Ben Van Pelt, a Johnson County dad, teamed up with Wally Velez and Isabella Ledonne to launch Hoop Kansas City, a mobile basketball arcade that parks a food‑truck‑style setup alongside a carnival‑style basketball game for events throughout the Kansas City metro.
The concept, launched just six weeks ago, grew quickly as families searched for fresh, active pastimes, and early scores—including a 174 achieved by a grade‑schooler—showed the game’s appeal.
Local businesses such as Char Bar have reported a noticeable uptick in foot traffic, underscoring how the arcade’s presence is already influencing the surrounding community.
Community Impact
By design, Hoop Kansas City encourages families to gather, play together, and interact in public spaces, turning ordinary events into shared experiences that strengthen neighborhood ties.
As the region’s first mobile basketball arcade, Hoop Kansas City offers a novel, interactive experience that differentiates itself from traditional entertainment options, and its rapid six‑week expansion signals strong adoption across Johnson County, Lenexa and the broader Kansas City metro area.