Search for Bogan Arena’s Architect is Underway

By Annie Renz 

Bogan Arena’s construction is catching the attention of companies from across the country as Stonehill College continues the prep work for this innovative project.  

“This will be, when it’s built, the largest building on campus,” said Director of Athletics Dean O’Keefe. “Part of the important thing is to hire a good group of architects and a construction firm that has done this level of project because it is pretty complex.” 

O’Keefe said the target date to open the facility is Fall 2028, just in time for hockey season.  

Construction for a building of this size needs about 16 months of work. O’Keefe said the College hopes to start construction in May 2027.  

Until then, Stonehill will continue to raise money and work on building design.   

“It’s an in-depth process to design the building, to work on pricing, to get all the proper approvals from the town [Easton],” said O’Keefe. “That will take quite some time, which is why we need to hire someone and get that going this year.” 

O’Keefe said the College has narrowed down construction companies to a short list and hopes to select an architect in the near future. 

Fundraising continues for the Bogan Arena, which is expected to cost $65 million. O’Keefe said a combination of that money and college investment will be going towards this cost.  

Stonehill announced in May 2025 a landmark $15 million gift from Tom and Kathleen Bogan kickstarted the fundraising campaign. Their philanthropy was recognized by the College by designating the arena in their name.  

O’Keefe said that fundraising is currently north of $20 million, and the target of the fundraiser portion is $35 million.  

“There’s been additional gifts from folks who have stepped up with very significant gifts, and we continue that process,” said O’Keefe. “A lot of people assume it’s all hockey and basketball people that are excited, but some of our significant gifts have been from folks who have a strong affinity for Stonehill but didn’t play a sport, and certainly didn’t play basketball or hockey.” 

Tom Bogan is an alum, but neither him nor his wife played the two sports that will find their new home at Bogan Arena.  

“I think that speaks to people’s understanding that it’s more than just about basketball and hockey. It’s about what it’s going to do for our students and for our community,” said O’Keefe.  

Moving the men’s and women’s basketball teams to the Arena’s designated location next to The Farm will free up space in Merkert for other teams. 

“Those are some of the decisions we’ll have to make in terms of whether we can repurpose some locker room space in Merkert for some teams,” said O’Keefe. “I think it will help all of our teams in a lot of ways.” 

O’Keefe anticipates that Merkert will be an exclusive home for varsity women’s volleyball. The space will continue to be used by the club men’s and women’s basketball and club volleyball teams.  

Bogan Arena will not only be varsity basketball and hockey’s new home, but it will also generate revenue from Easton.  

“We’ve got a great relationship with the town of Easton, and hopefully the town and area is excited for this facility because there will be a lot of Easton girls and boys who will be playing there and I think it’ll be a great asset for the community,” said O’Keefe.  

Plans for parking continue to be a discussion regarding Bogan Arena. O’Keefe said there will be parking on the other side of Washington Street. Families and Stonehill sports fans also have access to the Holy Cross Center parking lot and other lots on Stonehill’s main campus.  

“We will make sure we have adequate parking for guests on game day as well as for staff and students to be able to get over to practice,” said O’Keefe.