Learn more about the Overland Park Convention Center, surrounding Overland Park, Kan., and the sites of tourist-friendly Kansas City

The Overland Park Convention Center is located in the heart of the entertainment and shopping district of Kansas City's largest and most progressive suburb.

United States Youth and Adult Futsal will host its first single-site tournament in the convention center's 60,000-square foot exhibit space, where six official-size Sportcourt futsal fields will be assembled. This year, all games will be played in a single location.

Here are a few facts about the convention center's impressive amenities:

• 60,000-sq. ft. Exhibit Space
• 25,000-sq. ft. Ballroom
• 15,000-sq. ft. Meeting Space
• 85,000-sq. ft. Contiguous Exhibit Space
• Connected to 412-Room Hotel with 25,000-sq. ft. of Additional Meeting Space
• 1,000 Hotel Rooms within Walking Distance
• In-House Food and Beverage, Including Kosher Prep Area
• Cyber Café
• Spacious Pre-Function and Registration Area
• A/V Connections
• High-Speed Internet Access
• WiFi Access in Public Areas
• FREE parking, 400 Covered Spaces and 1,400 Total Spaces
• Eight Bay Loading Docks and Elephant Doors.
  You can learn more about the convention center at http://www.opconventioncenter.com/default.asp
  
  Like additional information about the Overland Park and Kansas City area? Here's a link to entertainment, dining, shopping and other attractions:
  
  http://www.opconventioncenter.com/3400/OverlandParkandKansasCityInformation.asp 
  
  
  You'll also need to decide where to stay while in Overland Park. You'll have several inviting options offered by the USYF National Tournament.
  The tournament is a stay-to-play event, which means participants are required to book rooms at special rates at one of these affiliated, nearby locations:

  1. Courtyard Kansas City Overland Park/Convention Center 11001 Woodson Avenue Overland Park, KS 66211 USA Phone: 800.321.2211 Reference US Youth Futsal Room Block 913.317.8500 Cutoff date Jan 26, 2012
  2. Holiday Inn & Suites-Convention Center 10920 Nall Avenue Overland Park, KS 66221 Phone: Please mention reference code: SFT

  3. Hilton Garden Inn 5800 College Boulevard Overland Park, KS 66221 Call – Hilton Garden Inn - 913-345-2661 Use Group Code FUT Website is www.overlandpark.hgi.com

  
  
  Once you have made your reservation you will need to e-mail Lisa McCaughey at: lisamac@usyouthfutsal.com with the hotel name and number of rooms your team has reserved. We hope you enjoy your time in the Kansas City area!
  
  

  -- David Knopf, Newsletter Editor, dknopf@kc.rr.com