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Arena RFP Graphic

Kansas City Athletics Begins Next Step in Elevation; Explores New On-Campus Arena

5/15/2023 10:30:00 AM | General, Development, Venues, Administration, Operations and Facilities, Athletics

The Roos are eyeing a parcel of land near 51st and Brookside for an arena to host athletics contests and other community events

KANSAS CITY - Kansas City Athletics is poised to create an enhanced experience for both student-athletes and fans with the possible development of a 5,000-seat arena on the west side of the University of Missouri-Kansas City campus.

UMKC issued a request for proposals (RFP) today that would turn a parcel of land near the intersection of 51st Street and Brookside into a campus and community destination, with retail, housing and a small arena for events, including Kansas City Athletics' basketball and volleyball games.

"This RFP creates a tremendous opportunity for UMKC to create a new gateway for the campus to engage with the Kansas City community," said Dr. Brandon Martin, Vice Chancellor/Director of Athletics. "Athletics is a critical component of this project, which will certainly enhance our facilities and position us well with our peer institutions. It will empower our athletics department and offer a tremendous experience for our student-athletes, as well as our student body, fans and community supporters while increasing the visibility of UMKC as the premier university in the region."

The site for the development is a five-acre parcel of land next to the south terminus of the Kansas City Streetcar extension. The streetcar stop is expected to be operational in 2025.

In his recent State of the University address, UMKC Chancellor Mauli Agrawal announced his intention to explore options to develop that parcel into a gateway that invites campus and community to engage with the university. 

According to Martin, the facility will provide a significant boost to Kansas City Athletics' efforts to attract potential student-athletes and achieve comprehensive excellence in a metropolitan sports market. The arena would potentially provide a venue for men's and women's basketball games, as well as women's volleyball. Each team hosts 10-15 home games per season and could also use the arena for practices.

UMKC's existing athletics and recreation facility, Swinney Center, built in 1941, currently hosts the Intercollegiate Athletic programs, as well as campus recreation. Kansas City Athletics supports more than 240 student-athletes across 14 Division One men's and women's teams. 

Since moving basketball competition from Municipal Auditorium to Swinney in 2019, the Roos have seen a growth in fan base, including a number of sold-out games. The Swinney Center provides a quality environment but lacks the modern amenities both student-athletes and fans have come to expect in a crowded spectator sports market.