STV is serving as owner’s project manager for Northeastern University’s new multipurpose arena, a landmark investment that will replace historic Matthews Arena on a dense, active urban campus in Boston. From preliminary design through construction closeout, STV is guiding preconstruction planning, design coordination, budgeting, scheduling, estimating, construction administration and stakeholder alignment. The result will be a modern, flexible destination that strengthens varsity athletics, expands student recreation and supports major university events for years to come.
Planned as a 310,000-square-foot complex spanning the full two-acre Matthews Arena site, the new facility is designed to become Northeastern’s largest indoor gathering space. With seating for approximately 4,050 hockey spectators and 5,300 basketball spectators, it will host Division I competition, ceremonies and major campus events while also expanding recreation and fitness opportunities for students. The project creates a versatile venue that supports athletics, club sports, recreation and community programming – all within one high-performing campus asset.
What challenges is STV addressing?
Replacing a historic, heavily used arena in the middle of an active urban campus demands precise planning and coordination. STV is helping Northeastern manage complex logistics tied to demolition, construction phasing, activity relocation and ongoing campus operations, while balancing the legacy of Matthews Arena with the performance and flexibility expected of a next-generation multipurpose venue.
What solutions is STV delivering?
STV is delivering comprehensive owner’s project management services from early planning through closeout, helping keep design, budget, schedule and campus coordination aligned at every stage. By leading preconstruction planning, design management, estimating, cost control, construction administration and change management, STV is helping Northeastern advance a complex program with confidence while minimizing disruption to students, faculty, athletics and surrounding neighbors.
How will the project benefit the campus community?
The new complex will serve a broader mix of users by bringing varsity athletics, student recreation, club sports, ceremonies and major events together in one flexible venue. Public plans emphasize expanded recreation and fitness space for students, alongside a modern gathering place that can support multiple activities simultaneously. By replacing Matthews Arena, Northeastern is modernizing a signature campus asset and creating a dynamic destination for the university and the surrounding Boston community.
Key stats and accolades
- 310,000-sf facility
- Replaces historic Matthews Arena, one of the oldest operating ice arenas in the United States
- Seating for approximately 4,050 for ice hockey and 5,300 for basketball
- Designed as Northeastern’s largest indoor gathering space for athletics, recreation, ceremonies and major events
- Adds multipurpose recreation and fitness space to support students, club sports and community programming
Image Credit: Perkins and Will.
