FAIRFIELD, Conn.–Less than seven months after the official groundbreaking, the last piece of steel was put into place at Sacred Heart University’s Martire Family Arena. Home to the school’s Division I hockey programs, club teams and nationally ranked figure skating team, the $70-million project is slated to open in January of 2023 when the men’s team takes on Boston College and the women face off against Harvard.
What has only been imagined through artist renderings is becoming reality with the addition of the final pieces of steel. The concourse from the East Building, at SHU’s West Campus where the success of the varsity hockey programs will be showcased, as well as the east entrance, from which SHU students will enter before they cheer on the Pioneers, are starting to form.
“With each passing day we get closer to opening what is sure to be one of the best collegiate skating facilities on the East Coast,” said Jim Barquinero, SHU senior vice president for enrollment, student affairs and athletics. “We are looking forward to the Pioneers lacing them up. This rink is for all of our athletes, past and present. We know the Martire Family Arena will serve as a cornerstone of the hockey and figure skating community, led by the Pioneers.”
Opening weekend will be a historic weekend at Sacred Heart featuring celebrations and events marking the first of many on-campus skating contests. The men’s team play the inaugural game against the Boston College Golden Eagles of the Hockey East Conference on January 14, 2023, and the women will skate against the Harvard Crimson of the ECAC the following day.
“Driving by the new arena almost every day to go to class, it’s pretty cool to see it start to take shape,” said Braeden Tuck, men’s hockey captain. “My teammates and I couldn’t be more excited to get into our new home in a little over a year and represent Sacred Heart hockey and all those who have come before us.”
Standing on the patio of the West Campus’ East Building—the best vantage point of an arena that will have a raucous college hockey atmosphere with NHL-level amenities—you can see the main concourse and seating bowl coming into form. There, Sacred Heart fans will be treated to the finest food and beverage offerings along with a pro shop to outfit them with all their Pioneer gear needs.
“I visit the construction site every week, and you can really see the progress,” said Tom O’Malley, women’s ice hockey head coach. “Our new arena is going to be a destination place and ultra-modern. With every day that we get closer to moving into the Martire Family Arena, the pure excitement steadily grows.”
The vision for the Martire Family Arena was originally unveiled to the public at the 2020 CT Ice tournament. The Pioneers are back to defend their title on January 29, starting with Quinnipiac at 7 p.m. Tickets are on sale now.
CJ Marottolo’s men’s squad has had great success early in the season. The New England hockey community took notice when the Pioneers went on the road to defeat #12 Boston University and then got a win and a tie at perennial power Maine.
“I was at the site last week and was able to stand exactly where center ice would be, and I looked up and said ‘wow’ this building is going to be absolutely incredible,” Marotollo said. “Our fans and our community are going to enjoy watching a hockey game in there. The sight lines will all be terrific, the closeness of the seats to the bowl to the ice will definitely let the fans feel the speed of the game and give them an intimate feel.”
The women’s team faced some steep competition early in its schedule, but has been rounding into form of late. The Pioneers are 3-0-1 in their last four contests just in time for the Nutmeg Cup, which pits the four Division I women’s programs in the state against each other, set for November 26-27 at UConn.
“It is exciting to finally have a place that we can officially call our own home—it feels like the start of a new era for the program,” said Kelly Solak, women’s senior captain. “It will be such a great place and atmosphere for the Sacred Heart community and families to come out and support our women’s and men’s teams.”
About Sacred Heart University Athletics
Sacred Heart University is home to 34 varsity sports and over 1,000 student-athletes. The Pioneers have captured 24 team championships the last two years with 8 NEC Commissioner’s Cups and 2 National Championships.