Multi-Purpose Athletics Facility

Project Information

Square Feet

310, 000

Contractor

Suffolk Construction Co., Inc.

Northeastern University has announced plans to build a state-of-the-art athletics and recreation complex on the site of Matthews Arena in Boston. Unlike the current single-use Matthews Arena, this new facility will serve multiple functions simultaneously, hosting everything from Division I hockey and basketball games to student recreation, graduation ceremonies, and community events. The complex will feature a modern arena seating 4,050 for hockey and 5,300 for basketball, making it Northeastern’s largest indoor gathering space. The multi-story building will include dedicated practice courts for basketball teams, enhanced training facilities, and recreational spaces for all students, faculty, and staff. The facility is designed to elevate Northeastern’s varsity athletic programs while providing expanded recreational opportunities and serving as a community hub for the university and surrounding Boston neighborhoods. The project is pursuing net-zero carbon certification and will incorporate green initiatives like rainwater reuse, representing a significant investment in Northeastern’s future and continuing the university’s series of major infrastructure developments on its Boston campus.

Geothermal System Installation in Process and Future Plans

 The MAF will be an all-electric, fossil fuel free building through the use of ground and air source heat pump technology, heat recovery, solar power, and a geo-exchange system to heat and cool the facility.  During the summer of 2025, drilling will take place on most of the 46 (800′ deep) wells on the open space next to existing Matthews Arena. Eventually, the new facility with be built on top of these wells and drilling prior to demolition will save time and cost. The geo-exchange system will provide 80% of the annual heating and cooling load of the MAF.   

Geothermal Systems and Benefits