run to it.
So do we.
Together, Visit Overland Park and the Heart of America Athletic Conference (The Heart) are creating a model for what’s possible when athletics and opportunity intersect.
Being the Home of The Heart means more than a mailing address and hosting events.
This new partnership solidifies Overland Park as a premier destination for athletics, sports tourism, and post-collegiate opportunity, and allows The Heart to think differently about how small-college athletics are experienced and presented to the world.
The shared goal is simple: to give the Heart of America Athletic Conference a dependable home base, and to make Overland Park the first place that comes to mind when athletes think about what’s next.
FAQs
What is the purpose of the Visit Overland Park–Heart partnership?
The partnership formalizes a multi-year collaboration to enhance championship hosting, business engagement, marketing exposure, and economic impact in Overland Park through Heart meetings, championships, media, and sponsorship initiatives.
Will Overland Park host Heart events each year?
Yes. Visit Overland Park will host at least one key Heart meeting or conference event annually in Overland Park.
A “key event” is a conference-sanctioned gathering designated by the Heart of America Athletic Conference that supports governance, strategic planning, business engagement, or membership service.
Can Overland Park host Heart championships?
Yes. Visit Overland Park has the right to bid on Fall, Winter, and Spring Heart postseason championship events. Only member institutions and partners have this opportunity.
Why Overland Park?
Overland Park was chosen as the Home of The Heart because it offers the best of all worlds.
It features state-of-the-art athletic venues, a welcoming community, and access to major employers, internships, and career development opportunities for student-athletes.
Thanks to its central location, premier facilities, and proven track record of hosting successful events, Overland Park delivers a reliable and memorable experience for athletes, fans, and families.
How does this partnership benefit student-athletes and fans?
The partnership aims to enhance the overall experience for student-athletes and fans by providing:
● Insider tips on local dining, entertainment and things to do in Overland Park
● Streamlined hotel coordination to make travel easier
● Ways to enjoy Overland Park beyond the game
● Occasional events that highlight and celebrate student-athletes
How does this partnership create post-collegiate opportunities for student-athletes?
Beyond the game, in Overland Park student-athletes can be introduced to a community full of growing industries, career opportunities, and leadership pathways.
This partnership isn’t just about a single game or season. It’s a launchpad for helping athletes explore what comes next after college athletics.
Official Press Release
About Visit Overland Park
We connect travelers to the people, places, and experiences that make Overland Park unique.
And we believe that when tourism succeeds, our whole community benefits.
About Heart of America Athletic Conference
The Heart of America Athletic Conference—commonly known as The Heart—is one of the most respected and innovative conferences in small college athletics.
About The Heart & The NAIA
Founded in 1971, The Heart is a proud member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and is home to 15 full member institutions across the Midwest.
Representing a dynamic mix of public and private universities, The Heart is united by a shared commitment to academic excellence, competitive athletics, and character-driven development. The conference sponsors 29 championship sports, making it one of the largest and most comprehensive conferences in the NAIA.
The NAIA is a national governing body for intercollegiate athletics that emphasizes character, competition, and holistic student-athlete development. Through values-based competition, leadership initiatives, and a focus on community engagement, the NAIA provides a high-level athletics experience that prepares student-athletes for success both during and beyond their collegiate careers.
Together, The Heart and the NAIA strive to be big-time where we are—delivering elite competition while staying rooted in purpose, integrity, and impact.