Charles Koch Arena Named Among Top College Basketball Experiences by SLAM
Wichita State University’s Charles Koch Arena earned a spot among SLAM Media’s “64 Iconic College Basketball Experiences” published in a limited-edition coffee table book. The 10,506-seat venue, frequently called the Roundhouse, landed in the book’s “Hidden Gems” category alongside Gonzaga’s McCarthey Athletic Center and UConn’s Gampel Pavilion.
Circular Design Maximizes Fan Proximity and Home Court Advantage
Peter Robert Casey wrote in the SLAM publication that Wichita and the Roundhouse do not receive enough national credit. The arena’s circular architecture pulls seats close to the court, packing over 10,000 supporters near the hardwood to surround visiting teams. Opened in 1955 as the WU Field House, the building averaged over 10,000 fans from 2004 to 2020. A 71-54 victory against No. 2 Ohio State in 1962 drew 11,357 spectators, setting an attendance record that still stands.
Historical Eras Built the Roundhouse Reputation
Decades of packed crowds built the venue’s reputation, starting with Dave Stallworth and the Shockers in the 1960s. The team averaged 9,000 or more fans from 1964 to 1972. During the 1980s MTXE era, players like Antoine Carr and Xavier McDaniel turned winter nights inside the venue, then named Henry Levitt Arena, into major social gatherings. Later, coaches Mark Turgeon and Gregg Marshall revitalized attendance. Marshall’s tenure featured stars such as Ron Baker, Fred VanVleet, and Landry Shamet, keeping the arena filled.
Current Ticket Sales and Attendance Goals for Paul Mills
Current coach Paul Mills aims to fill the 10,000 seats and tapes a note to an upper-row seat before each game to encourage attendance. Shocker fans helped raise attendance past 8,000 late last season during a seven-game winning streak that ended with a second-place finish in the American Conference. Season tickets and renewals for the upcoming campaign are available through GoShockers.com/Tickets, by calling 316-978-3267, or at the ticket office inside Charles Koch Arena.
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