Kansas City Athletics Announces Naming of Buchbinder Family Men's Basketball Locker Room

KANSAS CITY - Kansas City Athletics is excited to announce renovations to the Roos' men's basketball locker room, thanks to a major gift from Herb and Bonnie Buchbinder. The family have been long-time supporters of Kansas City Athletics, and Herb was a member of the Roos' 2015 Hall of Fame class. Due to Herb and Bonnie's generosity, this enhanced space will be named the Buchbinder Family Men's Basketball Locker Room.

"Bonnie and I are delighted to make a contribution that will have an immediate impact on our student-athletes," Herb said. "We believe in the strategic vision that Coach Menzies has set forth and believe that an enhanced locker room will not only elevate our recruiting efforts, but also provide a sense of pride, inspiration and belonging for the student-athletes. We are honored to be a part of the Roo family."

The locker room renovation will elevate the existing space, add a new team instruction area and nutrition station. Customized state-of the art lockers will be added to an expanded locker room space, along with upgraded finishes and improved lighting. New furniture, audio/video technology and graphics will also be included in the locker room. Graphics and production in the space will be executed by Old Hat Creative and SkylineE3. All flooring designs will be done by Mohawk Flooring.

"We are deeply grateful for the generosity of Herb and Bonnie Buchbinder," Vice Chancellor/Director of Athletics Dr. Brandon Martin said. "They continue to support the vision and goals of Kansas City Athletics, particularly our men's and women's basketball programs. This gift undoubtedly provides tremendous momentum with recruiting and the day-to-day experiences for our student-athletes."

These renovations are part of a short-term plan to improve training and competition spaces in the Swinney Center. They are also a part of a continuous effort to align with the Roos' athletic facilities master plan and the university's strategic priorities.

In May 2023, UMKC issued a request for proposals (RFP) 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.