 Post Card Image of Arena before 1910 opening | |
| Former names | Boston Arena (1909–1982) |
|---|---|
| Location | 238 St. Botolph Street, Boston, Massachusetts |
| Owner | Northeastern University |
| Operator | Northeastern University |
| Designation | National Register and Boston Landmark eligible |
| Capacity | Ice hockey: 4,666 Basketball: 5,066[1] |
| Surface | 200 ft × 90 ft (61 m × 27 m) (hockey) |
| Construction | |
| Broke ground | October 11, 1909 |
| Opened | April 25, 1910 |
| Closed | December 13, 2025 |
| Tenants | |
| Northeastern Huskies (Hockey East, CAA) (1930–1943, 1946–2025) WIT Leopards (ECAC) (1992–2025) Harvard Crimson men's ice hockey (independent/IHL/TL/QL/PL) (1911–1917, 1921–1943, 1945–1956) Boston College Eagles men's ice hockey (independent) (1917–1929, 1932–1943, 1945–1958) Boston University Terriers men's ice hockey (independent/ECAC) (1918–1943, 1945–1971) Boston Bruins (NHL) (1924–1928) Boston Tigers/Cubs (CAHL) (1926–1936) Boston Olympics (EAHL/QSHL) (1940–1952) Boston Celtics (NBA) (1946–1955) New England Whalers (WHA) (1972–1973) | |
Matthews Arena, formerly known as Boston Arena, is claimed to be, prior to its' closing in December 2025, the oldest hockey arena in the world which opened in 1910. However, due to the December 18, 1918 fire and a second fire in 1948, which lead to the facility being rebuilt; the distinction actually belongs to the Calumet Colosseum Ice Rink in Calumet, Michigan was built and has been continuously used in the same structure since 1913.
It had been the home of the Northeastern University men's team since the program was formed during the 1929-30 season. It was also the home of the Northeastern Huskies women's ice hockey team. The university had purchased the arena on October 3, 1979.
Interior of original arena
The original structure was destroyed in a fire on December 18 1918. The facility was then rebuilt.
Boston Arena fire 1918
The facility also suffered extensive damage in a 1948 fire.
The Arena also served as the Boston Bruins home rink as well as the home floor for the Boston Celtics before the Boston Garden was built.
The ice surface is 90' X 200' and though the rink can fit 6,000 including standing room seating capacity is 4,500. The rink surface was expanded from 80' x 200' in 1995.
Matthews Arena has also been the host for now defunct pro teams including the New England Whalers and the Boston Olympics. As the first hockey arena in Boston it also was the home ice for other college teams including Boston College, Boston University, Harvard, MIT, and Tufts. The Arena was also the original home of the Beanpot and the ECAC Tournament.
Matthews Arena has also been the site of professional boxing. Such renowned boxers as Jack Dempsey, Gene Tunney and Joe Louis all fought at the Arena. The immortal Babe Ruth also played pick up hockey at the Arena during his years as a pitcher with the Boston Red Sox.
Numerous Presidents have spoken at the arena including Teddy Roosevelt, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy, and William Jefferson Clinton. Other speakers at the Arena have included Charles Lindbergh, Amelia Earhardt, James Michael Curley, Reverend Billy Graham, Admiral Chester Nimitz and General Dwight D. Eisenhower.
In 1993, the Arena also hosted a sad day in Northeastern History: The funeral of Northeastern basketball great and Celtic All-Star Reggie Lewis.
Demolition[]
In May 2024, Northeastern University filed a letter of intent to the Boston Planning & Development Agency to construct a new multi-purpose athletics facility designed that would demolish and replace Matthews Arena.[2]
This came as concerns surrounding the structural integrity of Matthews Arena increased: scaffolding was erected to support the east end of the arena in 2024, part of the student section as well as the Varsity Club (home to the arena's only licensed bar) were closed, and the foundation, built on reclaimed land once part of a wharf, was found to be sinking.[3][4]
The final hockey game played in the Arena was held on December 13th, between Boston University and Northeastern. Boston University won 4-3. The arena's demolition is scheduled to begin before the end of 2025, and be completed by the end of January 2026. The estimated construction of the new facility is expected to take 30 months and the facility will hopefully open for the 2028-29 season. The team will play a road game heavy schedule in the interim period and use other arenas in the area to have home games. There are several arenas available but there is also a heavy demand for ice time at most of the arenas in the immediate area.
| Preceded by RPI Field House |
Host of the Frozen Four 1960 |
Succeeded by University of Denver Arena Denver, Colorado |
References[]
- ↑ Matthews Arena. Northeastern University.
- ↑ Northeastern University - Matthews Arena Project | Boston Planning & Development Agency (en).
- ↑ Ballingall, Amelia (2024-05-09). ‘Reaching the end of its useful life’: As historic Matthews Arena faces foundational issues, Northeastern weighs new arena.
- ↑ Ballingall, Amelia (2024-05-09). Where it all began: A look back at Matthews Arena as Bruins reach centennial season.