Pickleball for Polar Bears

Kansas City Zoo has partnered with Polar Bears International to take a more active role in Polar Bear conservation. This robust program will serve the polar bear population and the visitors of our Zoo equally. Polar Bears International (PBI) is the only organization dedicated solely to conserving wild polar bears. The Kansas City Zoo is proud to partner with PBI in its efforts to conserve polar bears and the sea ice on which they depend.  Funds raised from the Pickleball for Polar Bears tournament go directly toward our efforts with PBI. 

Event Information:

Date: Sunday, February 22, 2026
Time: 4pm – 7pm
Locations: 
Chicken N Pickle – Overland Park
Chicken N Pickle – North Kansas City
Court locations will be determined once registration closes.
Cost: $100 per team (2 players per team)

Division Selection (Self-Rated)

Please choose the division that best matches your current skill level:

• Novice / Recreational (2.0–3.0): Both players are newer to pickleball or play casually. Still building consistency and learning strategy.
• Advanced / Competitive (3.5+): Both players play regularly, understand court positioning and strategy, and can sustain longer rallies.

Registration includes:

• One drink ticket per player
• Two Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium admission tickets per player
• All teams guaranteed to play 3 games

Prizes:

1st Place –  KC Zoo Polar Bear behind-the-scenes tour (must be 12+ years old), and a Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium gift basket.

2nd Place –  A Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium gift basket.

3rd Place  –  5-gallon bucket of pickles

Also at the event:

• Promo Wheel: $5 per spin to win zoo swag!