The building was originally constructed in 1892 as the drill hall for a training school for delinquent boys.

When the school moved early in the 20th century, the building was turned into an indoor sports arena and exhibition hall.

However, the Cardinals went into receivership before the end of the 1935–36 season and no suitable owner could be found to operate the team.

[1] On April 21, 1951, The Royals won the franchise's first and only NBA championship over the New York Knickerbockers 4 games to 3.

It also hosted performances by the Glenn Miller Orchestra and cowboy star Gene Autry in the 1940s.