Key Highlights
- Suffolk Construction will begin dismantling Matthews Arena in February 2026.
- The process of deconstruction is described as “very surgical” to preserve artifacts and minimize disruption.
- Items such as seats, basketball court floor, and historic arch from 1910 are planned for preservation or reuse.
- The new arena will be a multi-purpose complex spanning 310,000 square feet with capacity for up to 5,300 fans for basketball games.
Planning and Preparation for the Demolition
The deconstruction of Matthews Arena at Northeastern University in Boston is set to begin this winter. Suffolk Construction, the contracted firm, will start dismantling the arena in February 2026. This project is crucial as it paves the way for a new multi-purpose athletics and recreation complex.
Methodical Dismantling Process
The demolition process will be carefully executed to ensure minimal disruption to the surrounding community. Ben Carawan, Suffolk Construction’s project executive, emphasized that the procedure would be “very surgical.” The arena, which has stood for 115 years and holds nearly 5,000 people, is situated in a densely populated area near subway stations and other local facilities.
Carawan explained, “We really kind of pick away at the building. We all work together to ensure the scope of work is done safely and in thought of our surrounding neighbors.” The process will involve a high-reach excavator to carefully dismantle sections of the structure while preserving materials for recycling or reuse.
Preserving Artifacts and Historical Elements
Key artifacts from Matthews Arena, including the historic 1910 arch, are slated for preservation. Additionally, items such as seats and portions of the basketball court floor will be salvaged. According to Carla Morelli, a director of capital projects in Northeastern’s Planning, Real Estate and Facilities department, “We’re being very deliberate.
People feel very emotional about this building … so we’re trying to do the most respectful job we can.”
CollectU, a university memorabilia salvaging company, will work on collecting items like banners from the rafters between December 15 and January 5, 2026. Some memorabilia will be sold by the university over the next three years until the new arena opens.
Community Considerations
The location of Matthews Arena in a densely populated area required special considerations. Suffolk Construction collaborated with Northeastern University, the city of Boston, and an engineering firm to develop a plan that minimizes disruption. The site will be surrounded by a construction fence with a navy blue scrim to protect dust from spreading during demolition.
Jeremy Munn, an architecture lecturer at Northeastern who previously worked on projects in Oakland and Boston, noted the challenges of working in such a dense location. He stated, “There’s lots of coordination at the state level, at the city level.” The university works with multiple Boston city departments to ensure noise levels, public safety, utilities, and roadways are all protected during construction.
Future Plans for the New Arena
The new arena is expected to be completed around fall 2028. It will span across two acres and accommodate up to 4,050 fans for hockey games and 5,300 for basketball games. The complex will serve as a multi-purpose athletic and recreation center, enhancing the sports facilities at Northeastern University.
Carawan highlighted Suffolk Construction’s commitment to sustainability, stating, “As one of the top green builders in the country, it’s really important for us that we live up to our mission and align our goals with the university’s sustainability approach.” The company plans to recycle as much material from Matthews Arena as possible, using structural steel trusses and columns, bricks, and concrete for other projects.
With careful planning and execution, the deconstruction of Matthews Arena will ensure the preservation of historical elements while paving the way for a state-of-the-art facility that will benefit Northeastern’s students and community.