Matthews Arena demolition planned. Here’s what you need to know
Your Matthews Arena demolition teardown questions answered
Northeastern University will soon begin building a state-of-the-art, multi-purpose athletics and recreation complex on the site of Matthews Arena in Boston.
After more than 115 years of operation, hosting countless hockey and basketball games, ceremonies, concerts and other collegiate celebrations, Matthews Arena will be deconstructed to make way for a new 310,000 square foot facility.
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about the deconstruction and the new venue.
When will the demolition of Matthews Arena begin and how long will it take?
Preparations for the deconstruction will begin right after the last event on Saturday, Dec. 13. The demolition of Matthews Arena is scheduled to begin around February and last two to three months.
What are some of the features of the state-of-the art complex?
The new multi-story facility will be Northeastern’s largest indoor gathering space. It will include an additional 54,000 square feet for recreational use, including for ceremonies, concerts and other events. The venue will be able to accommodate an array of activities simultaneously. It is set to open in 2028.
How will athletics be integrated into the new building?
The facility will feature a Division 1 athletics arena that will be able to seat 4,050 people during ice hockey games and 5,300 for basketball games. Additionally, the complex will include state-of-the-art training facilities, practice basketball courts, indoor rowing tanks, and more.
Will any artifacts from Matthews Arena be saved and made available to the Northeastern community?
Yes, later this month the university will salvage the facility and collect interior pieces to be removed, saved and made available to the public, including some of the arena’s bricks, seating and parquet flooring. Some of the artifacts, such as bricks and seats, are available for order online.
When is the last event at Matthews Arena?
The last event will be Northeastern’s men’s hockey team’s game against Boston University at 7 p.m. on Dec. 13.
Will there be a closing ceremony?
Yes, there will be a celebration at the final men’s hockey game on Saturday. Graduates and former players representing the hockey team’s 100-year history will be spotlighted. Celebratory events were held at the final women’s hockey game on Dec. 6 and the men’s basketball game on Nov. 15.
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Will Saturday’s ceremony at the last men’s hockey game include any former star athletes?
Yes, more than 100 former players are expected to attend the final game, including Ryan Shea, former captain and current Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman; Jordan Harris, former captain and current Boston Bruins defenseman; Wayne Turner, Northeastern Hall of Famer who scored a game-winning goal in the 1980 Beanpot; and Jim Farhey, 2002 All-American and Northeastern Hall of Famer.
Where will the hockey teams play while the new facility is under construction?
While the new complex is being built, the hockey teams will be playing home games at Boston University, Harvard University, Bentley University and University of Massachusetts Lowell.
Where will the basketball teams play?
The basketball teams will play home games at the Cabot Physical Education Center on the Boston campus.
Can Northeastern community members share their favorite memories from Matthews Arena?
Yes. Northeastern has set up an online memorial board where members of the community can share anecdotes and farewell messages.
