By Leslie Collins
Northeast News
October 19, 2011

Kansas City’s Municipal Auditorium has housed the likes of Elvis Presley, Aretha Franklin and Frank Sinatra. It’s provided a venue for nine NCAA Final Four Tournaments and presidential campaigns.

And on Oct. 13, it celebrated its 75th anniversary.

“These buildings create memories, experiences that people will never forget,” a local sportscaster said.

Built in 1934, the Municipal Auditorium was part of Kansas City’s “10-year Plan” following the Great Depression to coordinate city improvements. During the official dedication in 1936, President Franklin D. Roosevelt served as the keynote speaker.

Nearly every president of the United States or would-be president since the 1930s has campaigned at the auditorium.

During the anniversary celebration Oct. 13, black and white photographs of the auditorium’s construction and special events lined the hallways and celebrity impersonators like Elvis Presley and Dr. James Naismith greeted attendees. Other activities included a mini car show, performances by Elvis, the Shriners’ Band, and Marc Dorsett and Dr. Marvin Faulwell on the 1927 Robert-Morton pipe organ.

“In this difficult economic time, our Municipal Auditorium is a monument and reminder to what civic pride can do to reinvigorate an economy,” Kansas City Mayor Sly James said. “Municipal Auditorium stands as a testament to the talent, energy determination and pride of the people of Kansas City.”