UMKC, City of Kansas City Announce Roos' Return to Municipal
Kansas City Basketball will return to one of college basketball's most storied venues beginning in 2026-27
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Kansas City Basketball will have a new home starting in 2026-27, making the leap back to downtown Kansas City to play in historic Municipal Auditorium. A partnership between UMKC and the City of Kansas City will make Municipal the home of the Roos and place Kansas City's College Team right in the heart of the city.
"This is a monumental moment for Kansas City Athletics," Vice Chancellor/Director of Athletics Dr. Brandon Martin said. "Kansas City is a great college basketball market and moving the city's college basketball team to one of its most storied athletic venues further fortifies the relationship between our university and Kansas City. As Kansas City continues to advance itself as one of the nation's premiere cities, Kansas City Basketball will be on the same trajectory of success."
Municipal Auditorium was built in 1935 and has been a keystone in college basketball history, hosting nine national championship games, the most of any arena in the nation. The auditorium will see a modernization as part of the new partnership, leaning into its iconic Art Deco design while creating a refreshed experience for KC's avid fans.
"This will be a game-changer for our program," Head Coach Mark Turgeon said. "Playing in a historic downtown location, in front of a city that is rallying behind us, raises the bar for everything we do: recruiting, culture and performance. Kansas City is ready to embrace this team, and we are ready to give the city a team that matches it's winning culture."