Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell

Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell is a multi-purpose arena located in Lowell, Massachusetts, and is part of the University of Massachusetts Lowell campus. The center is named after Paul Tsongas, a former United States Senator from Massachusetts, and United States Representative who served from 1975 to 1979. The arena hosts various events, including concerts, sports games, and conferences, and is home to the UMass Lowell River Hawks ice hockey team, which competes in the Hockey East conference. The center has also hosted events featuring notable performers such as Elton John, Bruce Springsteen, and Lady Gaga, as well as NCAA ice hockey tournaments, including the NCAA Men's Ice Hockey Championship.

● History

The Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell was opened in 1998 and has since become a major venue for events in the Merrimack Valley region. The center was built on the site of the former St. Joseph's Hospital (Lowell, Massachusetts), and its construction was made possible through a combination of public and private funding, including support from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the University of Massachusetts Lowell. The center has hosted a wide range of events over the years, including concerts by Aerosmith, The Rolling Stones, and Taylor Swift, as well as sports games featuring teams such as the Boston Bruins, Boston Celtics, and New England Patriots. The center has also been the site of various conferences and meetings, including events hosted by the University of Massachusetts Lowell, Middlesex Community College, and the Lowell Chamber of Commerce.

● Location and Facilities

The Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell is located in the heart of Lowell, Massachusetts, within walking distance of the Merrimack River and the Lowell National Historical Park. The center is situated near several major highways, including Interstate 93 and Route 3, making it easily accessible by car. The center is also served by the Lowell Regional Transit Authority and is within walking distance of the Lowell Train Station, which provides access to Boston and other nearby cities via the MBTA Commuter Rail. The center features a variety of amenities, including a concession stand operated by Sodexo, a gift shop selling UMass Lowell River Hawks merchandise, and a restaurant called the Tsongas Center Club, which offers dining options for events and conferences.

● Events and Tenants

The Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell hosts a wide range of events throughout the year, including concerts, sports games, and conferences. The center is home to the UMass Lowell River Hawks ice hockey team, which competes in the Hockey East conference against teams such as the Boston College Eagles, Boston University Terriers, and University of New Hampshire Wildcats. The center has also hosted events featuring notable performers such as Kenny Chesney, Carrie Underwood, and Jay-Z, as well as mixed martial arts events and professional wrestling matches. The center has been the site of various conferences and meetings, including events hosted by the University of Massachusetts Lowell, MIT, and the Harvard University.

● Seating and Configuration

The Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell has a seating capacity of 6,496 for ice hockey games and 7,800 for concerts and other events. The center features a variety of seating options, including luxury suites and club seats, as well as concourse seating and floor seats. The center's seating configuration can be adjusted to accommodate different types of events, including concerts, sports games, and conferences. The center has hosted events featuring theatre-style seating and general admission seating, and has also been configured to accommodate trade shows and exhibitions.

● Renovations and Upgrades

The Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell has undergone several renovations and upgrades since its opening in 1998. In 2010, the center underwent a major renovation, which included the installation of a new ice rink and the upgrade of the center's sound system and lighting system. The center has also undergone upgrades to its concession stands and restrooms, and has added new amenities such as a restaurant and a gift shop. The center has been recognized for its commitment to sustainability, and has implemented various initiatives to reduce its energy consumption and waste management. The center has also been certified by the International Association of Venue Managers and the National Association of Ticket Brokers.

Category:Indoor ice hockey venues in the United States