The Beanpot Tournament: BU Hockey's Biggest Rivalry is part of Boston University's (BU) athletic culture in Boston, Massachusetts. This guide covers what attending games and following BU sports is actually like from a student perspective.

The Beanpot is a prestigious annual college hockey tournament held in Boston, featuring the four major university hockey teams in the city - Boston University (BU), Boston College, Harvard, and Northeastern. It's one of the most highly anticipated sporting events for BU students, alumni, and hockey fans alike.

The Beanpot tournament was first played in 1952 and has been a beloved Boston tradition ever since. Over the decades, it has become a fierce rivalry between the four schools, with each team vying to take home the coveted Beanpot trophy. BU has won a record 31 Beanpot championships, cementing our status as the tournament's most dominant force.

The tournament gets its name from the trophy itself - a wooden cooking pot that was once used to make the classic New England dish, baked beans. This unique trophy has become a symbol of Boston hockey pride and the city's passionate sports culture.

The Beanpot takes place over two Mondays in late January/early February each year. The first round matchups are:

• Game 1: BU vs. Harvard
• Game 2: BC vs. Northeastern

The winners of those first round games then face off in the championship final the following Monday. The losers also play a consolation game to determine 3rd and 4th place.

All Beanpot games are held at the iconic TD Garden in downtown Boston, home of the Bruins and Celtics. Tickets are in extremely high demand, especially for the championship final.

As a BU student, the Beanpot tournament is an unmissable highlight of the hockey season. The energy and excitement on campus in the lead-up to the games is electric, with rallies, watch parties, and friendly rivalries with BC, Harvard, and Northeastern students.

Game day at the Garden is an unforgettable experience. The arena is packed with passionate fans decked out in scarlet and white, cheering on the Terriers. The atmosphere is absolutely electric, with chanting, singing, and an intense back-and-forth between the student sections. Even if you're not a huge hockey fan, the Beanpot is a must-attend event that captures the spirit of Boston sports.

Here are some insider tips to make the most of your Beanpot experience as a BU student:

• Get tickets early - they sell out extremely fast, so be ready to pounce as soon as they go on sale
• Arrive at the Garden early to soak up the pre-game atmosphere and find a good spot in the student section
• Bring your scarlet and white gear to show your Terrier pride
• Learn the BU hockey chants and songs ahead of time so you can sing along
• Coordinate with friends to tailgate or grab dinner/drinks before the game
• If you can't get tickets, watch the game at a BU watch party on campus

Boston University (BU) has an unparalleled legacy of success in the Beanpot tournament. The Terriers have won a record 31 Beanpot championships, far more than any other school.

BU Beanpot Titles by Year:

• 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1982, 1986, 1989, 1991, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2005, 2009, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022

This incredible record of success is a source of immense pride for the BU community. Winning the Beanpot is seen as a rite of passage for Terrier hockey players, cementing their place in the storied history of the program.

The Beanpot tournament has a profound impact on the BU community that extends far beyond just hockey. It's an event that brings together students, alumni, faculty, and Boston sports fans in a shared celebration of Terrier pride and the unique culture of Boston hockey.

'The Beanpot is more than just a hockey tournament for BU - it's a touchstone of our identity as a university,' says senior Alex Rosen. 'Winning the Beanpot is seen as a badge of honor, proof that we're the premier hockey program in the city. It's an event that unites the whole campus in a way that's truly special.'

Beyond the athletic success, the Beanpot also provides invaluable exposure for BU, showcasing our university to a massive audience of hockey fans across New England. The tournament's prominence in the Boston sports landscape is a powerful recruiting tool, helping the hockey program attract top talent from around the country.

The Beanpot tournament has been a beloved Boston tradition for generations, and its impact on the city's sports culture is undeniable. For BU students, alumni, and hockey fans, the Beanpot represents the very essence of what it means to be a Terrier.

Whether it's the raucous student section belting out the fight song, the iconic Beanpot trophy being hoisted by jubilant players, or the post-game celebrations that spill out into the streets of Boston - the Beanpot is an unforgettable experience that will stay with you long after graduation. It's a tradition that connects every Terrier, past and present, in a shared love of BU hockey and the unique spirit of Boston sports.

The Beanpot hockey tournament is a bigger deal than most incoming students realize. It's not just a game—it's a cultural event that defines the spring semester and creates memories that alumni talk about for decades.

When evaluating The Beanpot Tournament: BU Hockey's Biggest Rivalry, BU students should weigh both the benefits and constraints. No option is perfect for everyone—the right choice depends on your specific priorities, circumstances, and what tradeoffs you're willing to accept.