Welcome to The Reggie Lewis Track & Athletic Center, where passion meets performance
and excellence takes center stage. Since opening our doors on November 5, 1995, we
have been dedicated to fostering a community united by the pursuit of athletic achievement,
personal growth, and inclusivity. Known affectionately as "The Reggie," we are committed
to embracing multiple constituencies, ensuring equal attention and support for all
groups and entities.
As we prepare to celebrate our 30th anniversary, we reaffirm our commitment to upholding
the high standards of our institution while evolving to meet the needs of our ever-changing
community. As an integral part of Roxbury Community College, we take pride in being
a pillar of strength and support in Boston.
We strive to build a community-centric institution where everyone feels valued, supported,
and empowered to thrive. Through our actions and initiatives, we aim to make a positive
and lasting impact on the lives of those we serve.
Thank you for being a part of our journey.
With clarity and intent, guided by a clear vision,
East Newton Street Armory, home to city track meets is taken.
Discussions begin for the new school track facility with the Massachusetts State Track
Coaches Association (MSTCA)
1962
Representative Harold Rosen of Dedham files first bill calling for Metropolitan District
Council (MDC) to construct track facility.
1964
No.395 passes House of Representatives calling for a school track facility at Cleveland
Circle.
1966
Boston Architectural firm says $1.3 million school track facility will be ready by
1968. It will be dedicated as the John A. Ryder Memorial Track named in honor of
the late Boston College track coach.
1970
Bill instructing MDC to build a $3 million track facility passes both branches of
legislature and is sent to Governor Francis Sargent.
1972
Agrees to construct track at Neponset site.
1974
House of Representative, in capital outlay budget, approves $2.3 million for purchase
of land at Neponset. It also approves $3,987,000 for school track facility, park
and recreational facilities, bicycle paths, and boat and canoe launchings.
1974
Governor Sargent, calling his announcement a “victory night for the young people of
Boston,” says construction of the track facility will begin in March 1975.
1975
On Dec. 30, MDC announces plans for massive athletic complex at Neponset. Governor Michael Dukakis says, “I remember the debate on this way back in the early 1960’s. It was needed
then and it is needed now, and I’m delighted that after all these years we’re finally
going to be able to go ahead with it.”
1976
Unless there is an additional $1.4 million, the school track project could be in danger
of falling through.
1977
Neponset residents drop objections to facility because they are promised new MDC hockey
rink.
1978
Representative John Finnegan of Dorchester plans to go to court to block construction
of a $7.4 million track, accusing Governor Dukakis of “breaking faith” with the legislature
and community by directing the legislature to go ahead with the project.
1979
Representative Finnegan, Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee introduces an amendment
that strikes school track facility from Neponset site. The amendment is approved.
1980
Finnegan begins discussions with Northeastern University. With state aid, the University
could build a facility that would house the track.
1983
Northeastern students vote by more that 9-1 margin to pay activities fee to help build
the athletic complex on campus. Objections by Redevelopment Authority and MBTA stall
project.
1985
Interest in track received, with State Representatives Joe DeNucci and Kevin Fitzgerald
spear heading the drive at the Stat House.
1986
Boston Mayor Raymond Flynn gets BRA to approve garage on Parcel 117X. The track will
be located next to the garage.
1987
Governor Dukakis announces plans for track in conjunction with Northeastern University
at Parcel 17X on Columbus Avenue.
1987
In November, Governor Dukakis files construction for track.
1988
January 5, 16 minutes before final session of Legislature, $35 million is appropriated
for facility.
1988
On July 16, Legislature approves construction of the project by the turnkey method.
1989
Project goes out for bid, but is stalled.
1990
On April 4, project goes out for bid and draws six development teams.
1990
On Nov. 21, State Division of Capital Planning and Operations (DCPO) selects the Beacon
Companies/Jung Brenner as the development team.
1991
Agreement with Northeastern finalized.
1991
Governor William Weld indicates he will not authorize construction of track at Northeastern.
1992
Governor Weld and Speaker of the House Charles Flaherty file bill for $17 million
track at Roxbury Community College. Bill passes House and Senate by July and Governor
Weld signs it into law. Three sites are chosen but all are inadequate.
1992
Mayor Flynn and BRA director Paul Barrett sell city Parcel, located at New Dudley
and Tremont Streets, to State. In December, BRA votes to hand over parcels to the
state.
1993
Groundbreaking for track
1995
Track completed.
1995
Reggie Lewis Center opened its doors and Northeastern University, under the leadership
of head coach Sherman Hart, hosted the first track meet.
1996
Vice President Al Gore visited as a speaker for the HUD conference
1996
Global Athletics hosted the first Boston Indoor Games
1997
Reggie Lewis Center Hall of Fame Wall was dedicated to Robert “Bob” McIntyre
1997
Sensational Seniors Fitness & Wellness Program was established
1998
Hosted the National Masters Indoor Track & Field Championships for the first time.
2000
Hosted the NCAA Division II Men’s & Women’s Indoor Track & Field Championships for
the first time
2000
RCC’s Men’s Basketball team won the Division II NJCAA National Championships under
the leadership of Head Coach Malcolm Wynn
2002
100-year-old Everett Hosack competed in the National Masters Indoor Track and Field
Championships
2003
Hosted USA Track & Field Championships for the first time
2003
Through Tenacity and USA Tennis, Venus and Serena Williams, former tennis greats Billie
Jean King and Zina Garrison, and others visited the “Reggie” and conducted a tennis
clinic for hundreds of youths
2003
Olympic Gold Medalist Justin Gatlin equaled Maurice Green’s meet and facility record
in the 55M Dash (6.45 seconds)
2005
The Reggie’s 10th Anniversary Celebration
2006
Senator Barack Obama visited the Reggie Lewis Center to lead a rally for Candidate
Deval Patrick
09'-10'
RCC’s Nia Howard was named to the National Junior College Track & Field Coaches Association
All-Academic Team. She was also the first of two national champions in the Long Jump
and she became RCC’s first national champion in track and field. Nia later accepted
a full athletic scholarship to Northeastern University.
2011
Congressman John Lewis, civil rights activist, visited the “Reggie