Bentley has announced plans for a new, on-campus multipurpose arena that will serve as a 2,000-seat venue for the Falcons’ men’s hockey team.
The arena, part of the school’s 10-year capital plan to modernize and expand the Waltham, Mass., campus, will be able to expand to 3,400 seats for large-scale events like concerts, seminars and guest speakers.
Construction is scheduled to begin this fall, with an opening expected in early 2018.
Bentley has played at the John A. Ryan Arena in Watertown, Mass., since 1977.
“I am grateful to the board, our president, leadership team and the many others involved for all their hard work and commitment to this project,” Falcons coach Ryan Soderqust said in a news release. “As the hockey coach, it is a dream come true for me and clearly demonstrates the commitment to and excitement around our evolving Division I hockey program. The new venue pays tribute to all who have played for Bentley, the current team, and it will help us attract talented student-athletes to one of the top universities in the country.”
The arena is scheduled to include an equipment room, weight room and sports medicine center for the Bentley hockey team.
An upper lobby will have a concourse where fans can gather before and after events and during intermissions.
The school had been evaluating sites for a new arena since last year.
