The historical Matthews Arena, a cornerstone of Northeastern University’s Boston campus for over a century, is set to undergo an extensive transformation beginning this winter. This 106,000-square-foot structure, which can accommodate nearly 5,000 spectators and is located adjacent to an MBTA station, will soon be dismantled to make room for a state-of-the-art multi-purpose athletics and recreation complex.
Suffolk Construction, the contractor hired for the project, will initiate a meticulous deconstruction process using a high-reach excavator. The approach is designed to preserve key elements of the arena while minimizing disruption to the densely populated area surrounding the university. “It’s a very surgical procedure,” explained Ben Carawan, Suffolk’s project executive. “We want to be a good neighbor and ensure that our work is completed safely and thoughtfully in consideration of those nearby.”
Matthews Arena isn’t just a sports hub; it is surrounded by local theaters, a parking garage, and an additional college, making careful planning crucial to avoid interference with daily life in the community. The deconstruction will commence with salvaging items such as seats and the basketball court floor. This initial phase will begin following the last game on December 13, after which all personnel currently working at the arena will be relocated.
Northeastern University has partnered with CollectU, a memorabilia salvaging company, to identify and retrieve items that hold sentimental value for fans. From December 15 to January 5, CollectU will dismantle various elements, including banners and seating, and will divide the basketball court into sections for future sale. Already, some memorabilia, including seats and bricks, are available for purchase, while additional salvaged pieces will be sold over the next three years.
Suffolk’s deconstruction process is set to officially begin in February and is projected to last approximately three months. The first significant task will be to salvage the historic arch, built in 1910, which will be preserved for use in the new facility. Carawan emphasized that the building will be taken down in a controlled manner using specialized equipment, ensuring the safety of the public and construction teams alike.
To safeguard the community during this phase, a construction fence will enclose the site, complemented by a navy blue scrim to minimize dust. Concrete barriers will also be erected to keep pedestrian traffic separate from construction vehicles, with police present to manage the site.
Coordination with various city departments has become a critical aspect of the plan, as Boston’s dense environment presents unique challenges. The university routinely employs police details to oversee construction activities and maintain pedestrian safety.
Material recycling is a fundamental component of the project. The structural steel, bricks, and concrete will be sent to recycling facilities, with concrete being repurposed for future construction endeavors. “As one of the top green builders in the country, it’s really important for us that we align our goals with the university’s sustainability approach,” asserted Carawan.
Following the dismantling of Matthews Arena, work on the foundation and structural steel for the new complex will commence immediately. The ambitious project, which is expected to serve a dual purpose as both an athletic and recreation center, will span 310,000 square feet over the arena’s former two-acre footprint. Anticipated completion is targeted for fall 2028, pending necessary permits, with plans to accommodate 4,050 spectators for hockey events and 5,300 for basketball games.
As preparations begin to bid farewell to this century-old venue, the university and Suffolk Construction are dedicated to honoring the building’s legacy while looking forward to a modern facility that will continue to serve the Northeastern community and its vibrant surroundings.
