115-Year-Old Arena Where Babe Ruth Shockingly Played Hockey Is Closing—Find Out Why!

After more than a century of remarkable history, Matthews Arena is set to close its doors this week. This storied venue, older than Fenway Park and the Boston Gardens, has been a cornerstone of Boston's sports, politics, music, and culture since it first opened as Boston Arena on April 16, 1910. On Saturday night, the Northeastern University Huskies will face off against their traditional rivals, the Boston University Terriers, in a final hockey showdown, marking the end of an era for this iconic building.

Now owned by Northeastern University, Matthews Arena has been home to numerous significant events and personalities. According to Hockey Hall of Famer David Poile, "It’ll be bigger and greater," referring to the planned multipurpose arena and recreation center that will replace it. "But for those of us that were lucky enough to play there, we’ll always have those memories."

The arena served as the original home of the Boston Bruins and hosted the first game of the Boston Celtics, laying the groundwork for the team’s famous parquet floor. Over the years, it welcomed both President Franklin D. Roosevelt and President Theodore Roosevelt, along with other notable figures like President Herbert Hoover, and future presidents such as Dwight D. Eisenhower and John F. Kennedy. The venue also celebrated the achievements of aviators Charles Lindbergh and Amelia Earhart while hosting performances by legendary artists, including Marvin Gaye, the Supremes, Chubby Checker, and Bob Dylan.

Despite showing signs of age, with peeling paint and crumbling bricks, Matthews Arena maintained its status as "the largest, most complete and most elaborate temple erected for the devotees of sport in the world," according to promotional materials. Michigan State basketball coach Tom Izzo, who brought his team to play at the arena in 2015, fondly recalled, "I like to be in places where men were men and basketball was basketball." He cherished the intimate atmosphere where players often found themselves diving into the crowd.

From Boston Arena to Matthews

Originally designed for skating exhibitions, curling, horse shows, and track meets, the arena's focus shifted to ice hockey following a fire that destroyed the original structure in 1918. The Boston Bruins called it home until the original Boston Garden opened in 1928. Before the franchise moved south, the New England Whalers of the World Hockey Association shared the ice with local college teams.

When hockey became a varsity sport in 1929, Northeastern University moved into the arena, later purchasing it in 1979. For a brief period, it was known as Northeastern Arena before being renamed in honor of George Matthews, the university’s former chairman. A significant renovation in 1995 expanded the ice sheet to 200 by 90 feet, and for its centennial in 2010, the arena received updates including a new roof and video scoreboard, while still preserving its historic Victorian foyer.

A Final Farewell

As the arena bids farewell, Northeastern has held a series of commemorative events. During the last men’s basketball game on November 15, 2023, alumni gathered to pay tribute. Hall of Famer Keith Motley expressed gratitude for a century of support and the players who contributed to the arena’s legacy. "I stand before you today, in a place that is steeped in history," he remarked.

The Huskies' women’s hockey team also had a special send-off on December 6, featuring Olympic alumni who once graced the ice. The final men’s hockey game on Saturday promises to be a heartfelt conclusion to Matthews Arena’s storied history.

As Poile reflects on his time at Matthews, he recalls how he didn’t appreciate its historical significance as a freshman in 1967. "When I played there and then, of course, after, it always has grown on me," he stated. Poile will participate in the final game ceremony, recognizing the memories that the arena has created for so many, both in hockey and in life.

Matthews Arena's closing marks the end of an era, but its legacy will remain ingrained in the hearts of those who played, performed, and gathered within its walls. As a new multipurpose venue rises, the memories of the past will undoubtedly echo through the future of sports in Boston.