iturn0image0turn0image1turn0image2turn0image6BREAKING NEWS: Boston College Submits Plans for New 115,700-Square-Foot Athletic Field House on Shea Field
April 16, 2025 – Boston, MA — Boston College has officially submitted plans to the Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA) for a new 115,700-square-foot athletic field house on Shea Field in Brighton. This state-of-the-art facility aims to provide indoor practice and event space for the university’s football team and other varsity, club, and intramural sports teams, addressing the challenges posed by New England’s unpredictable weather.
Facility Features and Design
The proposed field house will feature an 86,700-square-foot synthetic turf surface, large enough to accommodate a full-size football field with a 20-foot run-off area on all sides. Additional amenities include an 11,625-square-foot weight room, strength and conditioning coaches’ offices, a first aid room, hydration stations, restrooms, and a large storage room. A welcoming lobby will be located at the main entrance, enhancing the facility’s accessibility and user experience.
Strategic Importance for Boston College Athletics
The new field house is part of Boston College’s broader $200 million investment in athletic facilities, which also includes new baseball, softball, and intramural fields on the Brighton Campus. Athletic Director Martin Jarmond emphasized that the facility will help BC athletics compete at the highest levels within the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) by providing a modern, year-round training environment. University President William V. Leahy, SJ, also expressed gratitude for the support that made this project possible, noting its long-term benefits for student-athletes.
Community Engagement and Environmental Considerations
The BPDA has scheduled a public hearing to discuss the proposed field house, allowing community members to provide input and express concerns. The project is designed to minimize environmental impact, incorporating sustainable building practices and stormwater management solutions. As part of the development, the existing baseball and softball fields will be relocated to new facilities on the Brighton Campus, ensuring continued access to quality playing fields for all student-athletes.
Looking Ahead
If approved, construction of the field house is expected to begin in the coming months, with completion anticipated in time for the 2026 athletic season. This development marks a significant milestone in Boston College’s commitment to enhancing its athletic programs and providing student-athletes with the resources they need to succeed.
For more information on the project and upcoming public hearings, visit the BPDA’s official website at https://www.boston.gov/public-notices/18491.