Frozen in time. That’s how Walter Brown Arena feels. A relic of Boston’s vibrant hockey history. It stands quietly on Babcock Street. A simple brick building. Yet within its walls lies a legacy. A legacy woven from thrilling victories and heartbreaking defeats.
Walter Brown Arena opened in 1971. It’s named for a legendary figure. Walter A Brown owned the Boston Celtics. He also led the Boston Bruins. He was instrumental in the growth of Boston sports. The arena is part of a larger complex. It shares space with Case Gym. It sits on the former site of Braves Field. A baseball stadium where the Boston Braves once played.
For decades Walter Brown Arena was home to the Boston University Terriers men’s ice hockey team. They celebrated four NCAA championships within its walls. But the arena is also known for a tragic event. In 1995 freshman Travis Roy suffered a devastating injury. He broke his neck during his first collegiate shift. His jersey number 24 was retired. It stands as a poignant reminder of the risks in sports.
Today Walter Brown Arena is primarily used by the Boston University Terriers women’s ice hockey team. It is one of the few on-campus venues dedicated solely to women’s hockey. The arena is undergoing a major renovation. The changes are expected to greatly improve the experience for players and fans. A new locker room team lounge and coaches’ offices are planned. A new videoboard will enhance the fan experience.
The arena hosted the first rounds of the America East Conference men’s basketball tournaments in 2003 and 2004. It also serves as a practice rink. It is used by the Boston University figure skating team. The BU men’s hockey team returned to the arena for a regular season game in December 2022. It was their first game with fans since 2005.
So stand here. Feel the weight of history. Hear the echoes of cheers and skates on ice. Remember the triumphs and the tragedies. This is Walter Brown Arena. A place where memories are made. A place where legends live on.