One of college basketball’s tiniest battlegrounds is right here in Kansas City, and it’s stirring up a big question: will it ever get a major upgrade?
When most people picture the most intimate, high-energy arenas in college hoops, they think of legendary places like Allen Fieldhouse with its deafening roars or Cameron Indoor Stadium steeped in decades of history. And that’s fair—but the reality might surprise you. One of the sport’s most up-close, personal experiences is tucked away right here in KC.
At full capacity, Swinney Center holds only 1,500 fans. That’s not just small—it’s one of the 15 smallest venues in all of NCAA Division I basketball, a division with more than 360 programs nationwide. And while that small size is often seen as a drawback, those closest to Kansas City Roos basketball insist it can be a secret weapon.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Isn’t playing in a relatively tiny gym a competitive disadvantage? Head coach Marvin Menzies doesn’t think so—not at all.
“Bigger isn’t always better,” he told The Kansas City Star.
The Swinney Advantage
Menzies knows big arenas better than most. He’s coached at Louisville, where Freedom Hall held nearly 20,000, and UNLV, where the Thomas & Mack Center boasts 17,923 seats. He’s familiar with the "bells and whistles" of massive, high-tech facilities. Yet when he accepted the UMKC job in 2022, Swinney’s cozy atmosphere didn’t scare him—it intrigued him.
“I knew exactly what we had before I took the job,” he said. “It’s unique. It’s got this cool vibe, especially when the students pack in. It’s just a different kind of energy you don’t get in the big arenas.”
That energy becomes a competitive edge. The closeness between fans and players can catch visiting teams off guard. It’s noisy, personal, and, as Menzies puts it, full of character.
Recruiting hasn’t been the issue some might expect. Menzies recruits to what Swinney is, not what it’s not. “We present our authentic selves,” he said. “Parents and players care about development, mentorship, and life lessons. If someone values those things, the size of the gym doesn’t scare them off—it’s almost irrelevant.”
The Possibility of a New Arena
Even though Menzies champions the Swinney experience, he’s realistic about the benefits a new, larger facility could bring. He’s been in talks with Athletic Director Brandon Martin about the idea.
Martin’s vision? A major investment in a state-of-the-art arena that could make Kansas City a basketball hub. “We’re the only Division I basketball team in Kansas City—it’s a unique opportunity,” Martin said. “We want something that deeply engages fans, alumni, businesses, and sponsors.”
The potential venue could still host multiple sports, just as Swinney does for basketball and volleyball, but on a grander scale. Martin believes it could elevate recruiting to a national level.
Where Plans Stand
Discussions for a new facility are ongoing but still in the exploratory phase. Martin insists that all stakeholders—from faculty to corporate partners—must have their say before moving forward.
One key partner, Boulevard Brewing Company, has been on board for the past two years, providing local flavor and community ties. “It’s all about Kansas City,” Martin emphasized. “The more we integrate local businesses, the stronger our fan experience becomes.”
The Big Picture
Martin has a broader message for KC: This city thrives on sports, championships, and winning cultures. He wants Roos basketball to be part of that tradition—and believes top-tier facilities are key.
For now, though, the Roos will keep defending their home turf in the 1,500-seat Swinney Center. And they take pride in that.
So here’s the question for you: Should Kansas City embrace the intimacy and character of one of the smallest arenas in college basketball—or chase the dream of a big, modern facility that could put it on the national stage? Where do you stand?
