Matthews Arena

Matthews Arena. Located on the campus of Northeastern University in Boston, it is the oldest multi-purpose athletic building still in use for hockey in the world. The venue has served as the home for numerous professional and collegiate teams over its long history, most notably as the original home of the Boston Bruins and the Boston Celtics. Its enduring legacy is cemented by its continuous operation and central role in the development of ice hockey and basketball in New England.

History

The facility originally opened in 1910 as the Boston Arena, conceived as a public skating and event venue for the city. It quickly became a hub for early professional hockey, hosting teams in leagues like the American Amateur Hockey League and the United States Amateur Hockey Association. In 1924, the newly formed Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League began play there, making it the first American home for an NHL franchise. The building was acquired by Northeastern University in 1979, saving it from potential demolition, and was renamed in 1982 after a generous donation from the family of George J. Matthews, a prominent university trustee and benefactor. This acquisition ensured its preservation and continued use as a vital collegiate athletic facility.

Architecture and features

The structure is a classic example of early 20th-century arena design, with a steel-truss roof system that creates a clear-span interior, a revolutionary feature at the time of its construction. Its brick exterior and utilitarian design are characteristic of the period. The interior bowl is intimate, with steeply pitched seating that brings spectators close to the action. Key features include the original, though heavily refurbished, hockey ice sheet and a main concourse that displays historical memorabilia celebrating the building's storied past. The venue also houses auxiliary spaces for team facilities, concessions, and university events, blending historical charm with modern functionality.

Notable events

Beyond hosting the early games of the Boston Bruins and Boston Celtics, the arena has been the site of numerous historic moments. It was the venue for the first NBA Finals game in 1947, when the Celtics were part of the Basketball Association of America. The building has hosted multiple NCAA Men's Ice Hockey Championship regional tournaments and Beanpot tournament games, a beloved annual competition between Boston-area colleges. It was also the first home of the New England Whalers of the World Hockey Association. Numerous concerts, political rallies, and community events have been held within its walls, including speeches by figures like John F. Kennedy.

Tenants and usage

The primary tenant is the Northeastern Huskies men's and women's ice hockey teams, who compete in the Hockey East association. The women's basketball team also uses the facility for its home games. It has served as the home rink for professional women's hockey teams, including the Boston Pride of the Premier Hockey Federation and the Boston Blades of the Canadian Women's Hockey League. The arena is a busy multi-purpose venue, hosting university commencements, concerts, intramural sports, and local high school championships. Its central role in the athletic and cultural life of Northeastern University and the surrounding Fenway-Kenmore neighborhood remains paramount.

Renovations and upgrades

Major renovations occurred after Northeastern University purchased the building in 1979, which included critical structural repairs and updates to basic amenities. A significant overhaul in 1995 expanded concourses, added new seating, and modernized locker rooms. The most comprehensive renovation was completed in 2009, which included the installation of a new ice plant and dasher boards, upgraded lighting and sound systems, new scoreboards with video capability, and improvements to accessibility in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. These projects have carefully balanced the preservation of the arena's historic character with the need to meet contemporary standards for safety, comfort, and technology.

Category:Sports venues in Boston Category:Northeastern University Category:National Historic Landmarks in Massachusetts