A Farewell to Matthews Arena
A Final Celebration of Legendary Moments
As we prepare to say farewell to Matthews Arena, we celebrate the extraordinary legacy of the world’s oldest multipurpose athletic building and home to the world’s oldest artificial ice sheet. For more than 115 years, this iconic venue has served as the beating heart of Boston sports, entertainment, and community.
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A History of Matthews Arena
Widely known as the Boston Arena, Matthews Arena is one of the bastions of the country’s sporting history and a spectator’s dream for live athletic contests.
It’s the Whole Atmosphere: Cam Lund
A Dream Come True: Aidan McDonough, DMSB'23
This is What I Signed Up For: Jordan Harris, S'23
There's So Much History Here: Jack Williams
A Legendary Arena of Sport Since 1910
When Matthews Arena opened in 1910, it set the standard as “the largest, most complete, and most elaborate [arena] erected for the devotees of sport in the world.” Over a century later, that spirit of excellence endures.
Matthews Arena is the birthplace of some of Boston’s greatest sporting traditions:
- The Boston Bruins won their first home game here in 1924
- The Boston Celtics tipped off their inaugural game on this floor in 1946
- The legendary Beanpot Tournament was born within these walls
- Collegiate hockey powerhouses at Boston College, Boston University, Harvard, MIT, Tufts, and Northeastern all trace their roots to Matthews
April 16, 1910: Boston Arena opens
April 27, 1912: Theodore Roosevelt presidential rally
Dec. 1, 1924: First Bruins hockey game
Oct. 15, 1926: Arena Balcony opens
Icons Who Walked These Halls
This storied venue has hosted an unparalleled roster of greatness:
- Boxing legends Jack Dempsey, Gene Tunney, and Joe Louis
- Olympic champions Sonja Henie, Nancy Kerrigan, Paul Wylie, and Scott Hamilton
- Baseball’s Babe Ruth, who played in hockey scrimmages here in the off season
- Presidents Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and John F. Kennedy
- Musical pioneers from Marvin Gaye and the Supremes to Bob Dylan and Phish
July 22, 1927: Charles Lindbergh reception
July 9, 1928: Amelia Earhart reception
Jan. 17, 1930: First Northeastern men’s hockey game
Feb. 12, 1930: Skating Club of Boston features Sonja Henie
Oct. 31, 1932: Franklin D. Roosevelt presidential rally
A Survivor’s Story
Through two devastating fires, countless renovations, and more than a century of transformation, Matthews Arena has endured. It has served as more than a sports venue—it’s been a gathering place for graduations, concerts, memorial services including Boston Celtics star Reggie Lewis, CSSH’87, and moments that defined our community.
Sept. 3, 1946: John F. Kennedy appears at veterans rally with Admiral Chester Nimitz
Nov. 5, 1946: Boston Celtics first home game
Dec. 26, 1952: First men’s Beanpot hockey game
May 4, 1958: Jerry Lee Lewis concert
March 16, 1979: First women’s Beanpot hockey game
Oct. 4, 1979: Northeastern purchases arena
Nov. 14, 1982: Dedication of George J. and Hope M. Matthews Arena
Aug. 2, 1993: Reggie Lewis funeral service
Nov. 3, 1995: Rededication of Arena with a renovated ice surface, the largest playing surface in Boston
Sept. 26, 2009: Women’s hockey opens newly renovated arena with exhibition game.
April 10, 2009: Renovations marked the Arena’s 100th anniversary—modernizing facilities and preserving it’s historical character
Jan. 5, 2019: Debut of 50-foot videoboard
One Last Time
Before we close this chapter, experience the magic one final time. Walk the Victorian lobbies that welcomed generations of champions. Stand where legends stood. Feel the history in every corner of this remarkable building.
Matthews Arena—with all its character, history, and soul—deserves a proper farewell.