Built in the 1930s, Municipal Auditorium is like a natural beauty who needs little makeup. Recent renovations to the art-deco landmark in downtown Kansas City cost a mere $3.8 million. The city got a nice return on its investment in 2005; the 9,782-seat facility hosted the Big 12 women's tournament, a regional NCAA women's tournament and the NAIA men's tournament. Fans who attend events at Municipal (also the regular-season home of UMKC men's hoops) enjoy the action in a venue designed for people, not corporate whales. The absence of suites and other gewgaws that crowd modern arenas means that every chair is close to the floor. The auditorium might not be large enough to handle more glamorous sporting contests, but the ones that fit are a pleasure to behold.
