Roos Basketball Returns to Municipal Auditorium Under New Coach
Mark Turgeon aims to lift the program to national prominence using the historic venue as a recruiting tool.
By Stella Brooks ·
Kansas City men’s basketball is returning to the Municipal Auditorium for the 2026-27 season, a move paired with the hiring of head coach Mark Turgeon and a new jersey sponsorship deal. The program has not played in the downtown venue for eight years. The first game is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 6, against Southern Illinois.
The venue has hosted more NCAA Final Fours than any other site. Built in 1935, the building held the NCAA semifinal and championship games nine times between 1940 and 1964. Turgeon stated that the history of the building serves as a powerful tool for recruiting. He described walking recruits through the site, pointing out the original wood planks under the floor, and asking them to imagine Wilt Chamberlain playing there in Chuck Taylor shoes.
Turgeon brings a 24-year head coaching career with a 476-265 record. He has made 10 NCAA Tournament appearances and four NIT appearances. His previous stops included Wichita State, Maryland, and Texas A&M. He led Texas A&M to four consecutive NCAA Tournaments and Maryland to the 2020 Big Ten regular-season championship. The Topeka native played point guard at the University of Kansas from 1983 to 1987.
Dr. Brandon Martin, vice chancellor and director of athletics, said the move reflects the program's rising ambitions. He stated that having an elite coach requires the best presentation and venue to create a strong fan experience. Martin called Turgeon a fighter and a champion who is not afraid of challenges. The university aims to transform the program into a top mid-major contender, citing goals similar to those of Creighton and Gonzaga.
The Roos have never made an NCAA Tournament. Martin noted that the school is ranked 358th out of 364 Division I teams. He said the time is right to pursue top 25 status due to the new coaching system and staff. The administration is working on NIL deals, revenue sharing, and recruiting infrastructure to make the program more attractive. Turgeon expressed belief in the city and his staff, stating he can get the job done despite the tough competition.
The program secured a jersey patch sponsor, JE Dunn, for the first time this offseason. Turgeon said the vision shared by Martin and UMKC Chancellor Dr. C. Mauli Agrawal convinced him to return to the Midwest. He noted that everywhere he has coached, the teams have won. For now, the team will root its operations at the Municipal Auditorium while Turgeon hopes for an on-campus arena in the future.
