Merrimack College celebrates major investment in Lawler Rink Renovations for Division 1 Warriors Hockey Team and Basketball Teams

Merrimack College’s Lawler Rink is undergoing a major renovation to support their Division 1 Hockey Team, the Warriors. Merrimack College leadership, major donors including the Gallant family and PROCON’s design-build team attended an event to commemorate this investment that will bring a new, fresh look to this storied facility and enhance the spectator experience. This includes a new luxury pavilion with premium seating, new and improved luxury suites, modernized game day club experience, and new designated areas for media, broadcasts and the Merrimack Marching Band.

"We're excited about the ongoing efforts to improve the facilities at Merrimack College’s Lawler Rink," said Felipe Schwarz, Vice President of Capital Planning and Facilities. "With this renovation project, we aim to provide a better viewing experience for spectators, while also improving the overall functionality of the space for our athletes and visitors."

Merrimack College’s Lawler Rink serves as the home of the Merrimack College Warriors ice hockey teams and men’s and women’s basketball teams. The men’s basketball team won the NEC Championship in the Lawler Rink last year.  The rink hosts a range of events throughout the year, including games, practices, and community events. The renovation project will lead to a more open concept, enhancing viewing areas and amenities.

“This has been the most successful year that Merrimack College has ever seen, in a time where we just completed the four-year reclassification process to be fully eligible for all the benefits of being a Division 1 NCAA member. And that is a tribute to the community, the success that we have had in the spaces that we are in, and the product of the work of a lot of people in this room,” said Jeremy Gibson, Merrimack College Director of Athletics. 

Richard Gallant and his wife Susanna have been valued partners of Merrimack College for more than a decade. He serves on the College’s Athletics Board of Advisors and is president of the Islanders Hockey Club, one of the premier development and competitive hockey programs in New England. Their generosity over the years has made a meaningful and lasting impact on the Merrimack community, its students, employees and alumni. 

 “On behalf of all the people here who are part of the athletic department, we want to say thank you to Richard and Susanna Gallant for your generosity but most importantly for your partnership and your stewardship of this program. You have allowed us to create a space that is fitting for the outstanding coaches and student athletes who compete in that space. This would not be possible without both of your support.” 

"Richard has been the key to our success. This work over the summer represents the next stage of the evolution of this college. “These renovations will be game-changing for Merrimack College,” said President Christopher E. Hopey, Ph.D., of the project. “Hosting Division I competitions, and winning Division I competitions, will strengthen our value proposition and competitive position nationally. It will help us achieve our research goals, our graduate goals, our enrollment goals and our mission goals. Projects like the Lawler renovation will contribute to advancing our aspirations, vision and mission.” 

“PROCON is honored to work with the Gallant family and Merrimack College on this major renovation to the Lawler Rink. We are proud of our long-term partnership with Merrimack College.” said Jim Loft, AIA Co-President of PROCON

In recognition of the Gallant’s generosity, the project also includes the naming of the new Gallant Pavilion, which will feature premium club seating and viewing areas to provide an elevated fan experience. The College held a celebration event on Friday, June 9, in the DiCroce Family Lobby of the Merrimack Athletics Complex. More than 100 people were in attendance to recognize the Gallant’s gift.

“This is just the first domino,” Gallant said of Lawler Rink. “Hold on, because we’re all going to see some enormous changes.”

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