Here stands a testament to Boston College’s spirit. This is the Silvio O. Conte Forum. Commonly called Conte Forum, Kelley Rink, or simply Conte, it’s more than just an arena. It’s a hub of activity and tradition.
Conte Forum opened in 1988. It quickly became home to the Boston College Eagles. Both the men’s and women’s basketball and ice hockey teams play here. The Boston College Marching Band also calls Conte Forum home.
The arena seats 8,606 for basketball games. For hockey, it holds 7,884 fans. This multi-purpose facility is the largest indoor venue on campus. It hosts many university events. Conferences, debates, and even commencement exercises take place here when the weather is bad.
Conte Forum is named for Silvio O. Conte. He was a former United States congressman and a Boston College alumnus. The ice rink inside is named for John “Snooks” Kelley. He was a long-time BC hockey coach. During hockey games, the entire arena is often called “Kelley Rink”.
Before Conte Forum, BC basketball played at Roberts Center. It was located near Alumni Stadium. When games were expected to draw a large crowd, they were moved to Boston Garden. The hockey teams played at McHugh Forum. Conte Forum was built on the site of McHugh Forum.
Conte Forum also hosts “Pops-on-the-Heights”. This annual gala concert features the Boston Pops Orchestra. It raises money for BC’s academic scholarship fund. They raise over $1.5 million each year. Since 2008, Conte Forum has hosted the Boston College AHANA Leadership Council Showdown. It is a dance competition between BC’s dance and cultural organizations.
Many concerts have rocked Conte Forum. Akon, Third Eye Blind, and Kanye West have all performed here. Will Ferrell’s Funny or Die Comedy Tour also made a stop here. In 2014, Conte Forum hosted Boston mayor Marty Walsh’s inauguration.
The arena was considered for the 2024 Summer Olympics. It was a potential venue for wrestling and judo. Boston eventually withdrew the bid.
Step inside Conte Forum. You will see banners hanging from the rafters. They celebrate the Eagles’ national championships. Look for the banners from 1949, 2001, and 2008. These were the years that the Eagles won the national hockey title.
Conte Forum stands as a symbol of Boston College’s athletic and community spirit. It’s a place where memories are made. It is a place where the Eagles soar.