Northeastern exploring alternatives to Matthews Arena, world's oldest hockey rink

[mookie1995]

ok, mookie finally clicked on the link to see a pix. doesn't look futuristic.....looks like the daughter of the crusty crab owner what's her name?

[Split-N]

ok, mookie finally clicked on the link to see a pix. doesn't look futuristic.....looks like the daughter of the crusty crab owner what's her name?

Her name is Pearl! And it's Krusty Krab (Ks...not Cs). BTW, word is bubbling up that the very wealthy Mr. Krabs is considering buying naming rights to the new arena: "The Pearlie Gates," in honor of his beloved daughter.

[fahey4prez]

I really don't care if the exterior resembles an oversize HP printer or the Taj Mahal. I'm much more concerned about the inside. Specifically--

• Presumably, the new building includes a practice rink. If not, I might have grave reservations about contributing to the inevitable fundraising campaign.

Very interested in what JM might have to say during his upcoming Zoom.

I too expected an additional sheet of ice to be part of this project, but from what I have seen and heard it doesn’t sound promising. I could be way off, but you’d think it would have to be a necessity.

And, outside is still ugly.

[mookie1995]

Her name is Pearl! And it's Krusty Krab (Ks...not Cs). BTW, word is bubbling up that the very wealthy Mr. Krabs is considering buying naming rights to the new arena: "The Pearlie Gates," in honor of his beloved daughter.

Awesome

[Chuck Murray]

The HP Deskjet Arena at the Pearlie Gates on Gainsborough kinda rolls off the tongue ...

[Sean Pickett]

I just viewed the NU presentation and looked at the arena plans available at the Boston planning website. It appears NU only has a temporary occupancy permit that expires in October 2025 which was issued after the west wall was buttrissed with additional support beams.

They also clearly were not planning to replace Matthews until they surveyed it for their planned addtion to the west end. However that revealed the decaying state of Matthews, especially the west wall.

As for the new arena, it appears it will much closer to the Case Center than Agganis Arena. The top 2 floors will be for student recreation, while the bottom 3 are for the arena (with the 4th floor for mechanics and the arena rafters).

They also confirmed one ice surface, to be shared by both basketball and hockey teams for games. However the basketball teams will be able to practice above the arena. I assume the bb courts will be open to students when not being used for practice.

Overall it looks like a decent arena, but not one to put NU among the elite programs. However, the plans show and say nothing able the quality of the team facilities, fan anemities/concessions, video screens/ribbons, etc. So it is quite possible it could still be a great arena.

Sean Pickett

[coach_alex]

The BC Wanderers wandered for two seasons: 1986-87 and 1987-88. In 86-87 they played both 'home' games vs BU at the Garden, but in 87-88 they played their lone 'home game' vs BU at Matthew's. Here is where they played those seasons:
1986-87
10 Walter Brown (including 2 NCAA games)
4 Matthews (including exhibition vs Moscow-Spartak)
3 Bright
2 Garden (both vs BU)
1987-88
9 Walter Brown (including exhibition vs Team USA)
3 Matthews (including game vs BU)
3 Bright
2-year totals
19 Walter Brown
7 Matthew's
6 Bright
2 Garden

For NU the best option might be at a renovated Walter Brown (I find it highly unlikely NU can start work before WBA is renovated). BU might even be willing to have their women practice and play at Agganis while both NU teams practice and play at WBA, making scheduling much easier. A second option might be both men's teams using Agganis and both women's teams using WBA.

Using Conte is likely a non-starter, what with BC needing it for 4 teams already. Bright-Landry is the only other realist option. The TD Garden is a non-starter for practice, and probably too expensive for games, as well as having scheduling issues.

Sean

Warrior Arena would be much better than Walter Brown for the women. It's smaller, but much nicer and wayyyy less BU branded, LOL. And now the women's pro league has relocated to Tsongas, Warrior should have open dates. They could probably practice there, too, have their own locker rooms, etc.

[Split-N]

...As for the new arena, it appears it will much closer to the Case Center than Agganis Arena. The top 2 floors will be for student recreation, while the bottom 3 are for the arena (with the 4th floor for mechanics and the arena rafters).They also confirmed one ice surface, to be shared by both basketball and hockey teams for games. However, the basketball teams will be able to practice above the arena...

Updated presentation: 20240820_BCDC NEU IMP 262 ST BOTOLPH FINAL PRESENTATION .pdf | Powered by Box

I've been following NU athletics for more years than I want to count and find myself disappointed at the seating capacity for hockey (4K) and the fact that there is no apparent provision for a practice rink, meaning NU players will apparently continue to be bused around to other venues when the ice is not available. Not a good selling point for blue-chip recruits. OTOH, it's better than what we presently have (minus the history). At least it's better than the 2,500-seat bandbox UConn built.

Also disappointed that the scope of the project does not include the ancient adjacent parking garage and the stub of Gainsborough St. If they want to host non-athletic events (concerts, etc.) at the new facility, it seems a new, upgraded parking facility will also be needed. Not everyone is able to ride a bicycle.

Wondering if the scope and footprint size were limited out of deference to political realities and myriad interest groups.

[Sean Pickett]

Updated presentation: 20240820_BCDC NEU IMP 262 ST BOTOLPH FINAL PRESENTATION .pdf | Powered by Box

Also disappointed that the scope of the project does not include the ancient adjacent parking garage and the stub of Gainsborough St.

The 29 July presentation is much better. It also shows that the Gainsborough Garage is included in the updated IMP. Unfortunately, NU is proposing the new building to replace it will be an Academic building.

Sean