Jacob Beck begins management role at Plaza Tennis Center
The historic Plaza Tennis Center in Kansas City is now being managed by the USTA Missouri Valley, which you can read more about here. Many changes are taking place at the facility—including resurfaced courts, reimagined programming and new personnel.
One of those new hires is Jacob Beck, Plaza Tennis Center facility manager. Beck previously worked at MatchPoint KC and SW19 as a tennis teaching professional. Prior to that, he played high school tennis at Sumner Academy.
“That was the first time I ever really played tennis,” Beck said. “I never did any type of classes or lessons (until) I was in my mid-20s. (The tennis community) has been such a great community that welcomed me in after not knowing anyone.”
As the new manager of a facility undergoing lots of exciting changes, Beck is ready for the challenges and opportunities ahead.
“I am excited to make an impact,” Beck said. “I want to be someone who can cultivate and welcome players in, no matter where or what type of training they have had. It’s a public place, and I want to make sure everyone knows you’re welcome. The Plaza is such a huge, main stop for everyone visiting Kansas City. And the fact that the tennis center is in the heart of it, we should celebrate it.”
The future of Plaza Tennis Center had been a topic of discussion among property developers, making it all the more exciting the facility is going to remain a jewel in the crown of the Kansas City tennis community for the foreseeable future. Beck concurs.
“We are resurfacing the courts to revamp the look and make sure everyone knows that it is here to stay,” Beck said. “We are planning to reach out to the community more and do more community-led events at the Plaza in the coming months. We are still working on the programming, but please follow us on social media to get any new updates.”
Individuals can follow Plaza Tennis Center’s dedicated Facebook Page and Instagram account as well as a website recently created by the USTA Missouri Valley staff.
With June being Pride Month, Beck said events in partnership with local nonprofit Stonewall Sports are also in the works.
“We are working through those events as we speak,” Beck said. “I am actively discussing those, along with doing a USTA celebration of Pride.”
Beck’s enthusiasm for tennis and the Kansas City community will be a boon for the Plaza Tennis Center, and he’d love to see you on the courts for your next event.
“Please don’t be afraid if you want to host or have an event in this space,” Beck said. “We have partners that we can reach out to to help facilitate food, drinks and more.”
Plaza Tennis Center is located at 4747 Mill Creek Parkway, Kansas City, MO 64112. Individuals can email plazatenniscenterinfo@gmail.com or call 816-531-2235 with any questions or for more information.
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