Filling the shoes of a New England legend is not easy, but since September 1995, the FleetCenter has done that. With the Boston Garden in disarray from 67 years of memorable moments and glorious triumphs, the Garden closed its doors in 1995 to make way for a new tradition that will produce many more memory's and triumphs. The FleetCenter, built only nine inches from the original "Gahden," opened its doors on September 30, 1995. Since then, more than 18 million people have traveled to the FleetCenter to see Boston Bruins and Boston Celtics strive for championship seasons, world renowned concerts, and other events such as family shows and wrestling. The FleetCenter also has hosted numerous other shows and venues such as graduation, business seminars, and conventions (sfo.com). .
Construction started in 1993 with the project design being conceived by Kansas City, MO architectural firm Ellerbe Becket. One of the major points of interest of the design is the ability of using it as a gateway into northern Boston. With high visibility from both north and south, the FleetCenter also features grand scaled windows with views of the Boston inner harbor. Construction lasted 29 months and was completed by general contractor Morse Diesel International (sfo.com). .
The economic impact of the project and aftermath has had a tremendous effect on Boston and the suburbs. Since the completion the FleetCenter has improved commercial real estate values to the surrounding community, created new and expanded markets for local businesses and increased tax revenue to both the City of Boston and Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Also seven hundred new jobs where created during the construction and 50 permanent jobs where created after the FleetCenter was finished(sfo.com). .
The FleetCenter is privately financed and owned by the New Boston Garden Corporation, a subsidiary company of Delaware North Companies, Inc.
