History is Built Brick by Brick
Before the TD Garden’s parquet floor and Flying Goal statue became unmistakable symbols of Boston sports, there was an archway that stood on St. Botolph Street.
For more than 115 years, visitors entered Matthews Arena, originally Boston Arena, through its distinctive Art Nouveau archway. The building opened in 1910 and served as a venue for athletics, political rallies, and concerts, as well as the original home of the Boston Bruins and the Boston Celtics. While both professional teams went on to relocate to the Boston Garden (now TD Garden), close ties remain between Celtics and Bruins leadership and Northeastern, who purchased the arena in 1979 and bestowed the name Matthews in honor of former chairman of the Board of Trustees George Matthews.
In 2025, structural issues led to the difficult decision to close Matthews, then the world’s oldest operating ice rink and multi-purpose athletic building. But prior to the historic venue’s demolition, a number of foundational bricks were preserved to commemorate the impact that the building had on thousands of fans and members of the Boston community.
Northeastern Executive Director of Advancement Global Engagement Jack McCorkle and Director of Athletics and Recreation Jim Madigan recently presented two of these commemorative bricks to Bruins and Celtics leaders during a small ceremony held at the team offices on Tuesday, June 9.
“We are proud to continue sharing a deep connection with Northeastern University, with many alumni appearing on our roster, coaching staff and within our front office through the years,” Boston Bruins CEO & Alternate Governor Charlie Jacobs said during the presentation. “Matthews Arena and Northeastern have played a vital role in growing our beloved game across the region, and we are honored to have been even a small part of the history of this iconic venue.”
The Bruins Take the Ice
Long before they were selling out the Garden on a nightly basis, the Boston Bruins were looking for a rink to call home after being the first American team to join the National Hockey League. In 1924, they began playing at the Boston Arena and immediately made their mark on hockey history.
“Matthews Arena will forever hold a special place in Boston Bruins history, serving as the team’s first home and hosting the first-ever National Hockey League game in the United States, a 2–1 victory for the Bruins,” said Jacobs.
While presenting the brick to Jacobs, Madigan reflected on the ongoing relationship between the two Boston hockey institutions. “There’s a strong connection to you and your family, and you have been tremendous pillars of success for the organization and a part of the Boston community.”
Legends are Born on the Court
The Celtics connection with Matthews Arena is one of the more remarkable, albeit quiet, chapters in the team’s history. After the franchise was founded in 1946, they found a home court in Boston Arena, where they would play for nine years. This initial landing spot had a cascading effect on the franchise, while revealing hints of the Boston sports glory that was to come.
The Celtics dynasty began on the hardwood at Matthews Arena, where Bob Cousy spent his formative professional basketball years and the Celtics developed a game strategy under legendary head coach and executive Red Auerbach that would lead them to their first title. The team would go on to win more NBA titles than any other franchise in basketball history, with Matthews serving as the original backdrop.
“We have a strong connection to the Celtics with our captain and their captain, Reggie Lewis,” said Madigan. Lewis, who has a banner hanging at Northeastern to celebrate his school record for points, went on to become one of the most revered Celtics players in the team’s history. His life was tragically cut short at the youthful age of 27, with his public viewing and funeral being held at Matthews. “Reggie represented both organizations with a lot of pride and professionalism,” recalls Madigan.
Bricklaying History
What made Matthews Arena special was that in addition to being the first home for two of Boston’s most storied sports teams, it was a setting for historic moments for 115 years. “Matthews Arena will always be remembered as a classic multipurpose facility,” noted Twiss. “Other than the Celtics and Bruins calling it home, Northeastern men’s and women’s teams played there, political speeches, concerts, track meets, and graduations were held there,” he said.
“Matthews Arena not only had an impact on the sports world in the city of Boston, but also in other areas of business and recreation throughout its proud history.”
Following the final puck drop at Matthews on December 13, 2025, Huskies supporters are now eagerly awaiting the site’s next chapter. Work is already underway on the new state-of-the-art, multi-purpose athletics and recreation complex that will become Northeastern’s largest indoor gathering space. The 310,000 square foot fossil-fuel-free facility will include Division 1 athletics arena and training facilities that will elevate Northeastern’s varsity athletic programs, ushering in a new chapter of glory on this hallowed ground. But there will be no “out with the old, in with the new”—the iconic Matthews Arena arch has been preserved, and will continue to be a gateway for the Boston sports community for generations to come.