Agganis Arena

Agganis Arena. A multi-purpose sports and entertainment venue located on the campus of Boston University in Boston, Massachusetts. Primarily serving as the home for the Boston University Terriers men's ice hockey, men's basketball, and women's basketball teams, the arena is a central hub for collegiate athletics and major concerts. Named for legendary Boston University athlete Harry Agganis, the facility opened in January 2005, replacing the historic Walter Brown Arena.

History

The arena's development was championed by Boston University President John Silber and athletic director Mike Lynch to provide a modern venue for the university's burgeoning athletic programs. Construction began in 2003 on the site adjacent to the former Nickerson Field, with the project managed by Skanska USA. It officially opened on January 3, 2005, with a men's ice hockey game against the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers. The naming honors Harry Agganis, a standout in both football and baseball for Boston University who later played for the Boston Red Sox before his untimely death. The opening marked a new era, moving the storied hockey program from the intimate Walter Brown Arena to a state-of-the-art facility.

Design and features

Designed by the architectural firm Architectural Resources Cambridge, the arena's exterior features a distinctive brick facade that complements the surrounding Charles River Campus. The interior bowl is designed for intimate viewing, with a seating capacity of 6,150 for hockey and basketball, expandable to 7,200 for concerts. Key features include 22 luxury suites, the Buccieri Pavilion club lounge, and the Friends of Hockey Hall of Fame. The playing surface is known as Jack Parker Rink, named for the legendary Boston University Terriers ice hockey coach. The building also houses extensive training facilities, including the Ryan Center for Sports Medicine, and is equipped with a high-definition video scoreboard from Daktronics.

Events

Beyond collegiate sports, the arena hosts a wide array of events, having become a prominent mid-size concert venue in the Greater Boston area. Major performers have included Bob Dylan, Elton John, Lady Gaga, Pearl Jam, and Justin Timberlake. It regularly stages family shows like Disney on Ice and Harlem Globetrotters exhibitions. The arena has also been a site for political rallies, hosting figures such as President Barack Obama and Senator Elizabeth Warren, and for commencement ceremonies for various Boston University schools. It served as a host site for the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament and the Hockey East championships.

Management and operations

The arena is owned and operated by Boston University, under the oversight of its Athletics Department. Day-to-day management and event booking are handled by an in-house events team, which also coordinates with external promoters like Live Nation and AEG Presents. Concessions and catering are provided by Aramark, featuring local offerings such as Samuel Adams beer. The facility maintains a partnership with the TD Garden for certain operational protocols and shares some staff resources. Security is coordinated with the Boston University Police Department and the Boston Police Department for major events.

In popular culture

The arena has served as a filming location for several feature films and television projects, leveraging its modern aesthetic and Boston setting. It notably stood in for a fictional concert venue in the Mark Wahlberg film *Patriots Day*. The facility was also featured in an episode of the reality competition series *The Amazing Race*, where teams completed a challenge on the arena floor. Its recognizable facade and interior have appeared in promotional materials for Boston University and in broadcasts by ESPN and NBC Sports during coverage of NCAA championships and Hockey East tournaments.

Category:Sports venues in Boston Category:Boston University Category:NCAA Division I ice hockey venues