Why new arena would galvanize UMKC community & aid recruiting, according to school’s AD

The idea of building an on-campus arena at UMKC has been discussed by school officials over the years, but there’s a difference this time.

UMKC has put its ambition in writing, announcing this week that it has issued a request for proposals for a new events center on the west side of campus.

Key details — cost, financing and a possible ground-breaking date — remain unknown. New arenas built for mid- and low-major Division I programs over the past five years have ranged from $50 million to $130 million.

But the school is confident enough in the idea to publicly share its vision of a facility that would seat 4,500-5,000. It would be used for the school’s basketball and volleyball teams, plus other entertainment events, and include a retail area.

“We want this essentially to be a way for UMKC tell its story,” vice chancellor/athletic director Dr. Brandon Martin said. “Also for UMKC to invite some of the people in the local area who maybe have not been on campus but are curious about who is UMKC and what is UMKC all about.”

Martin, who became the school’s athletic boss in 2018, envisions the arena being used for sports camps and even local school district events. But mostly it would give the indoor sports teams at UMKC a replacement for the Swinney Center, the on-campus rec facility that was opened in 1941.

“It speaks to the tradition, the history of your athletic program and the spirit you have on campus,” Martin said. ”It speaks to the tribute you have for former student-athletes and alums at UMKC.”

The biggest message will be sent to recruits. UMKC’s facilities aren’t an advantage against peer schools when trying to attract top athletic prospects. The Roos play in one of the smallest buildings (1,500 seating capacity) of the nation’s 350 or so Division I programs.

It’s the smallest in the Summit League.

“Not longer is it going to be, ‘You guys don’t have a facility — you guys don’t have all the bells and whistles,’” Martin said.

UMKC has long sought to kick-start the fortunes of its basketball programs. The Roos men’s and women’s teams have yet to make an appearance in the NCAA Tournament.

The arena would be developed next to the south end of the Kansas City streetcar extension, which has an expected completion date in 2025.

A new arena at UMKC would join the list of sports projects underway or under discussion in Kansas City.

The Kansas City Current of the National Women’s Soccer League expect to move into their new stadium at Berkley Riverfront Park next season. And the Royals are considering a downtown ballpark and entertainment district for a new home that would replace Kauffman.

Could the time be right for a new arena for UMKC?

“It’s going to be a great way to engage the community,” Martin said.